While there is no end to what a successful meeting itinerary may look like when groups book Lake Geneva, the destination is the perfect place to host a traditional event complete with the tried-and-true elements that draw great attendance.
The destination’s allures are varied—engaging attractions and teambuilding activities, plenty of group-friendly dining options, championship-caliber golfing, rejuvenating spa-ing and meetings-ready hotels and resorts, and more.
Popular hosts for meetings are varied and include Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, which features 609 guest rooms and 62,000 square feet of function space; The Abbey Resort, with 347 guest accommodations and 40,000 square feet of event space; The Ridge Hotel, formerly the Geneva Ridge Resort, which has 146 guest rooms and 10,000 square feet of event space; the 271-room Lake Lawn Resort, with 32,000 square feet of function space; and The Cove of Lake Geneva, an all-suite property, with more than 6,600 square feet of event space.
Among the popular off-site options for group events is Rosewood, an entertainment destination that according to Susan Smolarek, director of group sales for VISIT Lake Geneva, is a beautiful venue where guests can enjoy delicious farm-to-table cuisine, dancing, cocktails and even a game show experience.
“The game show can be customized for each group with trivia questions about your company,” she said. “While enjoying after-dinner cocktails or dessert, each team has a buzzer in the middle of the table and competes to answer the questions. It’s a fun way to enjoy conversation and be company-oriented.”
Other attractions that accommodate group gatherings include Lake Geneva Cruise Line and Studio Winery, which specializes in wine-pairing meal functions and private sip-wine-as-you-paint events, after which participants take their works of art home.
“Cruising the lake with cocktails and appetizers or dinner is always a great way for your team to relax, unwind and connect with each other,” Smolarek said. “Your meeting will feel like a vacation.”
For an invigorating teambuilding outing, groups are encouraged to check out Lake Geneva Canopy Tours, which features high ropes courses and dual ziplines so attendees can race their co-workers.
And at Baker House, groups will enjoy a veritable game of Clue during a private murder mystery party that calls on attendees to interact and work with one another to solve the case.
“It’s a beautiful historic atmosphere, and makes for a great night out,” Smolarek said, adding that Baker House also hosts group meals and receptions. “Your group can toast to the sunset in the beautiful garden overlooking the lake and have dinner in the beautiful mansion or garden cabana. The menu will be customized to the tastes of your group, and dining will be accompanied by piano music taking you back in time.”
Lake Geneva has many other inviting group dining possibilities, including the popular Popeye’s on Lake Geneva, where according to Smolarek there is something on the menu to tempt everyone in the group, including flame-roasted chicken, lamb and pork fresh from the rotisserie every day.
“You haven’t been to Lake Geneva until you have been to Popeye’s,” she said. “An after-dinner walk along Lake Geneva is right across the street.”
Awaiting groups at Tuscan Tavern & Grill, which serves Italian dishes and brick oven pizza, is a lively atmosphere, private dining rooms and a climate-controlled porch area that is perfect for networking over cocktails before dinner.
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Pier 290 on the shore of Lake Geneva serves everything from steaks, seafood and pasta dishes to cheese curds—a Wisconsin culinary staple—deviled eggs and crab cakes.
“Groups can dine under the canopies with the lake breeze in their faces,” Smolarek said, and added that if there is inclement weather, the new Pier 292 private event facility above Pier 290 is “the space” for groups. “Plus, the best part about this restaurant is you can arrive by boat!”
Among the other edible excursions in the area are the Dancing Horses Theatre’s lunch and dinner shows, which literally showcase beautiful horses performing with their trainers, and the Staller Estate Winery, where groups can go for wine tasting and food pairings. At the Lake Geneva School of Cooking, during a corporate teambonding event attendees will toast with sparkling wine, break into teams to make different courses and then choose a wine to enjoy with the finished meal.
Located at Geneva National Resort, home of The Ridge Hotel and The Cove of Lake Geneva, is the 54-hole Geneva National Golf Club, which offers groups three championship courses designed by superstars of the sport: Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Gary Player.
“There is golf for every handicap,” said Smolarek, who added on-site group specialists are available to assist planners with everything from a foursome to a tournament with up to 420 golfers. “After play, groups can enjoy lunch in their grill room, or have a private event in their beautiful clubhouse.”
Majestic Oaks Golf Course, located at Lake Lawn Resort, is another popular option for group play. When the round of golf is over, groups can convene in the clubhouse or check into the on-site Calladora Spa, which includes 10 treatment rooms and a eucalyptus steam room for unwinding and relaxing.
At Grand Geneva Resort & Spa there is WELL Spa & Salon, featuring a menu of soothing massages and other treatments as well as a whirlpool, lap pool and sauna, and two championship golf courses: The Brute and The Highlands.
“The Brute is one of the most challenging courses in the Midwest, and one of Wisconsin’s best golf courses,” Smolarek said. “Try out their new hole-in-one challenge for a chance to win $10,000, or give your skills a whirl on the Highlands, a Scottish-inspired links course.”
Before or after play, groups can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Links Bar & Grill, or have a private event in the on-site golf pavilion. And at The Abbey Resort is the beautiful Avani Spa, which offers massages, facials and salon services.
“For your private group, reserve their whirlpool room and have your massages right inside,” Smolarek said. “After your relaxing service, enjoy the rest of the day at the beautiful atrium pool, which is for spa guests only.”
