Kalahari Resort-Wisconsin Dells: To debut $1.5 million in upgrades to foster productivity and enhance conventions/meetings experience

-Additions of a unique African streetscape and a high-end AV system prep resort for a turnaround in the face-to-face meetings business –

Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (Mar. 3, 2011) For companies and groups looking to re-energize their meetings and conventions offerings Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. will unveil $1.5 million in aesthetic and functional upgrades as host to the Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism being held this coming weekend, March 6-8. As many companies have experienced cutbacks in their off-site meetings and retreat budgets over the past few years, Kalahari Convention Center is beginning to see a turnaround and is ready for the recovery.

As part of the investment in its 100,000 sq. ft. convention center, Wisconsin’s largest independently owned meetings venue, Kalahari will showcase cutting-edge technological upgrades in-line with today’s demands, including a complete re-work of the house audio system, new speakers, amplifiers, audio inputs, installation of digital signal processors and added power distribution panels. High-definition projectors and screens were added in the convention center and the board rooms, while Crestron touch panel controls were added in all meeting rooms.

“Our conventions and meetings guests come to Kalahari to do business. The audio visual upgrades will foster an environment which facilitates the best possible thinking and collaborating,” says Kevin Shanley, director of group sales for Kalahari Convention Center. “We want businesses to feel like Kalahari is a partner in their success.”

Kalahari also made a significant investment in 4,500 new “10-hour” ergonomic banquet chairs. Shanley added, “Guests attend meetings for several hours a day, and we want guests to be as comfortable as possible during meetings – these new chairs offer amazing comfort.”

In addition to installing high quality new carpeting, Kalahari Convention Center has added many personal touches to its signature African village theming in pre-function spaces. Guests will feel a world-away thanks to the professional design work of Kalahari’s on-site theme shop which was instrumental in the aesthetic refresh of the conference center. Upgrades include traditional African thatched roofing fashioned out of copper over meeting room entrances, hand-crafted copper tribal masks, individually made chandeliers and light fixtures, and hand-selected artifacts which create a one-of-a-kind African streetscape – adjacent to the meetings and convention spaces.

“Social media and virtual meetings are phenomenal tools, but nothing replaces a face-to-face meeting,” says Todd Nelson, owner and president of Kalahari Resorts, “We want companies and groups to feel confident in Kalahari’s ability to create meeting spaces which cultivate productivity.”

Kalahari Convention Center is part of the Kalahari Resort complex in Wisconsin Dells, which features 756 guest rooms, Indoor/Outdoor waterparks, Indoor Theme Park, Spa Kalahari, dining options, fitness center, guest activities and more. The Convention Center is conveniently located along I-94 two hours from Milwaukee and three hours from Minneapolis, St. Paul and Chicago.

To contact the Wisconsin Group Sales Office, call (608) 254-3314.

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About Kalahari Resorts

Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells is a “world-away” waterpark experience in the heart of the Midwest. Situated along I-90/94, the authentically African-themed Kalahari Resort greets Wisconsin Dells visitors with a sneak peek of its colorful web of award-winning outdoor and indoor waterpark slides, attractions, and activities. The resort is home to Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark, and offers more than one million gallons of water fun, 110,000-square-foot Indoor Theme Park, 756 guestrooms, 14 stand along five-bedroom suites, the full-service Spa Kalahari and Salon, a fully equipped fitness center, on-site restaurants including Kahunaville, unique retail shops, a 15-screen cinema and 100,000-square-foot convention center. Kalahari also features Trappers Turn, a 27-hole award-winning golf course. A second Kalahari Resort is located in Sandusky, Ohio. For reservation and guest information, call 1-877-KALAHARI or visit: http://www.KalahariResorts.com.