The largest indoor waterparks in the country, a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a restaurant dedicated to macaroni and cheese and a new luxury treehouse resort on the way—is Kalahari Resorts & Conventions serious?
Absolutely, both about keeping customers happy and providing copious meeting space. Case in point: Their 1,035-room Wisconsin Dells Resort and Convention Center, which—with more than 212,000 sf of versatile meeting space—stands as the area’s largest resort and convention facility all under one roof.
“We love being able to balance the feeling of an all-in-one destination for our groups. Each Kalahari resort features a dedicated convention space, so guests can fully immerse themselves in their events,” says Kyra Popp, Corporate Director of Sales. “But when it’s time to break for the day, the full resort is available, from world-class dining to full-service spas and a variety of teambuilding activities. All of these spaces are connected and just a short walk away, so jumping from meetings to a dip in the pool is easier than ever for event-goers.”
Popp says that while there are small differences between the resorts—with locations in the Pocono Mountains, Ohio, Wisconsin, Texas and a fifth location near D.C. due in 2026—each offers more than 200,000 sf of flexible meeting space and a mix of ballroom and smaller breakout options as well as outdoor venues.
“Where the differences shine is with the add-on amenities for groups,” Popp notes. “For example, our Texas property offers 50,000 sf of dedicated outdoor space, complete with covered terraces, lawn spaces and an event barn. Meanwhile in Pennsylvania, groups can test their team building abilities at Gorilla Grove, an outdoor ropes course available during warm weather months.”
Something all Kalahari resorts have in common: Their collections of authentic African art, collected by founder and owner Todd Nelson, who was captivated when visiting Africa for the first time in the 1990s.
“He was immediately taken by the culture, spirit, craft and artistry he saw there, which drove him to design a resort that reflected the beauty of Africa,” Popp says. In addition to giving each property an authentically African feel, the Nelson family’s investment in African art and textiles has totaled more than $5.5 million (to date), supporting local artists and craftsmen across the continent.
In addition, Kalahari Resorts in partnership with charity:water has pledged to bring clean water to a million people in Africa through The Water Colors Life Project, a commitment of $50 million. Groups seeking CSR activities can participate in a variety of ways, Popp says.
“Just by choosing Kalahari, you are supporting our mission,” she says. “However, we also have worked with groups who want to tie this into their event in a variety of meaningful ways.”
Due in 2026, the newest Kalahari property—Kalahari Resorts & Conventions —Spotsylvania County VA—will be located about an hour south of Washington, D.C. and include 907 rooms and suites along with the brand’s signature waterpark, an adventure park with ropes course, 12 onsite F&B outlets and more than 150,000 sf of meeting and convention space.
Meanwhile, the company has a distinctive new experience coming to the Wisconsin Dells area: The Kalahari Treehouse Collection at Dawn Manor, with 21 partially supported luxury treehouses and 31 ground-supported houses, along with a 10,000-sf supper club, boat slips and beach access.
These treehouses boast an impressive pedigree—they are being designed in partnership with Pete Nelson, star of Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters for 11 seasons—and will accent the region’s natural beauty with screened-in porches, kitchenettes and lake views.
“It’s the ultimate getaway, perfect for any incentive programs,” Popp says. —Lisa Simundson
kalaharimeetings.com
