The Oneida Indian Nation opened The Grand Expo at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, in late August. The new conference center not only makes Turning Stone the largest meetings resort in New York but also gives planners access to 225,000 square feet of event space, including a 30,000-square-foot grand ballroom, nine meeting rooms, the new White Pine Cafe, and an outdoor courtyard. In addition, the resort’s new South Parking Center adds 1,492 parking spaces.
“With the completion of the Turning Stone Evolution and the opening of The Grand Expo, we have fulfilled our most ambitious vision yet for the resort, our enterprises, and central New York,” says Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter in a prepared statement. “This historic investment to make Turning Stone New York’s largest meetings and conventions resort destination will transform tourism and economic development in the region for decades to come, allowing us to continue diversifying our enterprises, attract larger events, and compete with the country’s top business and leisure travel destinations.”
The conference center’s opening follows the introduction of The Crescent, the resort’s newest hotel that debuted in July, which contains 258 guest rooms and fine-dining restaurant Salt. The Crescent is directly connected to The Grand Expo for added convenience.
Members of Oneida Indian Nation, elected officials, business and tourism leaders, and others celebrated the completion of the transformation project with a gala on Aug. 29.
