In the early 1990s, Las Vegas embarked on an accelerated plan to diversify beyond gaming. Following suit, East Coast operators likewise transformed into vibrant all-purpose destinations.
As competitive pressures increase in the region, so too has product diversification and enhancement. Benefiting planners and groups in terms of expanded program resources and choices, here’s how strategic, multifaceted evolution is keeping regional players ahead in the group game.
Atlantic City Aims Ever Higher
Speaking with Meetings Today in 2007, Gary Musich, then vice president of convention development for the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority, cited the 2003 opening of Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa as evidence of the destination evolving tourism appeal from “one-day trips” into “world-class resort experiences.”
Two decades later, reinvestment and redevelopment continue to pay major dividends.
“Atlantic City’s strength as a meetings and events destination lies in the fully integrated nature of our resort ecosystem and how we operate collectively as a unified, high-impact destination,” said Musich, now president and CEO of since-rebranded Visit Atlantic City. “Our casino resorts bring together expansive meeting space, world-class accommodations, award-winning dining, headline entertainment and immersive off-agenda experiences, all within a highly walkable waterfront setting. For planners, that means seamless access to a complete range of customizable assets to elevate any program.”
Depth and flexibility of choice truly differentiate Atlantic City.
[Related: Atlantic City’s Borgata Continues Its Hot Hand]
“Groups can host large-scale conventions, executive retreats and everything in between while tapping into unique venues, beachfront activations and a robust network of local partners and support services that ensure flawless execution,” Musich said. “Just as important, our destination continues to evolve. Ongoing property and infrastructure reinvestments keep the Atlantic City experience fresh, relevant and competitive, giving planners new reasons to return year after year.”
Caesars Entertainment’s latest capital cycle reinvested $400 million in its three Atlantic City properties over the past four years, including Tropicana Atlantic City’s new 604-room Solana Tower.
Since opening in 2018, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has put nearly $700 million into property-wide enhancements. Aiming for completion this year, the resort’s latest commitment invested $50 million into renovating 700-plus standard rooms, 60-plus suites and eight penthouses in the North Tower, refreshing walkways and corridors and adding new dining concepts.
Borgata is transforming the former Premier Nightclub space into a new 18,000-square-foot entertainment venue, slated for a summer 2026 opening.
Announced this February, Visit Atlantic City’s new collaboration with leading global entertainment company Live Nation is poised to further elevate Atlantic City as a year-round destination for world-class live experiences. New direct Breeze Airways service from Charleston, South Carolina, and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, plus Tampa, Florida, (same plane, one-stop) is also poised to boost tourism and economic impact.
“By leveraging the collaborative spirit of our tourism community,” Musich said, “Atlantic City delivers memorable, high-value experiences that drive engagement, attendance and long-term loyalty.”
[Related: Atlantic City’s Dynamic Growth Strategy for 2026 and Beyond is Money in the Bank]
Wind Creek Bethlehem’s Multidimensional Appeal for Groups
Established in 1857 in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem Steel supported the American effort in both World Wars and supplied the steel for the Waldorf-Astoria New York, Golden Gate Bridge and other landmarks before closing in 1995.
In 2009, the iconic site was reborn as a casino and has since forged a solid identity as Wind Creek Bethlehem. Offering 65,000 square feet of versatile space, the 550-room resort provides fully integrated experiences that, for groups, go beyond traditional meeting spaces.
“We offer state-of-the-art venues, luxury accommodations, diverse dining options and dynamic entertainment all under one roof,” said Maureen Boyd, corporate director of hotel sales for Wind Creek Bethlehem.
“Our versatile spaces enable planners to design and customize experiences that exceed their expectations, from large-scale conferences for up to 1,300 guests to intimate executive gatherings of 50 or less.”
Featuring headliner entertainment, the popular 3,000-capacity Wind Creek Event Center flexibly hosts 1,500-capacity meetings and conferences.
“What truly sets Wind Creek Bethlehem apart is our dedicated team, who collaborate closely with clients from conception to execution, ensuring every detail is handled with precision and care,” Boyd continued.
“Resort amenities including the luxurious spa, retail offerings and a live entertainment venue further enhance the guest experience. This integrated approach not only attracts new groups but also fosters strong relationships and repeat business through consistently memorable experiences.”
Resorts Across the Region Are Reshaping the Future
Bordering the Philadelphia area, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, anticipates significant economic impact from America’s 250th and FIFA World Cup action this summer. Key venues include Valley Forge Casino Resort.
[Related: Greater Philadelphia’s ‘Revolutionary’ Event Year]
Offering 100,000-plus square feet of space, the popular 411-room group property has expanded its appeal with a multiphase transformation that has produced a new food hall, comedy club, luxurious spa and Vegas-inspired redesign of all 253 Stardust Tower rooms and four premium suites. Construction is due to begin soon on a high-end steakhouse and cigar lounge in partnership with NBA legend Charles Barkley, aiming for mid-2027.
In a milestone year for the Connecticut gaming market, Foxwoods Resort Casino turned 34 in February and Mohegan Sun celebrates 30 years this October.
Live entertainment is a Mohegan Sun hallmark. Opened in 2011, the world-ranked, 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena turns 15 this November, having surpassed 3,000 events and 15 million guests in 2024.
Complemented by the smaller Wolf Den and Cabaret Theater, the venue is part of a comprehensive product mix that includes 275,000-plus square feet of flexible space, 1,600 luxury hotel rooms, two world-class spas and a superior dining and nightlife scene.
[Related: Connecticut Is Convenience, Culture and Culinary Delight for Events]
“At Mohegan Sun, our strength across MICE comes from our ability to seamlessly integrate scale, scope and style within one destination,” said Kim Simone, vice president of sales and marketing. “This allows groups to fully customize conventions, expos, incentives and other programs without ever leaving the property, while also tapping into a wide range of nontraditional onsite attractions.”
Simone added that, “as group needs continue to evolve, we remain focused on investing in our facilities, technology and people—ensuring planners receive the flexibility, personalized attention and exceptional service needed to deliver a truly standout event.”
Commenting on the resort’s anniversary, Foxwoods President and CEO Jason Guyot stated that “our focus remains on creating exceptional experiences through cutting-edge gaming, world-class dining and premier entertainment that continue to shape the future of resorting.”
Reinvestments include renovations of The Great Cedar Hotel and transformation of Fox Tower rooms. Star additions to Foxwoods’ culinary line-up include The Bedford by Martha Stewart, slated for this spring.
Turning Stone Resort in Central New York is finalizing its largest transformation since opening in 1993. On track for completion this summer one year ahead of schedule, the $370 million “Turning Stone Evolution” project boosts total key count to 1,046 guest rooms and suites with a fourth hotel, the 258-room Crescent, slated for June. Scheduled for Labor Day, the new Grand Expo venue expands group space to 200,000-plus square feet, making the 3,400-acre property the largest meetings and conventions resort in New York.
Groups meeting at MGM National Harbor in Maryland could have a unique future programming option in the form of a smaller-scale version of Sphere, the next-generation concert venue that has redefined live entertainment in Vegas. Announced this January, the 6,000-seat project is planned for the mixed-use National Harbor development.
