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Business & Family Venues Are Expanding FAM REPORT #1 KALAHARI RESORT , SANDUSKY By VICTORIA HEAD age businessperson who struggles with meeting their work demands and finding time to nurture home life. Since leaving family behind,especially on longer and/or frequent trips can be a significant disruption, itmakes total sense that business trav- elers are increasingly including their families on trips to address the issue. This growing trend of combining business As we see the gradual increase of business travel picking up after more than two years of cut- backs, it seems 2012 is offering aid to the aver- cutting ceremony unveiling a $22 million expansion of its con- vention center. This presentation included a tour of the 215,000-sq. ft. convention center, (which by the way,would eas- ily fitmore than threeNFLfootball fields),a 38,000-sq. ft.grand ballroom; expo center, a 12,000-sq. ft. junior ballroom, 14 meet- ing rooms, a 4,000-sq. ft. themed outdoor plaza connected to an indoor ballroom and 30,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space. They also revealed their multi-million dollar waterpark renovation project, including a new slide structure rising above the existing roof, and an African-themed children's water play area. To greatly increase the height of the slides, Kalahari literally raised- the-roof to accommodate the slide tower, Tufani Falls; the slides can actually be seen from the highway by passersby. During the unveiling tour I was fortunate enough to enjoy delectable samplings from the chef's menu, while viewing the new five bedroom villas, which were added in the Kalahari ren- ovation. You can rent an entire duplex to sleep up to 44 or a single unit to sleep up to 22. They include washer and dryer, outdoor patio, fireplace, 55-inch flat screen TV, fully equipped kitchen, dining area and breakfast nook, indoor six-person hot tub; a recreation room with home theatre surround sound, built in bar and billiard table. Needless to say, the tour and person- travelwith family vacations just adds up to awin-win situation; and the good news is, more and more hotels and convention centers aremaking it possible. Kalahari Resorts – Sandusky andWisconsinDells continue to offer innovative,"under-one-roof"getaways for families, sin- gle travelers and conventioneers. This African themed resort provides a waterpark and convention center that caters from the tallest to the smallest of guests. Kalahari – Sandusky is America's largest indoor waterpark and convention center in theMidwest and their under-one-roof concept allows guests to experience everything fromzip lining to golfing to laser tag to arcading and all sorts of water fun. Both Kalahari Resorts offer adults full service at Spa Kalahari, extensive retail and shopping areas, multiple dining options, a fully-equipped fit- ness center, 884 guest rooms and suites, 192 three-key condos and convention centers. In January, 2012,Kalahari–Sandusky held an official ribbon al chef's selections were outstanding, but how I would have enjoyed settling into one of those villas for an overnight stay, or two, or three, just to soak in all the hot tub and home theatre surround sound experience…for my story of course. Most memorable at the resort are the continuous surprises of beautiful, unique African art, indigenous carvings, exotic masks, artistic glass pieces and handcrafted furnishings. There are more than 500 pieces throughout the resort and Kalahari chose this focus because of Africa's rich cultural offerings, the distinctive wildlife and knowing this would deliver a fresh and exciting experience to visitors. On every wall, down every hall, in every guest room, you'll find authentic African décor, fur- nishings and artwork. To learn more about Kalahari Resorts, Sandusky & Wisconsin Dells, visit their website: www.kala- hariresorts.com or call (877) 525-2427 and get greater details concerning conventions,weddings, family reunions, faith-based retreats andmeeting planners assistance. Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 21