Mid-Atlantic Events Q&A
Featuring: Todd Nelson, Owner and President, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
Mid-Atlantic Events: What is the Kalahari brand,and how did it get its start?
Todd Nelson: I was aWisconsin Dells resident (and owner of Pizza Pub),and was able to position myself on the front end of the Dells’waterpark boom,which is known today as the“Waterpark Capital of theWorld.”
During a trip to Africa in the mid-1990s, the native culture, spirit,craft and artistry struck a cord with me,and inspired me to recreate that experience,capturing the magic and her- itage of local African communities in the U.S. for families to enjoy.
Out of this experience, I was inspired to build the first Kalahari Resort in 2000 with a sec- ond following in 2005 in Sandusky,Ohio.With a third property scheduled to open in the Pocono Mountains June 2015,we will have three all-under-one-roof resorts that allow guests to experience the African spirit that inspired me so greatly.
In fact,my family and I recently returned from a 23-day trip to Africa where we sourced items that will be highlighted directly in our new Pocono Mountains resort - from hand- picked coffee beans from Rwanda that will be brewed on property, to art for the conven- tion center walls and authentic crafts for guest souvenirs.
Kalahari continues to evolve and has created a“category of one”with its unique,authen- tic African theme and amenities.Others are noticing, too.Kalahari was recently named “TheWorld’s Coolest IndoorWater Parks”by Condé Nast Traveler in 2014.
Events: With its combination of conventions and water parks,Kalahari seems to be plac- ing a huge emphasis on being a meetings venue that also is a very family-friendly facility. Is that accurate?
Nelson: Family is essential at Kalahari.Kalahari is a result of hard work and love,and rep- resents a shared dream come to life for my wife Shari and I.We are a hands-on family and we always are willing to jump in and help our team members at any time.
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is in a category of one,providing unparalleled hospi- tality in a vacation-style setting.While, the convention center and water park are all- under-one-roof along with a variety of other amenities, it allows business travelers to sep- arate business from family-fun,while also allowing their family to join
them.The appeal of mixing work and play is only increasing,and Kalahari has found that when meetings are held here, it transforms from an obligation where one family member has to attend to, instead,one that the entire family wants to attend.
40 January February 2015
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