Coastal Mississippi checks all of the boxes on any meeting planner’s—and meeting attendee’s—checklist. Its miles of beautiful beachfronts, world-class gaming and award-winning culinary offerings make it a prime destination for groups of all sizes.
The Biloxi area’s all-in-one casino resorts provide all of this and then some. With their technologically advanced meeting spaces, comfortable guest rooms and on-site amenities that include gaming action, spas, golf and fine dining, they deal groups the best experiences for meetings and events.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi
Groups meeting at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino will appreciate the beautiful surroundings, from views of the Mississippi Sound to the grand decor and live floral arrangements throughout the resort.
“Our in-house horticulture department can help with special arrangements and themes for your group to make your event memorable,” said Randy Whiteside, executive director of sales.
Beau Rivage is continually enhancing its resort and casino, he added, including recent upgrades to the hotel’s 95 suites and 17,000-square-foot Magnolia Ballroom.
Among the other on-site meeting and event spaces are two smaller ballrooms, a boardroom, a theater and the pool deck.
Beau Rivage Theatre Conference
The resort also facilitates a variety of team-building opportunities for visiting groups.
“Meeting planners can coordinate with our staff to book charter fishing trips, golf at our Fazio-designed Fallen Oak course, poker tournaments and themed functions,” Whiteside said.
Additionally, groups booked during a Biloxi Shuckers homestand at MGM Park, located across the street, will receive discounted baseball game tickets.
Discounted group tickets are also available for summertime Cirque du Soleil-style performances and holiday ice shows at Beau Rivage Theatre.
IP Casino Resort & Spa, Biloxi
The convention team at IP Casino Resort & Spa is also standing by to plan fun team-building activities for groups both on-site and off, according to Mike Davis, the resort’s director of sales.
Poker Room at IP Casino Resort & Spa
Off-property activities include charter fishing excursions and museum tours, and at the resort, cooking demonstrations, scavenger hunts and poolside events.
“We can also host gaming classes for attendees to learn to play one of the many casino games on-property,” Davis said, giving even novice gamers a chance to play and win.
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With over 77,000 square feet of casino space, IP has a game for everyone, from blackjack and poker to slots and sports betting.
The resort also boasts complimentary Wi-Fi and more than 65,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including the 19,000-square-foot Studio B event center, two ballrooms and a boardroom.
“We offer many types of incentives and packages for corporate groups,” Davis added. “Generally, we customize them around the group’s needs, but they can include meeting room rental, discounts on food and beverage or audiovisual, and upgrades to executive rooms or suites.”
Caesar’s Entertainment Harrah’s Gulf Coast, Biloxi
Customized programs are the name of the game when working with Caesars Entertainment’s Harrah’s Gulf Coast.
“We work with the planner to understand needs and goals for the event and craft a package that will meet those goals and stay within budget,” said Michelle Patterson, director of sales.
Mix & Mingle Outdoor Gaming at Harrah's Gulf Coast
She added Harrah’s Gulf Coast, considered an incentive destination because of its beautiful beach location, has an intimate feel while being large enough to accommodate medium to large groups.
“We have more than 3,800 square feet of flexible meeting space, but what really sets us apart is our outdoor space,” she said. “We have an expansive pool deck that is a perfect backdrop to any event, and we also have the Jack Nicklaus-designed Grand Bear Golf Course that can be used for a scenic event.”
Indoor amenities include a 16,000-square-foot spa, one of the largest in the area, new guest rooms and the James Beard-nominated Magnolia House restaurant.
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast, Bay St. Louis
Situated 20 miles from Biloxi in Bay St. Louis is Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast, which offers 291 guest rooms and suites, and more than 14,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 10,000-square-foot ballroom and three boardrooms.
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast
In 2019, corporate groups of 20 or more will receive a free $15 casino play offer, complimentary box lunches for golfers delivered at the course, guest room upgrades and free parking, according to Thomas L. Dean, CMP, the resort’s senior sales manager.
The casino features a new business center on-site and upgraded high-speed internet available throughout its meeting spaces.
“Being a casino property, our meeting space is unique in that attendees do not have to cross gaming areas to reach guest rooms, hotel lobby or conference space,” Dean said.
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He added that all first-floor function space offers easy load-in options for tradeshows and updated furnishings fill the 2,000-square-foot prefunction lobby.
“We offer assigned, dedicated conference services coordinators who will help you plan the perfect setting for your group, be it our golf course, outdoor cabana bar, after-hours scheduled access to our Bridges Golf Club clubhouse or Lazy River outdoor deck area for private parties,” Dean said.
Palace Casino Resort, Biloxi
Palace Casino Resort is a niche property that appeals to small to mid-size groups seeking a smoke-free environment.
“Accommodating smaller meetings of 100 or less is our specialty,” said Lisa Quirch, the resort’s advertising and public relations manager.
The resort has 1,800 square feet of meeting/banquet space equipped with multimedia technology, 236 guest rooms and suites overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and Biloxi’s Back Bay. The casino features blackjack, craps, roulette, over 750 slot machines and more.
Additional group-friendly on-site amenities include the award-winning Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood restaurant, Preserve Golf Club and Pure, the Palace Spa.
4 Events-Related Updates in Coastal Mississippi
Mississippi Aquarium is scheduled to open in Gulfport either later this year or in early 2020.
Marine Education Center, located in Ocean Springs, and Gulfport-based Ocean Adventures Marine Park opened in April 2018. Both attractions have meeting rooms.
In March, the organization formerly known as Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast rolled out a new brand and ad campaign. The go-to bureau for planners bringing meetings to the area is now called Coastal Mississippi: The Secret Coast. According to CEO Milton Segarra, Coastal Mississippi better speaks to what the region has to offer.
“It’s an important distinction to make, as the experience offered here goes well beyond where the water meets the shore,” he said. “The coast is the place where water meets the land, but ‘Coastal’ encompasses the beaches, the water and the land beyond.”
Coastal Mississippi CVB Contact Information
Coastal Mississippi
228.896.6699
