Many groups recognize the appeal for meeting attendees to bring the whole family to a waterpark destination.
have groups that use the waterpark as sponsorship opportunities, where a vender will sponsor park passes for attendees. We’ve also done receptions, dinners, and lunches in the park for a unique and different venue. Lots of kids’ groups and church groups use the indoor waterpark as their main event. We also offer unique things like putting contests on our mini-golf course, [or] the “Amazing Race” is a super fun activity for teambuilding. NE/MD: King’s Pointe has hosted everything from a corporate
outing at the waterpark with overnight resort rooms to conven- tions with meetings and hotel rooms to outdoor adventures and receptions on our Great Lawn. We work closely with our commu- nity to help add unique options to any group’s stay. We have hosted conventions and incorporated outings and activities for spouses and children to include the waterpark, fishing, boating, wine tast- ings, and decorating and cooking classes.
MM: What is the best way for event pros to plan an agenda while still incorporating the amenities and fun your location offers? KS: My advice is always to not over-think it. Plan your event to accomplish the business that needs to get done and the all-impor- tant formal networking that needs to happen, and then leave the time that is left for the guests to explore everything at the resort and in the area. We’ve got a great team of catering managers, event coordinators, and concierge at our properties that will ensure this part of your planning is easy and painless. Remember: this is what we do every day. JW: Planners should incorporate some free time in their agendas
for attendees to enjoy all that resorts have to offer. Our recreation staff works with our groups to plan activities [like] golf tournaments, tee times, [or] teambuilding events, and we do everything possible to let the attendees know what’s available to them and how to best utilize their time, depending on what their interests are. NE/MD: The best way to incorporate all amenities offered is to experience them first. We encourage planners to experience King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort themselves prior to their event.
MM: Do most of your group planners encourage attendees to 62
bring their families along? KS: Absolutely, although this generally depends on the time of
year and day or week the group is hosting the event. Many will bring their family in pre- or post-event, if they aren’t able to have them there during because of school schedules or other commit- ments. The groups that may not encourage it outright certainly embrace the fact that their attendees are very likely to incorporate their family, kids, grandkids, and others into their Kalahari experi- ence. We try to ensure through the qualification process and pro- posals that our clients understand the numerous options we have for families, whether formal programs for kids and spouses, incorpo- rating them into meal and reception functions, or specific agenda events that include them. Again, the important thing to remem- ber, as a planner, is that we help clients with these topics every day. JW: It’s one of the first questions we ask our planners, [then] we
tailor the proposal to their specific needs or desires with suggestions of the recreation or teambuilding opportunities we offer. NE/MD: Yes, our groups enjoy bringing families with the year-
round fun of an indoor waterpark, [plus the] summer fun of the outdoor waterpark, lake, and golfing. The convenience of book- ing hotel rooms and incorporating waterpark passes with the room night rates adds ease to the planning process. When working with meeting planners looking for community activities, we have a list of options with pricing to choose from.
MM: What advice would you offer a planner thinking about hosting an event at a waterpark? KS: At Kalahari, we tell them to be prepared for an increase in attendance and satisfaction, a unique and memorable experience for the attendees and their families, and a great way to provide an unbelievable value for a surprisingly low investment. JW: If hosting an event in the waterpark, keep it casual and fun.
Indoor waterparks are, by design, wet and loud! Stick to finger food they can grab and go. If it’s a family event, cater to the kids’ needs - after all, it’s all about them in a waterpark event. NE/MD: Our advice would be not to hesitate, and book
today. MIDWEST MEETINGS FALL 2011
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