Will the whir of slot machines and joyous cries of winners enhance your meeting? Around the Northwest, many meeting planners choose casino resorts for corporate events. Often, groups come for the convenience they offer, rather than just for wagering.
This June, the Oregon Association of Tax Consultants is meeting at Wildhorse Resort & Casino in Pendleton, Oregon, for the third time. “It’s really the only venue in northeast Oregon that has guest rooms, meeting rooms, and eating facilities all under one roof,” says Cathy Johnson, convention chair for the association. “That’s real important for us, so people can get out of the meeting, to the eating area, and back to class on time.” Johnson is expecting 65 in-person attendees and roughly the same number of virtual participants.
The gaming itself can be both a pro and a con when meeting at casinos. “It can be a little distracting for some people because they all want to go play the machines rather than attend a boring tax class,” Johnson says. “I’m sorry, an exciting tax class,” she quickly amends, laughing. Depending on your group, the chance to win a little money during your event could be a fun extra. Attendees also might enjoy socializing in casinos and engaging in people watching of the first order.
But even if you decide the casino vibe isn’t right for your group, you can still incorporate other ways to play into your meeting. Noncasino options that provide ways to infuse a bit of friendly competition into group outings abound throughout the region, whether it’s mini golf, laser tag, or pickleball—you could even consider a visit to Dave & Buster’s, with its classic arcade-style games. Regardless of the choice of entertainment, such novelty and lively competition add elements of fun and excitement that can make events all the more memorable.
Top-Notch Options
The fast-paced, competitive nature of the gambling industry drives frequent expansions and renovations as each property vies to have the best guest rooms, entertainment, and restaurants—meaning that your group can enjoy some nice accommodations across the region. Avista Corp. in Spokane, Washington, had a small meeting of 20 people at Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in Idaho, and the company’s Associate Community Outreach Program Manager Nicole Rumpel notes how up-to-date everything was. “The facility had been newly remodeled, so everything was fresh and fancy,” she says.
Since casino resorts often feature live entertainment and other highly produced shows, many venues are equipped with reliable audiovisual (AV) technologies. When discussing AV tools at Wildhorse Resort & Casino, Johnson credits the property’s Wi-Fi network strength and effective screens for displaying presentations, creating a beneficial event classroom setting.
Near Glacier National Park in Polson, Montana, along the shores of Flathead Lake, Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino boasts 5,000 square feet of conference space with high-definition projectors and screens, plus high-speed Wi-Fi. River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, British Columbia, has a show theater space that can convert from an 8,000-square-foot trade show floor to a theater seating 965. The venue is equipped with professional lighting and sound, plus in-house technicians.
Rumpel appreciated Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel’s audiovisual setup and the helpfulness of its staff. “The room was ready to go, and our meeting started on time without any interruptions using the technology they provided,” she says. “They took care of all our needs.” She has already approached the property about hosting two additional events in the future.
Then there are extras like spas and golfing that many casino properties offer groups—including Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel’s Circling Raven Golf Club. Since the course isn’t open year-round, the resort debuted its golf suites, complete with indoor golf simulators. “It’s pretty darn cool,” says Amber Pichette, catering sales coordinator at the resort.
The sheer size of some casino resorts can overwhelm smaller meetings. Big groups can often take full advantage of the offerings, while smaller groups might feel lost—so ensure the property caters well to your group size. Also, since most Northwest casinos are on tribal lands, some laws might differ. For example, people accustomed to smoke-free indoor spaces might be surprised to encounter burning cigarettes inside some casinos. If this is important to your group, check the smoking policies before signing your contract.
And be sure to ask what perks casinos can offer your meeting. These could include complimentary suite upgrades for meeting planners, food and beverage discounts, credit toward ground transportation costs, live streaming for events, spa discounts, and free gaming vouchers.
Casino Dining
Meeting planners know that feeding everybody can be a challenge, especially when your participants have specific preferences and diets. That’s one place where casino resorts really shine—they often offer several restaurants on-site with different types of cuisine.
At Ilani casino and resort in Ridgefield, Washington, attendees can order kung pao prawns at Bamboo 8, lobster pappardelle at Bella Vista, or a 34-ounce porterhouse steak at Michael Jordan’s Steak House. Ilani also offers dine-arounds, so attendees might sample multiple restaurants.
Pichette raves about Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel’s new executive chef, Alex Santos-Cucalon. “He has upgraded all of our banquet menus to make everything 95% homemade and fresh,” she says. And his passion for good food is contagious, creating a positive atmosphere that in turn produces memorable dining experiences. Vegans and those who follow a gluten-free diet will appreciate Santos-Cucalon’s additions to the casino’s offerings, as he often crafts dishes that align with those diets.
At Wildhorse Resort & Casino, attendees will find a menu of steaks and area wines available at Plateau, and quick bites at various outlets within the on-site food court, including Burgers & More and Brigham Fish ’N Chips. The resort’s Executive Chef Jeff Sommer oversees culinary operations, including catering and banquet dining. For events, the Wildhorse food and beverage department also provides fun extras, like bingo and an ice cream social for the tax pros, Johnson adds.
Alternative Entertainment
Casinos often offer built-in entertainment outside of the slot machines and blackjack tables. In addition to arranging special activities for eventgoers, planners might also incorporate ongoing events in a casino bar or concert venue.
