For extra amusement at a Midwest meeting, planners need look no further than Wisconsin Dells, where groups can count on a great time at the conclusion of business.
The Dells, known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World,” is home to exciting resorts where attendees can make a splash with on-site water amusement rides.
Following are some fun-filled ideas to make the meeting more enjoyable, including several entertaining activities that will promote group camaraderie.
All-In-One
For a place to meet, sleep, dine and explore after-meeting entertainment, groups can find an all-in-one experience at Wisconsin Dells resorts, such as Wilderness Resort or Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, according to Kevin Shanley, its corporate director of sales, exceeds expectations for groups seeking a unique vacation-style adventure.
“The appeal of mixing work and play is only increasing for meeting attendees,” he said.
Kalahari delivers on play, big time, as it’s home to a 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark featuring attractions for attendees seeking either action or relaxation, including whirlpools, a swim-up bar and the Flowrider, which offers surfing instruction.
There is also an outdoor waterpark on-site with rides and slides open all summer long, and the Kalahari Indoor Theme Park, where Shanley said groups can enjoy everything from bowling and laser tag to indoor go-karts and a Ferris wheel.
“Good food is also a must for events, and we have every option at Kalahari,” he added. “We also have a luxury day spa, Spa Kalahari and Salon, and Trappers Turn, a 27-hole, award-winning golf course.”
As for meetings here, planners will find a full menu of venues to accommodate any size of event within the resort’s 110,000 square feet of flexible space, including executive boardrooms, ballrooms, hospitality suites and outdoor event spaces.
At Wilderness Resort, there are ample options for groups to let loose throughout a conference, according to Shannon Timmerman, director of group sales for Wilderness Resort and Glacier Canyon Conference Center.
Among the activities to choose from here are indoor and outdoor go-karts, laser tag, escape-room games, ziplining, an indoor ropes course, miniature golf and Wild Rock Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course.
“Plus, you can’t forget about our 500,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor waterparks,” Timmerman said, and added there is excitement brewing at Wilderness Resort over the new CYvrSPACE Virtual Reality Arena that’s debuting this summer. “A participant’s body is the controller so they are completely free to move, twist, duck and dodge at top speed, controlling all of their character’s actions with one-for-one movements of their body. It is incredibly cool.”
Before experiencing all those leisure-oriented options, a group can take care of business in the 56,000-square-foot Glacier Canyon Conference Center, which offers versatile meeting and banquet space for up to 1,200 people, as well as two outdoor patios that Timmerman said are perfect for hosting group cookouts.
“It’s a wonderful way to end a day of fun activities,” she said. “We also have a beautiful, rustic clubhouse overlooking Wild Rock Golf Club for groups to host their pre-outing luncheons or post-function dinners.”
Get a Move On
Groups can choose an outing via boat or a trolley to keep the momentum moving after the meeting in Wisconsin Dells.
A private charter excursion with Dells Boat Tours is a wonderful opportunity for groups to network and socialize, according to Stephanie Gunderson, the company’s group sales director.
“A relaxing boat cruise among the towering rock cliffs is an enjoyable way to end a busy conference day with your peers,” she said, and explained the boats will take groups on the scenic Upper Dells of the Wisconsin River. “Tour guides will indulge your historical side with stories of lumber pioneers and the area’s Native American influence.”
The group may choose to listen to music, nosh on a catered buffet and take in the scenery sans narration, or travel upriver to the picturesque Cold Water Canyon where they may arrange an onshore dinner or reception at the historic pavilion, which was built in 1939 and accommodates 80 to 100 people for a sit-down meal.
“Guests come and go by boat and are surrounded by a canopy of trees and rock walls, a stunning secluded backdrop for a private event,” Gunderson said.
Back on land, Wisconsin Dells Trolley Service offers various delicious outings, including a tour featuring wine and chocolate tastings, as well as haunted tours and tours that focus on the city’s history.
According to Jeremy Ringdahl, the company’s manager, private rentals can be arranged for groups of any size.
“It is a great opportunity to get together, avoid driving and enjoy a mini vacation where we take care of every last detail for you,” he said. “We will customize any tour or event to your needs. If you can dream it up, we can make it happen.”
Tours are available year-round and all vehicles are climate-controlled.
Teambonding
Among the teambuilding opportunities in Wisconsin Dells is one that will have attendees soaring through the sky and another during which they will send golf balls soaring down the fairway.
Heightened Adventures, which is located at Chula Vista Resort, features seven ziplines at its Zip Line Park and four ropes courses of varying heights, including obstacles, ropes and ziplines, at its Adventure Park.
“We are located on six acres of land and offer a great way to improve team dynamics while taking in the Wisconsin Dells scenery,” said Jenni Snavely, the attraction’s operations manager. “We also offer customized teambuilding sessions that can be done out at our course or inside your meeting room.”
Fairfield Hills Golf Course features nine holes that adequately challenge great players and provide an enjoyable experience for beginners, according to Nick Winters, clubhouse manager/golf professional.
“Our staff is here to help organize, manage and implement fun golf events that leave a lasting impression on each player,” he said. “We take care of all of the details, including contest setup, player scorecards and even food prep.”
The on-site practice range is an ideal location for a group to warm up before a round and it’s also used for fun and informative group lessons.
After a game of golf, groups have a few options for a banquet, including the clubhouse, which sports scenic views of the ninth hole and putting green, and the outdoor gazebo.
“With a nice summer breeze, views of the first tee and ninth green, and cookout options, our gazebo area provides midsize groups with a breath of fresh air,” Winters said.
