WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis.
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions announced plans to expand convention facilities at the company’s Wisconsin Dells, Wis., and Pocono Mountains, Penn., locations. The $65 million investment will double the convention space at both properties and allow for enhanced meeting facilities that are on-par with Kalahari Resorts’ Sandusky location, which currently offers 215,000 square feet of meeting space.
For nearly two decades, the Kalahari Resorts convention teams nationwide have leveraged more than 400 years of combined meeting experience to host more than 22,000 groups, resulting in more than 1.4 million group rooms booked.
“When we first opened Kalahari, we definitely had our work cut out for us to encourage adoption of the idea that a convention center and indoor waterpark could exist in the same business model,” said Todd Nelson, owner, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. “We were steadfast in our vision, and it’s been incredible to see the demand grow exponentially for an unparalleled group experience paired with award-winning amenities and attractions. The expansion of our convention centers nationwide will help meet this demand.”
A short drive from Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago, the Wisconsin Dells is a popular and highly regarded destination for groups of all sizes. In September 2019, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells will expand an additional 130,000 square feet, bringing the total available meeting space to 230,000 square feet. The space will include a new 56,000-square-foot ballroom, which will join the facility’s existing 20,560-square-foot and 17,200-square-foot ballrooms.
Located 90 minutes from New York City and two hours from Philadelphia, the Pocono Mountains area is a scenic location away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In late 2019, Kalahari Resorts’ newest location will open an additional 134,000 square feet of space, bringing the total size of the convention facility to 234,000 square feet. The expansion will feature 21 new meeting rooms — resulting in 39 total meeting spaces.
The resort will also be adding a 38,000-square-foot ballroom and an additional 9,000-square-foot junior ballroom to the existing 25,000-square-foot ballroom and 9,000-square-foot junior ballroom. New amenities will include an exclusive executive conference center for up to 400 guests, sun-drenched, prefunction spaces, enhanced load-in and load-out capabilities and substantial registration and client office areas. The Pocono Mountains resort recently opened “phase two” of the property — bringing the on-site accommodations to nearly 1,000 rooms and two additional restaurants: Kalahari’s signature steakhouse experience, Double Cut Charcoal Grill, and Sortino’s Italian Kitchen.
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions also announced plans to expand to the Southwest, with its fourth property to be located in Round Rock, Tex. Slated to open in 2020, the Texas offering will include 990 guest rooms and a 200,000-square-foot convention center.
