Meeting News - March 23, 2009 - (Page 20)

Gary Merrillville South Bend 30 69 Fort Wayne MIDAMERICA REGIONAL INDIANA 65 Lafayette Muncie 69 70 Terre Haute Bloomington Nashville French Lick 64 Evansville Louisville, KY Indianapolis 74 A Much Expanded Casino, Now Offering a Hotel, Is Bringing A Vegas Vibe to Northwestern Indiana By Matt Alderton Although it’s nearly 1,800 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, northwestern Indiana feels a lot like Las Vegas these days, thanks to the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, which recently completed a $130 million expansion in Michigan City, IN, 60 miles east of Chicago. Owned by Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming—which owns 16 properties in Nevada, New Jersey, Indiana, Illinois, Mississippi, and Louisiana—the Blue Chip previously had just 184 guest rooms on eight stories. Now, it offers 302 additional rooms inside a new 22-story, upscale hotel tower, which is among the largest buildings in northwestern Indiana. Called the Spa Blue Tower, the new annex offers views of nearby Lake Michigan—the inspiration for the five shades of blue glass that adorn the structure’s exterior—and a new 10,000-sf spa, full-service salon, and fitness center. Then, there’s the new 20,000-sf Stardust Event Center in the tower, with a 15,000-sf ballroom for up to 1,300 people, as well as two meeting rooms (each approximately 1,250 sf) and a 655-sf boardroom. “Because we finally got the space, we can now compete with larger cities like Chicago for smaller conferences and regional conventions,” said assistant general manager Gary Sawina. Ultimately, though, it’s not Blue Chip’s size that’s attracting groups. It’s the atmosphere, according to the assistant GM, as the hotel is attached to the property’s pre-existing 65,000sf casino, as well as five on-site restaurants, one of which doubles as a nightclub. “Our whole concept is escape,” Sawina said. “We’re as close to Vegas as you’re going to get in the Midwest.” Added Keith Smith, president and CEO of Boyd Gaming, “Visitors to Las Vegas and Atlantic City have long enjoyed a host of amenities under one roof. For the first time, we’re bringing that successful model to this region, and we think it will be attractive to customers throughout the upper Midwest.” Sawina expects that model will be attractive to other developers. “Michigan City is a hidden jewel,” he said. “I would anticipate that when the economy turns around, and other developers see the project we’ve built, our new tower will become the impetus to change here.” I CHANGING TIMES REQUIRE A MEETING DESTINATION WITH ADDED VALUE. Whether it’s an annual meeting or offsite strategy session, Lake Lawn Resort has just the space to help inspire creative ideas. With 32,000 square feet of newly renovated meeting space, remodeled guestrooms and a variety of leisure options, Lake Lawn is a meeting destination where business gets done in the boardroom, on the course or even on the water. We’re so committed to showing you all Lake Lawn has to offer, that despite our recent $40 million renovation, we’ve held the line on our rates, ensuring they stay affordable for you. 2400 E. GENEVA STREET l DELAVAN, WISCONSIN 800.338.5253 l LAKELAWNRESORT.COM 20 MeetingNews March 23, 2009 www.meetingnews.com http://www.LAKELAWNRESORT.COM http://www.LAKELAWNRESORT.COM http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - March 23, 2009 Contents What’s Up @ MeetingNews.com Meetings Mean Business As 'Meeting Matter' Marriott Unveils Promo Columbus, OH, Addresses Convention Hotel Issues People Making News Orlando Strives for Cost Transparency Is Biz-Class Air Travel Dead? Greenest Planner Awards Mid America Insider Report: Conference Centers Destination Insider: Mississippi Gulf Coast Las Vegas Destination Insider: Cleveland Ad Index Live from the Forum

Meeting News - March 23, 2009

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