A Full House – Gaming Resorts Continue to Attract Attendees

Debbie Anmuth-Hunt, president of Abington, Pennsylvania-based Eventive Productions Inc., has been producing meetings and events for more than 20 years, and frequently uses resorts in Atlantic City, as well as Mount Airy Casino Resort in the Poconos and Wind Creek Bethlehem, for clients’ programs. “These are great because the entertainment is built right in,” she says. “While these properties are gambling properties, there are so many more options. As a planner, we can absolutely plan group activities, but it’s also good to give attendees downtime after the program ends for the day, and attendees don’t have to drive anywhere to see a show, go to a great restaurant or find something else fun to do.”

This past year, Mount Airy hosted one of her client’s events during the pandemic, and the property was selected specifically because of the size of the ballroom and outdoor activity options. “The staff was able to create a safe environment for our guests during the program, and also host a variety of networking events outdoors by the pool and on the golf course,” Anmuth-Hunt says. “There were about 125 people for this one. Lower than a normal year, but we offered a hybrid option during COVID-19. Attendees who were comfortable going out had a variety of restaurants to choose from, and the casino floor as well. These resorts offer so many options for guests.”

Perfection in the Poconos

Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mt. Pocono, Pennsylvania, offers more than 25,000 sf of flexible events space, able to be artfully arranged to host anything from small, intimate board meetings to large corporate retreats. Plus, the meetings and convention center includes a state-of-the-art video wall to make sure virtual attendees are involved in all aspects of the event.

Outside of the meetings and convention center, guests can experience signature restaurant options, including Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen; the award-winning Bistecca by Il Mulino; a Sports Illustrated-recognized, lakefront 18-hole golf course; a rejuvenating spa, salon and exercise facility; a luxury, indoor/outdoor pool; and a covered deck and tented area. And for those so inclined, the casino boasts more than 70 table games and nearly 1,700 of the hottest slots in Northern Pennsylvania. “The picturesque Pocono Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for a wide range of events,” says Glenn Cademartori, vice president of marketing for the resort. “As a peaceful, relaxing and secluded destination, Mount Pocono is perfect for regrouping and/or relaxing as a team or an entire company.”

Those are just some of the reasons Anmuth-Hunt chooses to host meetings at the Pocono resort. “For all events, the in-house team also includes an executive chef who can organize and provide the best food and beverage for the occasion at hand — whether that be a continental breakfast or a formal, multicourse dinner,” she says.