Waterfront Destinations

The allure of rivers, streams, bay, lakes, and the ocean has long been a draw to those seeking both serenity and scenic surroundings. For the same reasons, meeting and event planners are seeking out waterfront locations and destinations for the groups they represent.

As more and more meetings and events are returning, planners want to provide attendees with an inviting atmosphere that offers plenty of opportunities for taking in nature and breathing fresh air. For those who want to amid these tranquil settings, the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions boast a wide range of opportunities.

“We have two waterfront properties, the award-winning The Reeds at Shelter Haven, located on Shelter Haven Basin in Stone Harbor, NJ, and River House at Odette’s, perched on the Delaware River in New Hope, PA - both luxury boutique hotels in charming enclaves,” says Ron Gorodesky, president and CEO of Refined Hospitality.

Gorodesky notes that meeting participants want to be transported to a new environment, dive into a fresh experience, and be inspired by their surroundings – all of which can be accomplished through a waterfront location.

Even little things, such as breathing the salty ocean air or feeling a cool breeze off the water, add to the sensory experience that makes the meeting more enjoyable. The presence of water also has a calming effect while generating enthusiasm with participants, and guests often point to proximity to the water as one of the most alluring factors of their meeting experience.

A waterfront location also means additional leisure activities that can round out the meeting experience, from boat charters, swimming and kayaking to an invigorating stroll and finding the ideal spot for a social media photo, Gorodesky notes.

River House at Odette’s, a luxury boutique hotel, offers an array of both meeting and event spaces that include intimate, urban-inspired meeting rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious multi-room suites, and an open-concept ballroom with floor-to-ceiling retractable glass walls that lead to a river view veranda.

Having debuted during the pandemic in September 2020, River House at Odette’s meeting and event spaces emphasize indoor/outdoor activities with most gathering and dining spaces opening up to grand outdoor riverfront spaces with cozy fireplaces.

Understanding the importance of supporting the tight-knit local community, River House has cultivated partnerships with and offers special programming through local organizations such as New Hope Historical Society, which offers private tours and educational conversations with beloved creatives who call New Hope home.

“On the logistics side, our dedicated events team understands the nuances of hosting corporate meetings and retreats throughout a tumultuous time for the industry,” explains Gorodesky, “offering hybrid meeting options with a dedicated concierge to ensure all participants can connect seamlessly and effectively.”

The Reeds at Shelter Haven was designed to inspire creativity, positivity and teamwork, and the hotel offers an array of options available for any size group. Centrally located in downtown Stone Harbor, this boutique resort offers modern meeting amenities, including three hospitality suites and a ballroom all in an intimate setting directly on the bay.

No matter what time of year, the hotel’s team of coordinators inspire guests with seaside experiences customized to suit group needs, including boat excursions, relaxing spa days, wine education dinners, firepit events, clambakes and more.

Ocean City, MD is an outstanding drive-to destination for meetings,

events and conventions, with plenty of ways to enjoy the waterfront, such as eating crabs and taking in iconic sunsets along the bay in the evening. “Starting your day also is unique, as all of our Harrison Group hotels are oceanfront - giving attendees the best sunrise every morning,” proclaims Sara Simon, senior sales manager for Harrison Group Hotels in Ocean City.

“We offer a dynamic portfolio of oceanfront locations that range from efficiency options to multi-bedroom suites,” Simon asserts. “Meeting space is plentiful, and outside of the typical four walls is our specialty. We love getting events outside, toes in the sand and clipboard in hand! We can host meetings, breakouts, meals and team building functions on our balconies, terraces, private beaches and pool decks, helping to make events not only successful, but memorable and fun, as well.”

Team building and the beach pair well together. The hotels of Harrison Group have hosted paint nights, yoga, massages, sports activities, golf, kayaking, fishing and boating events - both on- and off-site - for groups.

According to Marc Devito, managing director, ICONA Resorts, there are three criteria the staff of his properties believe are necessary to help meeting and event groups achieve what he calls “exponential growth.”

First, Devito, explains, planners need to take their team out of their everyday environment and away from the day-to-day distractions of the workplace, whether they work from the

MEETINGS WITH A SIDE OF VITAMIN SEA

From corporate retreats to big time concerts to antique car shows, and everything in between, it’s no wonder year after year meeting and event planners choose the Wildwoods Convention Center!

• 75K square foot exhibit arena, a 12K square foot Ballroom and 10-Meeting Rooms • 380 – 10’ x 10’ exhibit booth space or seating for up to 7,500 • Modern amenities / State-of-the-art communication systems • Full in-house Catering/Concession services • Adjacent to the world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk and 5 miles of FREE white sand beaches • On-site parking for over 700 vehicles • 30K square feet of pre-function space • Free Wi-Fi for attendees

To schedule your next meeting or event, 800-992-9732 | WildwoodsCC.com

Hyatt Place Dewey Beach and Lighthouse Cove Event Center in Dewey Beach, DE

office or from home. “There’s no substitute for face-toface time together as a team away from potential disturbances or interruptions from things like office chit chat, smart phones, poor Internet connection for digital meetings, quick household chores, or attention-seeking pets.”

