Betting Big on Experience: Shelby Remington Talks Venues with Smart Meetings

Shelby Remington Talks Venues with Smart Meetings

Opus Agency’s Director of Event Management on why gaming resorts keep winning for events.

Gaming resorts have long been a top choice for event planners, offering world-class entertainment, dining, and accommodations. But beyond the thrill of the casino floor, these venues provide built-in advantages that make them ideal for meetings and events.

In an article from Smart Meetings, Opus Agency’s Shelby Remington, Director of Event Management, shares why gaming resorts continue to be a winning bet for events.

Customization is Key

“Gaming venues stand out as great choices for events simply due to their ability to leverage economies of scale," Remington explains. “These venues typically can have greater infrastructure to offer meeting planners, allowing them the opportunity to design more custom and meaningful experiences for attendees.”

The ability to tailor an event is a major draw for planners. “Every meeting planner likes having options, so if you want to bring your attendees offsite for a specific function, that’s one thing, but being forced to because your venue doesn’t offer what you need is another,” Remington explains. With large, flexible spaces, gaming resorts allow planners to craft their ideal event without logistical limitations.

Proximity Matters

Beyond venue flexibility, accessibility is another major advantage. “Proximity is important—as in proximity to the airport, proximity to local attractions, and proximity to other nearby venues,” Remington says. She points to The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, where planners can even connect venues, expanding their event footprint and creating a more walkable campus.

Inclusive and Considerate Planning

Remington also highlights the importance of designing events with inclusivity in mind, noting that while casino resorts offer great benefits, they can also be overwhelming environments. “Neurodivergent attendees or individuals with sensory processing sensitivities may find the abundance of lights, sounds, and smells difficult to navigate within a casino. Consider adding a quiet room to your floor plan or providing sensory kits,” she advises.

Additionally, some attendees may have personal challenges related to alcohol or gambling. “Some brands are proactively addressing these concerns by hosting Alcoholics Anonymous meetups discreetly at the beginning of their event,” Remington notes. “At the very least, providing a variety of zero-proof beverage options at bars contributes to inclusivity and attendee comfort.”

From scalability and proximity to accessibility and inclusion, gaming resorts offer a ton of advantages for event planners. To dive deeper into the insights and best-in-class venue recommendations, check out the full article in Smart Meetings.

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