Think Beyond the Boardroom: Five Ideas for Unique, Immersive and Memorable Meeting Experiences

Some of the most memorable and rewarding meetings take place outside the conference room. So think beyond conventional meeting spaces when you plan your next group event and consider all the other settings your destination might have to offer. Doing so can engage your attendees in unexpected ways, spurring creativity, increasing productivity, and leaving a lasting impression. Here are a few ideas from Turning Stone Resort Casino’s meeting experts:  

1. Give a keynote more kick. In the age of TED Talks, keynote presentations are becoming less formal and more interactive. Give yours more punch by taking it out of the traditional theater-style setup and into the higher-energy, less formal setting of a nightclub or lounge. At Turning Stone, groups might move their keynote to The Gig, a rock and roll joint that sets the right tone with its open concept, comfortable mix of furniture from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, and strong visual punches like a towering wall of vintage speakers. A 16-foot LED video wall behind the stage enables compelling, high-tech presentations. The Showroom, a 700-seat cabaret-style space, is another increasingly popular keynote choice for groups meeting at Turning Stone.   
2. Shake up breaks. We all know incorporating movement into meeting breaks helps attendees refresh, relax and return to the table with renewed focus. Instead of bringing someone in to lead a few predictable stretches, why not have a quick dance lesson? A venue like Turning Stone’s Americana-themed Tin Rooster is the perfect choice for a combined meeting and dance break. Make it line dancing to keep the country vibe going and add a homemade BBQ lunch.
3. Save on themed decor. An ace AV team can transform any ballroom into a richly themed wonderland. But you can get the same punch without the extra planning and budget by holding your reception in a setting where the theme is built in. At Turning Stone, guests can let loose after a long day of meetings with a networking reception at The Turquoise Tiger, immersed in the glamour of a 1940s-era jazz club. Shift the money saved on technological wizardry and décor to live music from the era and themed cocktails.
4. Take a swing at team-building. Sports and team-building are a natural fit. Scout the recreational facilities at the resort for opportunities to combine a sports-themed meeting and group activity. Turning Stone’s Golf Dome and Sportsplex, for example, is a unique, seven-story space in which groups can transition seamlessly from a meeting to a highly memorable indoor golf or tennis tournament.
5. Get into the kitchen. Take your guests into the kitchen for a group cooking class that does double duty as a meal break and team-building activity. Cooking together is fun, creative and fosters stronger working relationships. Tie the lesson to your meeting destination by having them make a regional specialty, or focus on healthy dining or seasonal treats.

And that’s just a start—for more great ideas to make your meetings stand out, email our meeting specialists at GroupSalesSupport@turningstone.com or call 315.361.7910, and be sure to follow us @TURNINGSTONE!

Book a meeting by 4/1/20, consumed by 12/30/20 to receive up to a 12% discount*