Second - travel to a place of peace. “At ICONA, we believe water soothes the soul. For that reason, all of our properties and venues are beachfront. The tranquil, waterfront environment sparks connection, creativity, and teamwork,” Devito explains.

Third, teams should review their vision, mission and goals, and strategize their plan in order to achieve them. Being in a “place of peace” that is free from distractions, allows everyone to focus fully on the agenda at hand.

“While we offer meetings and events at all four of our ICONA properties (ICONA Avalon, ICONA Diamond Beach, ICONA Cape May, and ICONA Windrift – set to open this spring), at this time, our ICONA Avalon and ICONA Diamond Beach properties are best suited for company or organizational meetings and retreats. Our properties have been fully renovated, offer world-class cleanliness, and are known for award-winning friendly service,” Devito observes.

ICONA properties offer everything groups need on-site for their function, from guest rooms and suites to ballrooms, outdoor tents, smaller breakout spaces (both inside and out), catering and restaurants to “cozy season” buyout options where groups can experience the entire property as their own private retreat.

ICONA also works with a with a number of local businesses and vendors to provide team building experiences like mixology and yoga classes, local environmental and wildlife presentations, beach walks by the Wetland’s Institute, visits to historic sites, breweries and wineries in Cape May County, and the Tree to Tree Adventure Park at Cape May Zoo. They even can offer captained charters on their 64-foot Sunseeker Predator Yacht.

The Hyatt Place Dewey Beach and Lighthouse Cove Event Center in Dewey Beach, DE has combined meetings and fun to create unforgettable experiences for event guests situated along the Rehoboth Bay and just

steps from the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, the property features waterfront dining at its Lighthouse Restaurant.

“Dewey Beach is a very special town; just a mile long, it is home to beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for outdoor activities on and off the water,” observes Ashlee Martinelli, regional director of sales and marketing for Hyatt Place Dewey Beach and Lighthouse Cove Event Center. “In the evening, you are steps from restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Hop on the Jolley Trolley for a two-mile excursion to downtown Rehoboth Beach, home of the famous beach boardwalk, shopping and amazing culinary opportunities.”

The award-winning Hyatt Place Dewey Beach and Lighthouse Cove Event Center offers flexible indoor and outdoor event space, views of the Rehoboth Bay and gorgeous sunsets in the heart of Dewey Beach. Their experienced sales team can help create an unforgettable experience for groups.

“We create a full-service experience in addition to a one-shop stop for your group,” explains Martinelli. “At our property, we can host your guest rooms, conduct your meeting with many flexible space and options, create an exquisite culinary experience with our experienced food and beverage team, as well as plan team building and after hour’s activities to make your event one-of-a-kind.”

“From beach bonfires, boat rides and Dewey Crush Bar Crawls to a beach volleyball tournament to interactive items in our meeting space that adds a twist to traditional meetings, we can ensure that your event will be one your group will never forget,” says Martinelli. Overlooking the Atlantic City, NJ boardwalk and Atlantic Ocean, Resorts Casino Hotel features outstanding ocean views. A short walk from the beach, Resorts is home to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville entertainment complex, which includes Atlantic City’s only year-round beach bar, Landshark Bar and Grill.

Planners and groups can plan their next gathering at Resorts Casino Hotel within its technologically advanced meeting spaces, most featuring natural light and ocean views. “There are various venues available for corporate and private gatherings at Resorts Casino Hotel, including the 13,000-square foot Ocean Ballroom and 12,000-square foot Atlantic Ballroom,” notes Ritambra Verma, director of sales and revenue management for Resorts Casino Hotel.

The casino is situated on perhaps the most exciting section of the Atlantic City boardwalk, which includes attractions such as Steel Pier Amusements - home to a 227-foot observation wheel, Steel Pier helicopter rides, Axe Throwing and more.

Also nearby, group attendees can enjoy a visit to the Absecon Lighthouse, the state’s tallest, or head to Lucky Snake, a massive arcade at Showboat hotel, or embark on dolphin watching boat trips.

By taking their groups to waterfront destinations and properties, planners are providing attendees with the opportunity to relax and unwind, to dine while enjoying scenic surroundings, to participate in activities and team building on or by the water, and to come together in a distraction-free setting that will serve as an ideal return to meetings and events.