Tulalip Resort Casino, a 12-story property on the Tulalip Indian Reservation near Marysville, Washington, hosts multiple shows most nights. Cover bands and tribute nights are frequent offerings, during which your group might dance to an homage to the Foo Fighters, Journey, or Elvis Presley. This year, nearby River Rock Casino Resort is presenting performers including Jewel, ZZ Top, and the legendary folk band, The Irish Rovers.
Wildhorse Resort & Casino has two golf courses, a multiplex theater, and a bowling alley, the latter of which is especially popular with corporate groups, according to Erika Minthorn, group sales executive at the resort. “Our spacious 24-lane bowling center, Quaking Aspens, has eight separate boutique lanes and features two event rooms for private rental, ideal for team bonding,” she says.
Then there’s the gaming itself. Planners will find state-of-the-art machines in Riverton, Wyoming, at Wind River Hotel & Casino, which promises Las Vegas-style gaming. At Ilani, your attendees might attend a professional dealer school called Casino 101, at which instructors bring tables and faux chips to the classroom and teach your group the rules for several popular casino games.
Cultural Experiences
Given that many Northwest casinos are on tribal lands, your group might enjoy cultural experiences tied to Indigenous groups. Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel features especially rich offerings—depending on the season, you can go on the “Tribal Homelands Indian Cliffs Walking Tour” centered on the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s history in the area, take kayak or canoe tours, or visit a tribal eagle aviary. Coeur d’Alene tribal member Annette Peone teaches a class called “Huckleberry Love Painting,” in which she guides participants in brushstrokes with acrylics while she describes the traditional attributes of the huckleberry plant.
Pichette recommends that groups add the heritage and dinner show to their event at Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel. “That’s where the tribe brings in drummers and dancers, and we do the dinners for [attendees],” she says. Pichette is a big fan of CeCe Curtis, a Coeur d’Alene tribal member and jazz singer who regularly performs at the casino.
What’s more, casino hotels often work Indigenous motifs into their decor. “The stunning artwork throughout the property is a recognition of our proud tribal heritage,” says Beau Farris, interim director of sales and hotel operations at Tulalip Resort Casino. “It reflects our deep connection to the Salish Sea and the many natural wonders that surround us.”
And sometimes, there’s a museum on-site or close by for those who want to learn more. “Located near Wildhorse Resort & Casino, Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is the only museum on the Oregon Trail that tells the story of Western expansionism from a tribal point of view,” says Minthorn.
Other Ways to Play
If planners decide a casino isn’t right for their group, they still might find it beneficial to find ways to incorporate play into their event. Instead of standing around at a cocktail party, attendees could be playing black-light mini golf in the shadow of an animatronic ogre or participating in a classic game of Skee-Ball. These are a few of the activities your group can experience at Monster Mini Golf Bellevue, which is located 10 miles east of Seattle.
Sanket Mehta, co-owner of the mini-golf venue, notes that many tech companies headquartered in the region, including Microsoft and Amazon, often host events at the venue. Groups of 10 to 300 are welcome, and Mehta recommends a mini-golf tournament for your group of up to 80. The laser maze, which involves doing “‘Mission Impossible’-type moves,” he says, is also popular. While your teammates cheer you on, “You are looking awkward and funny, and are trying to not hit the lasers, so it’s fun.” Monster Mini Golf offers customizable corporate packages, including different combinations of mini golf, laser maze, bowling, arcade games, and food.
Groups of tech-savvy attendees meeting in Victoria, British Columbia, might enjoy a trip to Infusions VR Arcade, where they can take part in virtual-reality (VR) experiences and compete as teams to play games. Infusions hosts up to 60 people for private events. The company also offers off-site service where the staff brings headsets preloaded with games to a venue elsewhere. If you’re hosting a meeting in Victoria’s Fairmont Empress or the Victoria Conference Centre, you could easily animate your event with this service.
In Seattle, your group of six to 80 could get active playing WhirlyBall, a five-on-five team sport played in electric bumper cars called WhirlyBugs. The company’s website describes it as “lacrosse mixed with basketball mixed with hockey mixed with bumper cars.” Groups in Anchorage, Alaska, might enjoy VR experiences and more than 140 arcade games at the city’s Dave & Buster’s franchise. For a more classic thrill, Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, Idaho—convenient to meetings in Coeur d’Alene—can organize group events for 15 to 1,500 people, satisfying all the roller coaster and Tilt-A-Whirl desires of eventgoers.
Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon, has 44,000 square feet of flexible event space and several courts for one of the trendiest games: pickleball. “Pickleball is a fantastic, low-barrier activity that encourages teamwork and friendly competition, making it perfect for any group,” says Jena Dyches, director of sales at Sunriver Resort. “The game is easy to pick up, ensuring everyone—regardless of skill level—can participate and have fun. It’s a great way to bring people together, build connections, and enjoy some lighthearted competition.”
With 10 outdoor courts and eight new indoor courts, Sunriver Resort empowers your group to play pickleball regardless of the weather. “Pickleball group events have been by far the most popular offerings,” says Sunriver’s Spa and Club Director Michelle LaCroix. The Sunriver staff can organize round robins; drills; or a more casual, party-like atmosphere, and provide instructors as needed. “Learning and playing a sport together that’s easy to pick up fosters important skills, such as listening, cooperation, and communication with both teammates and the opposing side,” says LaCroix. “And, of course, there will be plenty of laughs along the way.” Bringing such levity to your group and a break from business is what casino resorts and other ways to play is all about.
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