For more than a decade, Doyles Sheehan has brought its annual show to a popular casino resort in Idaho. Participants appreciate having all the events in one location with an intimate atmosphere, even with between 750 and 1,000 people from across the U.S. in attendance.

"The Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort and Hotel has been our host due to the success we’ve achieved and at the request of our customers and vendor partners," says Jeff Bonacci, senior director of customer relations for Doyles Sheehan, a full-service distributor in the U.S. northwest. "They appreciate the opportunity to unwind, enjoying more than just a hotel lobby bar. It provides them with a chance to relax and make the most of the resort’s amenities."

The show incorporates a variety of events including seminars for retailers, sales meetings for staff, customer appreciation events and a customer/vendor golf tournament.

"What makes the expo truly unique is the exceptional hospitality and attention to detail provided by the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort and Hotel, which surpasses other venues of similar capacity," Bonacci says. "Having all our customers in one place for all the events contributes to a great turnout, free from the distractions typically found in town. The success of the event is ultimately measured by the sales generated at the expo, and our customer/vendor appreciation party is the talk of the industry year after year."

Naturally inviting

From the intimate setting in Idaho to a quiet atmosphere in…Las Vegas? That atmosphere is one of the reasons those attending the American Association of Bioanalysts’ (AAB) 66th Educational Conference and 26th Annual CRB Symposium held in May enjoyed the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa outside of downtown.

"It’s a resort hotel, very luxurious and well maintained. The grounds are beautiful, and the casino and dining options are naturally inviting," says LeAnn M. Hampton, administrative office for the AAB. "There are many attractions and dining and shopping options nearby, and attendees can use Uber or Lyft to experience an evening of downtown entertainment during their stay."

More than 400 professionals attended the 2024 educational conference and symposium. The educational conference featured a variety of presentations covering scientific and managerial topics of interest to traditional clinical laboratory personnel, while the symposium offered reproductive biologists presentations geared to the newest technological research and developments in the field of reproductive biology.

"In addition to the educational component of the event; board certification examinations; board meetings; and networking breakfasts, breaks, lunches and receptions were held throughout the week," says Hampton, who notes the success of the event is "measured by positive participant evaluations of both the educational program and facility/location, as well as significant growth in attendance and sponsorship support."

Identifying a facility with adequate meeting space can be a challenge, according to Hampton.

"The groups hold several concurrent events that require more space and a quiet atmosphere conducive to learning and study," she says. "Organizing a schedule for two concurrent events where participants come together for food and social events can be a challenge, but with the help of meeting planning committees and hotel staff, everything comes together."

Following outstanding experiences in 2023 and 2024, AAB is committed to returning to the JW Marriott Las Vegas in 2025 and 2026.

Round-the-clock accessibility

Jamie Land, director of event management for the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa, says the biggest misperception about meeting at a casino resort is that attendees will have to walk through the casino each day to attend meeting sessions.

"While years ago this was how hotels were designed, at many casino resorts this is no longer required for attendees to get to their event," she says. "At the JW Marriott Las Vegas, our guests can arrive at our conference center by walking through our beautiful Zen garden walkway that features waterfalls, lush foliage, koi ponds and an herb garden."

Meeting planners also used to be concerned that casino resorts present too much of a distraction from their programs.

"Now, savvy meeting planners find creative ways to include and embrace the casino atmosphere as part of their program," Land says. "For example, our groups have created fun activations within the casino using branded gaming tables, customized playing cards and gaming chips to host charity slot and blackjack tournaments for their attendees. They’ve also set up classes on how to play various table games as part of a breakout session. These activations help attendees re-energize and network between sessions."

With a wide range of amenities to entertain guests on premises when they aren’t in meetings, casino resorts aim to be a "one-stop shop," according to Land.

"By reducing or eliminating the need for attendees to travel offsite, we improve our attendance rates and eliminate the stress of having to worry about finding your way to multiple locations or traveling throughout a large, congested destination," she says. "In addition, casino resorts often have diverse dining options with round-the-clock accessibility to food, beverage, gaming, spa, pool and entertainment."

Land says meeting trends she’s witnessed recently include use of creative outdoor spaces and nontraditional venues with a focus on locally inspired influences, an increase in high-energy engaging events and a renewed focus on networking—crafting spaces and schedules that enhance interaction.

"Meeting planners are also catering to generational shifts—especially the rise of Gen Z," she says. "We are seeing them plan shorter sessions and adding elements of game playing to keep the younger audience engaged."