The award-winning The Reeds at Shelter Haven, located on Shelter Haven Basin in Stone Harbor, NJ

Museums and Attractions

Independence Seaport Museum • Philadelphia, PA

The return of warmer weather means the return of onwater fun at Independence Seaport Museum (ISM). Starting in May and running through October, ISM’s Kayak Excursions allow participants to explore the Delaware River from a whole new point of view, regardless of experience level. With returning destinations include Three Sisters Shipwreck and Graffiti Pier, while new tours feature The Black Channel Boneyard and Skyline Paddles.

Team building and leadership development programs also are available at Independence Seaport Museum. Spend the on the water while fine-tuning communication, collaboration, and other 21st Century skills, or try ISM’s land-based workshops instead. Whether participating in a workshop or a full-day retreat, groups will leave feeling connected and ready to thrive in the office.

Independence Seaport Museum is home to two historic ships, as well, Cruiser Olympia, the oldest floating steel warship in the world, and Submarine Becuna, a World War II-era submarine. While access to Cruiser Olympia is included with general admission tickets, ISM can further enhance the visitor experience by offering tours that are rarely open to the public for an additional fee, such as the engine room and admiral’s quarters.

Guided tours of the historic Submarine Becuna will be offered daily, highlighting her impressive service record and what life was like for the crew aboard. Additional fees apply. ISM recently announced a new Airbnb Experience for locals and visitors to Philadelphia, too, that provides guests with exclusive tour opportunities aboard the sub.

This new Airbnb Experience will share stories of espionage, flooding and other tales from decades at sea, all based on the experiences of those who served aboard “Becky,” the only Guppy 1-A type submarine remaining anywhere in the world.

211. S Columbus Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19106

SEALEBRATE

BOOK NOW!

phillyseaport.org/rentals OR 215-413-8615

Sea the possibilities of your next event at Independence Seaport Museum. Whether you host your gathering among our award-winning exhibits, aboard a replica of the 1800s vessel Schooner Diligence, or in our stunning fourth-floor ballroom, the opportunities are endless. Mention this ad at the time of booking and receive a special discount.

James A. Michener Art Museum • Doylestown, PA

Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy at the James A. Michener Art Museum; photo credit: Allan Tannenbaum Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy is an exhibition of more than 100 unique and notable works from a private collection on view at the Michener Museum from March 12 - July 31, 2022. A Pan Art Connections traveling exhibition, it includes two rare Subway drawings, complete suites of many of the artist’s icon print series, and Medusa Head (the largest print in the artist’s oeuvre).

Haring (1958-1990), an accomplished and prominent American artist, was born in Reading, PA, and raised in nearby Kutztown. His interest in the colorful graffiti art of city streets influenced his meteoric rise as well as his instantly recognizable works in a variety of mediums, such as paint, prints, posters, drawings, sculptures, and street art. He used his fame to advance social justice activism, like raising awareness for AIDS and fighting against racism and the proliferation of illegal drugs.

“Haring had deep ties to this region, so it’s very exciting to showcase this impressive collection of his work at the museum and introduce his socially and politically engaged work to new audiences,” says Michener Museum Chief Curator, Laura Igoe.

Other upcoming exhibitions at the Michener Museum in 2022 include: The Work of Art: Museum Collecting Unpacked, now through May 15, exploring the life cycle of a work of art; (re)Frame: Community Perspectives on the Michener Art Collection, June 18 – March 5, 2023, a year-long project designed to re-interpret the museum’s permanent collection with input from the community; and Walk This Way: Footwear from the Stuart Weitzman Collection of Historic Shoes, September 24 – January 15, 2023 with a focus on the women who designed, manufactured, sold, and collected footwear.

National Constitution Center • Philadelphia, PA

This spring, in conjunction with the installation of the 50-ton First Amendment tablet at the National Constitution Center, the Center is offering special freedom and equality-themed programming for online and on-site visitors.

Programming for educators, students, families, and lifelong learners includes civic holiday celebrations and special programs; discounted and free admission days; online classes taught by constitutional experts; virtual tours of the museum; and professional learning opportunities for educators featuring distinguished guest speakers.

Now through Thursday, March 31, visitors can enjoy discounted admission of $10 for adults (usually $14.50) and $7.50 for youth ages 6-18 (usually $11). This promotion is valid online only; tickets must be purchased in advance.

Wawa and the National Constitution Center are teaming up to offer visitors a Community Day Honoring Women’s History Month that will include free admission on Saturday, March 26 courtesy of Wawa. The Center also will offer special programming in honor of Memorial Day, Flag Day, Juneteenth, and the Fourth of July. Visit constitutioncenter.org/calendar for the most up-to-date event information.

AT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER

BOOK YOUR EVENT TODAY!

Call 215.409.6653 or email facilityrental@constitutioncenter.org Visit constitutioncenter.org/facility-rentals