El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico is impressively self-sufficient, featuring its own generators, water plant and sustainable garden. Courtesy of El Conquistador Resort

As marketing manager for SCOR Global Life Americas, Amy Cascone assembles 50 top decision makers for the company’s client advisory board meeting, which takes place every other year at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. Attendees come to brainstorm, but also to immerse themselves in a VIP experience replete with wining, dining and white-glove service throughout the resort, which, according to Cascone, is one of the main reasons the she has the resort etched permanently on her calendar.

“It’s the best of the best, and it offers exactly what we want — the experience we want our customers to have,” Cascone says. “Every person greets you, opens the door for you, asks if they can assist you. They’ll take you anywhere you need to go on property. It’s an elevated experience all the way around, even compared to other luxury resorts.”

Speaking of elevated experiences, for one executive leadership meeting that Cascone organized at The Broadmoor, attendees dined at the chef’s table in the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Ristorante del Lago.

She adds that she has also used onsite mountaintop venues for dinners and receptions, as well as lawns at The Broadmoor. “The second reception is always up the mountain, so we’re overlooking The Broadmoor, and the first night we’re on one of the lawns, which is gorgeous,” Cascone says.

The Temple Pool at the Garden of the Gods Oasis at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. Courtesy Photo

Caesars Resorts: Why They’re a Sure Bet for Insurance & Financial Meetings

For insurance and financial event planners, Caesars Entertainment delivers a high-value, high-impact experience for gatherings of all sizes. With more than 50 first-class properties in 20 destinations across North America — including its flagship resorts in Las Vegas — Caesars boasts 60,000 luxurious guestrooms and 2.1 million sf of flexible, high-tech meeting space, catering to the detail-driven demands of financial professionals and their ROI-focused events. From exclusive VIP experiences to group dining at world-class restaurants, Caesars blends precision with polish to create memorable, brand-enhancing moments that will impress clients and stakeholders alike.

‘A Celebration of Excellence’

A key benefit of hosting a meeting at a luxury resort is the setting, which generally provides attendees with quiet, well-equipped spaces for strategic thinking, brainstorming and innovation. Places such as mountain lodges, beachfront resorts, wine country estates and other attractive settings often serve as a strong incentive for attendees to make the trip, especially when it is an optional or incentive-based event.

The extra attention lavished on them at a high-end luxury resort helps attendees feel valued and appreciated, and that reward factor can drive employees to meet performance goals while also potentially boosting engagement and retention. Beyond that, such a relaxed atmosphere can also help clients and employees to reset and renew their focus.

In addition, luxury resorts usually offer numerous built-in opportunities for shared experiences in a non-corporate setting, such as golf tournaments, culinary classes or spa and fitness experiences ranging from private group yoga to poolside relaxation. Such destinations can often facilitate tailored team-building activities that include a wellness aspect, such as group workout classes and personal development workshops.

One Fortune 500 company chose El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico for an upcoming event that will draw 400 attendees and is designed to make the company’s top performers feel valued, appreciated and recognized, according to a corporate planner organizing the gathering. “This is not just any event. It’s a celebration of excellence, and we want to create an environment that reflects that,” the planner adds.

The planner says that with 20% repeat guests, it’s essential that the chosen hotel understands the nuances of hosting an incentive event.

“These are not just attendees. They are achievers who have excelled in their respective fields,” the planner says. “The resort we’ve selected emphasizes a personalized approach, ensuring that both new and returning winners receive special recognition.”

One of the key aspects that will resonate with attendees is El Conquistador Resort’s focus on a blend of luxury and relaxation, as well as its range of dining options and recreational activities for attendees. The destination also offers plenty of other amenities, including multiple pools overlooking the ocean and a tranquil private beach.

“Our group is excited to fully take advantage of the exceptional amenities that the resort offers. During our activity day, [attendees] will have access to a variety of unique options that are not available at other resorts. From a private island to a thrilling water park, expansive pools and a luxurious spa, there is something for everyone to enjoy,” the company’s planner says.

Additionally, the onsite dock provides convenient access for snorkeling and fishing trips. The resort’s proximity to the rainforest adds another layer of adventure, offering opportunities for exploration and connection with nature.

“Feedback will likely highlight how these features contribute to an atmosphere of relaxation, allowing winners to truly savor their accomplishments,” the planner notes.

Traditionally, the company has included at least one evening function away from the property. However, after visiting El Conquistador, the decision was made to keep all the events onsite since there is such a variety of venues and, according to the planner, the hotel provides an ideal setting to meet all the company’s needs without the hassle of offsite logistics.

At the welcome reception, for example, attendees’ experience will begin with a ride on El Conquistador’s funicular and a ferry ride to the resort’s private island. “This unique arrival creates an unforgettable first impression and sets the perfect tone for the entire event,” the planner says.

A luxury resort like El Conquistador also provides the benefit of staying in a private, exclusive location, and for this particular Fortune 500 company, that was one of the primary reasons for selecting the hotel. “Security is a top priority for our group, and this property’s secluded setting provides peace of mind,” the planner says.

The hotel is also impressively self-sufficient, featuring its own generators, water plant and sustainable garden.

