Kalahari Wisconsin Dells Hosts THAT Conference, Shows Off New Expansion

August 28, 2019
Kalahari Convention

There’s nothing like hosting a big event to celebrate the expansion of a convention center, and that’s exactly what Kalahari Resorts and Conventions did earlier this month.

Following the completion of a $35 million expansion to its now 212,000 square feet of meeting space, Kalahari Wisconsin Dells hosted THAT Conference as the first event in the new space from Aug. 5-8.

The family-friendly, technology-focused conference — dubbed “Summer Camp for Geeks” — showed off Kalahari’s convention space and amenities to more than 1,700 attendees, spouses and children, who took part in more than 200 workshops and sessions. Several of the workshops were even taught by kids, for kids, with hands-on learning in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. 

Participation in the conference has increased nearly 500 percent since it began in 2012. According to Clark Sell, founder and CEO, the goals of the conference are to bring technology awareness to the Midwest, and to create a format that encourages work-life balance and builds the next generation of “tech geeks.” In addition, another goal this year was to create a destination vacation for the whole family, given Kalahari’s extensive opportunities for entertainment and dining under one roof. 

The expansion to Kalahari Wisconsin Dells, which broke ground in October 2017 and was completed this summer, added 112,000 square feet of space, including a 52,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and 10 meeting rooms. The resort now has three ballrooms and a total of 45 meeting rooms.

As attendees of THAT Conference, as well as Sell, recognized after visiting Kalahari Wisconsin Dells, the expansion is expected to put the resort in an even more attractive position to draw new business for late 2019 and beyond.

“The $35-million investment into the Convention Center will attract valuable business and visitors to the Dells area,” said Tifani Jones, corporate director of sales for Kalahari Resorts and Conventions 

A 125,000-sq.-ft. waterpark has long been a favorite of leisure and business guests traveling with families. Add to that an indoor adventure park (with bowling, an arcade, a ropes course, an indoor Ferris wheel, virtual reality experiences and more), a full-service spa and 11 dining options, and the destination becomes a one-stop shop for meetings and vacations alike.

To learn more about Kalahari Wisconsin Dells, go here.

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on TwitterFacebookLinkedIn and Instagram!

 

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.