WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kalahari Resorts and Conventions announces plans to expand convention facilities at the company’s Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin Dells locations. The $65 million investment will double the convention space at both properties and allow for enhanced meeting facilities that are on-par with Kalahari Resorts’ Sandusky location, which currently offers 215,000 square feet of meeting space. For nearly two decades, the Kalahari Resorts convention teams nationwide have leveraged more than 400 years of combined meeting experience to host more than 22,000 groups, resulting in more than 1.4 million group rooms booked.
“When we first opened Kalahari, we definitely had our work cut out for us to encourage adoption of the idea that a convention center and indoor waterpark could exist in the same business model,” said Todd Nelson, owner, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. “We were steadfast in our vision, and it’s been incredible to see the demand grow exponentially for an unparalleled group experience paired with award-winning amenities and attractions. The expansion of our convention centers nationwide will help meet this demand.”
Coming Soon to the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Located 90 minutes from New York City and two hours from Philadelphia, the Pocono Mountains area is a scenic location away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In late 2019, Kalahari Resorts’ newest location will open an additional 134,000-sq. ft. of space, bringing the total size of the convention facility to 234,000-sq. ft. The expansion will feature 21 new meeting rooms — resulting in 39 total meeting spaces. The resort will also be adding a 38,000-sq. ft. ballroom and an additional 9,000-sq.ft. junior ballroom to the existing 25,000-sq. ft. ballroom and 9,000-sq. ft. junior ballroom. New amenities will include an exclusive executive conference center for up to 400 guests, giant, sun-drenched, prefunction spaces, enhanced load-in and load-out capabilities, and substantial registration and client office areas. The Pocono Mountains resort recently opened “phase two” of the property — bringing the on-site accommodations to nearly 1,000 rooms of various styles and two additional restaurants — Kalahari’s signature steakhouse experience, Double Cut Charcoal Grill, and Sortino’s Italian Kitchen.
Coming Soon to Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
A short drive from Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago, the Wisconsin Dells is a popular and highly regarded destination for groups of all sizes. In September 2019, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells will expand an additional 130,000-sq. ft., bringing the total available meeting space to 230,000-sq. ft. The space will include a new 56,000-sq. ft. ballroom, which will join the facility’s existing 20,560-sq. ft. and 17,200-sq. ft. ballrooms. The resort does not plan to expand its current 756 rooms — a decision that will provide an additional boost for other lodging options in the area.
The Midwest’s Largest Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio, boasts 215,000-sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space. The facility features 38,232-sq. ft. and 17,200-sq. ft. ballrooms, breakout rooms, junior ballrooms, prefunction space and executive centers. On-site accommodations include 890 guest rooms in various styles.
Coming Soon — Round Rock, Texas
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions has announced plans to expand the company’s beyond-expectations experience to the Southwest, with its fourth property to be located in Round Rock, Texas. Slated to open in 2020, the Texas offering will include 990 guest rooms and a 200,000-sq. ft. convention center.
Hosting an event at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions includes top-of-the-line meeting experiences, delicious dining options and an ability to personalize meetings to suit the needs of any group. Guests can access Kalahari’s award-winning amenities such as Spa Kalahari and Salon, Kalahari Fitness Centers, America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, outdoor waterparks and more.
For more information on Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, please visit www.KalahariResorts.com.
About Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, Sandusky, Ohio, the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, and coming soon to Round Rock, Texas, delivers a “world-away” waterpark resort and conference experience beyond expectations. The authentically African-themed Kalahari Resorts, privately owned by the Nelson family, is home to America’s largest indoor waterparks. All Kalahari Resorts feature well-appointed guest rooms, full-service Spa Kalahari, a fully equipped fitness center, on-site restaurants, unique retail shops and a state-of-the-art conference center. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions frequently receives awards and accolades for its guest and convention services. Recent recognition includes: Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 World’s Coolest Indoor Waterparks, TripAdvisors’ 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards, 2016 Family Vacation Critic Favorite, TripAdvisors’ 2016 Travelers’ Choice Awards, 2015 Reader’s Choice USA Today’s 10 Best Indoor Waterparks, January 2015 OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Award for Double Cut Grill’s signature dining experience for the second consecutive year, Silver Star recognition for Best Family-Friendly Meeting Hotel and Resort in Smart Meeting’s 2014 Smart Stars Awards, Clean the World’s Top 50 Hot Properties in 2013, the Daily Herald’s 2014 Reader’s Choice Awards for Best Indoor Waterpark, selection as one of the nation’s Top Family Resorts by Family Fun magazine for 2013, being named the Best Conference Center in the state by the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association and selection as the Corporate Meeting Destination of the Year by Cleveland Business Connects magazine. For reservation and guest information, call 1-877-KALAHARI (525-2427) or visit KalahariResorts.com. To learn more about Kalahari Resorts, members of the media are encouraged to visit KalahariMedia.com.