Says the planner: “This not only enhances the overall experience but also underscores the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, making it a perfect fit for our needs.”

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO

Privacy and Easy Access to Events

Privacy is also a factor for Amanda McCoy, who serves as chief operations officer for The Financial Brand and also plans the organization’s Financial Brand Forum, held annually at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The conference targets attendees in C-level marketing and growth-focused positions within retail banking, primarily in the U.S. Drawing a crowd of roughly 2,200-plus each year, the event has been around since 2014.

McCoy says the company settled on ARIA after hosting its event at other properties on the Las Vegas Strip. “We were looking for something that would give us a little bit more of a lux experience by way of the hotel rooms, without such an emphasis on the casino, given that we deal with such high-level executives,” she adds. “It felt like ARIA checked every box for that.”

One key benefit is that attendees can access the convention space through ARIA’s elevator bay “without having to trudge across a full casino floor, which is unique,” McCoy says. In addition, attendees have been happy with the size of the rooms, as well as the soft goods and products. “Everything has a scale of luxury,” she adds, noting that all the rooms are run digitally with tablets and other electronic tools to do things such as turn on lights and order room service.

McCoy adds that ARIA is different from other luxury properties because it features a full-size convention space, along with hotel rooms, top-tier restaurants and other amenities — all without the smokiness of some Las Vegas resorts.

While McCoy’s company hosts a series of events throughout the city — which this year included rides on the High Roller Observation Wheel at The Linq and a Topgolf outing — most are held on property as ARIA makes it easy and cost-effective for planners to offer attendees unique and personalized experiences.

“We did a buyout of pretty much the majority of the restaurants for the peak nights of our conference, so it was great from a private dining experience,” McCoy says. “They offer a number of different varieties of foods and cuisines that all have beautiful private dining spaces that you just don’t see in a lot of resorts.”

Often, ARIA and other luxury resorts will offer corporate groups customizable packages that include options such as themed events, entertainment, group excursions, branded merchandise and curated dining experiences — and McCoy takes advantage of the branded options at ARIA with personalized items.

“From the minute that you get to the front desk to check in, we have a little booklet for all attendees, and we custom-brand our key cards,” she says, adding that the company also arranges to send dedicated gifts to attendees’ rooms over the course of three days, delivering something different each time.

One of the venues The Financial Brand has used is Easy’s Cocktail Lounge, which transforms from a donut-and-coffee shop during the day into a hidden speakeasy-style bar at night, which adds to the resort’s exclusive feel.

“You may not actually realize that you’re walking past it, but Easy’s Cocktail Lounge has the most creative cocktails out of pretty much any location in Las Vegas,” McCoy says, adding that the venue features live music as well. “It’s a very small ultra lounge that serves as a great spot for attendees and sponsors in the evenings,” she says. “It’s a good spot to hang out without all the noise that you find in the clubs and the louder locations.”

Partnership and Dedicated Support

Luxury resorts are experienced in handling events of all sizes — everything from small executive retreats to large-scale conferences requiring breakout rooms, networking lounges, catered banquets and more. In addition, to reduce stress on corporate organizers, most venues have onsite planners and coordinators who specialize in corporate events, and they also typically offer turnkey event planning, including catering, AV tech, transportation and concierge services.

“I’ve had so many Broadmoor people over the years who I would call my friend … they are not just associates or support staff for my event,” Cascone says. “And that’s the level of service. You work with somebody so closely that, when it’s over, you feel like you’ve made a friend.”

For the Fortune 500 company preparing to meet at El Conquistador, it was vital to select a resort that would offer strong support in the planning and execution stages of their incentive event.

“Experienced conference service managers, who understand the intricacies of hosting a large group, can help us create a memorable experience that will leave a lasting impression on our winners,” the planner says. “We are looking forward to building our relationships to help us create surprises and delights for our [attendees].”

Building relationships is also important to McCoy, who has been collaborating with the same people at ARIA to host her event over the past few years.

“That’s something that you get from a luxury convention property. That turnover is not there, so you’re working with the same teams,” she says. “These guys love what they do. They have a property that’s reinvesting, and it’s always fresh, which I think makes … ARIA very unique.”

McCoy notes the importance of having a true partner on the hotel side, especially when signing a multimillion-dollar agreement together for high-level events. She also emphasizes the importance of securing a venue that strategically aligns with the planner, helping to solve problems and rethink the way an event is being orchestrated.

She says it’s important to work with someone like the team at ARIA, which “is not just focused on how much you’re spending, or how many people you’re bringing, or what you’re going to make the hotel, but really [wants] a partnership by way of their sales team, their catering team — it’s unparalleled.”

According to McCoy, this is not a common experience when working with hotels, even when a client is bringing them multiple events.

“We have found that the ARIA and their team just go above and beyond to really let you know that they deeply value your business,” she says. “You’re not just another event with them.”

Whether you’re looking to boost employee motivation and strengthen team dynamics, or enhance brand prestige and client relationships, by creating an atmosphere that blends productivity and relaxation, luxury resorts provide the ultimate setting to do it all.   I&FMM