17 minute read
Featured Location: New Jersey
LocationReport SOUTH JERSEY
Indoor swimming pool at The Grand Hotel in Cape May, NJ; photo credit: Jeff Casella
CAPE MAY capemaycity.com
OVERVIEW:
Meeting and convention attendees will find Cape May has all the amenities one would expect, such as fine dining, five-star accommodations, and diversified meeting space options. It also is home to unique shopping boutiques on its outdoor pedestrian mall, historical tours, and outdoor activities like nature and birding tours.
WHAT'S NEW:
Cape May is constantly renewing its tourism and hospitality offerings while maintaining its historic charm. The end of 2020 has many businesses looking forward to what 2021 will bring for the local tourism community.
LOOKING AHEAD:
"I hope we are able to better appreciate in-person meetings and interaction," says Kate O’Connell, event sales and coordinator for the City of Cape May. "Most of us have been removed from interacting with our colleagues and customers."
"I hope a return to normalcy will be a call to appreciate the interaction with another, appreciation a smile or laugh, and remind us all to be kind," adds Laurie Taylor, City of Cape May's director of marketing.
COMMUNITY:
Along with its cultural and marketing partners, Cape May City keeps clear communication about moving forward. Many meetings have gone virtual as a way to keep the conversations moving. Cape May City also was recently awarded a Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) COVID-19 Relief Program grant, along with many other NJ State funded grants, in an effort to help local businesses navigate through the pandemic. A NEW DAY TO MEET Enjoy the perks of 160,000 square feet of private, 昀exible meeting space with complimentary Wi-Fi, a fully-equipped business center and an on-site technical support team. All meeting rooms are ideal for social distancing.
BOOK YOUR MEETING OR EVENT TODAY. Explore our spaces at theOceanAC.com I 609.783.8300
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MEET AT THE BEACH...
THEN SHOP, DINE, STAY & PLAY IN HISTORIC CAPE MAY
Cape May Convention Hall A BEACHFRONT LOCATION FOR YOUR NEXT MEETING OR EVENT
714 BEACH AVENUE, CAPE MAY, NJ CAPEMAYCITY.COM • 609.884.9565
THE WILDWOODS, NJ wildwoodsnj.com
In the Wildwoods, visitors will find 5miles of free white-sand beaches and 38 blocks of boardwalk fun that features rides, waterparks, shopping and arcades, plus great dining and nightlife. From classic cars to rock stars, special events and festivals to live entertainment, there is something for all ages and tastes.
The Wildwoods Convention Center is a modern, multipurpose facility equipped with exhibit, ballroom, meeting and prefunction space. Located on the world famous Wildwoods boardwalk directly overlooking the beach and ocean, this unique, state-of-the-art, 260,000square foot facility is a spacious, flexible, innovative and inviting venue within a day’s drive of one-third of America’s population.
The convention center, along with all local accommodations, are following proper physical distancing and sanitizing protocols set forth by the CDC, including frequent cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting of rooms and all high-traffic touch areas, along with hand sanitizer stations, and all employees must wear a face covering.
Restaurants and attractions are open with limited capacities and are following the proper distancing and sanitizing protocols, as well.
Of course, there's the beach and boardwalk - both of which are free and open. Visitors are encouraged to follow proper physical distancing, including while walking, running and biking.
ATLANTIC CITY / ATLANTIC COUNTY meetinac.com
WHAT’S NEW:
The New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) recently transferred ownership of land on Ohio Avenue in Atlantic City to AtlantiCare, where the healthcare organization will build a Medical Arts Pavilion on the site. Groundbreaking is anticipated to take place the first quarter of 2021. The three-story, 69,700-square foot facility will enable AtlantiCare to expand the care it provides, including at its William L. Gormley AtlantiCare HealthPlex.
Renault Winery Resort and Golf is celebrating 156 years of vineyard hospitality. Renault Winery Resort and Golf not only is a New Jersey State Historical site, but also is one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the U.S.
Under the leadership of VIVÂMEE Hospitality, Renault Winery is rapidly becoming known as an East Coast premier vineyard destination. Planners and wine enthusiasts alike enjoy the Renault experience, which includes the Château Hotel, House of Renault Restaurant, Renault Winery and Champagne House, and the Vineyard National Golf Course.
PLACES TO MEET:
Set on 17-acres with the Atlantic City boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City boasts casino gaming, first-class restaurants and lounges, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the beachside Sound Waves, and Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club. The hotel and casino also features the iconic Hard Rock Cafe overlooking the boardwalk, plus an array of upscale amenities, world-class shopping, and the brand’s signature full-service Rock Spa® and Salon, plus more than 150,000-square feet of meeting and event space.
Hard Rock Atlantic City has a wide variety of spaces from which to choose, such as small group meetings and celebrations within the property’s on-site dining destinations, as well as plenty of indoor and outdoor event space that can safely host a group of any size. In addition, the casino has implemented its Safe + Sound program guidelines to provide “a good, clean fun environment” for patrons, guests and groups.
BACK T BUSINESS
Get back to taking care of business safely, soundly and in style. With 150,000 square feet of spectacular meeting space, plus 2,000 luxury hotel rooms, we have the perfect place for you to get back on track. Our newly implemented Safe + Sound procedures are in place for your peace-of-mind.
We are committed to remaining FLEXIBLE in the face of evolving conditions: • Zero attrition or cancellation fees • Zero risk in rebooking
Visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/meetings or call 609-449-6060 today and receive additional booking incentives.
Ocean Casino Resort offers unique dining experiences, a 131,000-square foot casino, sports book, Exhale Spa, various retail shops and an art gallery. Its dedicated meeting room level features 20 separate meeting rooms in a selfcontained area. Ovation Hall is the property’s largest venue at 70,000-square feet. The Den is a unique social venue overlooking the casino floor, and Topgolf is an interactive and fun space. Ocean is offering groups one comp room for every 20 booked in 2021 along with flexible cancellation and attrition clauses on all contracts based on the pandemic. Tropicana Atlantic City is home to over 122,000-square feet
Resorts Casino Hotel offers 942 guest rooms and suites, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville island-inspired entertainment complex and restaurant, themed coffee and retail shops, 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar, and the innovative LandShark Bar & Grill – Atlantic City’s only year-round beach bar. In addition sleep, eat and meet all in one location with more than 2,590
to gaming on its casino floor, there is Draftkings Sportsbook at Resorts, plus top-notch business facilities with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
“Regarding health and safety procedures, groups and guests will experience enhanced safety guidelines for all attor of sales and revenue management. “Resorts Casino Hotel is the only casino in Atlantic City that utilizes mobile UV light technology to disinfect surfaces... The air is purified using patented bipolar ionization and the technology is proven to be over 99 percent effective in neutralizing COVID19.” Caesars Entertainment plans to invest at least $400-million into its three Atlantic City casinos over the next three years, which include Caesars, Harrah’s and Tropicana. These improvements will encompass guest room renovations, new gaming equipment, plus restaurant and recreational upgrades.
Caesars Atlantic City offers an elegant Roman theme, superb dining, a luxurious spa plus a variety of meeting and event spaces.
of meeting space and 2,400 guest rooms, as well as The Quarter, which features 200,000-square feet of retail, dining, entertainment and spa experiences, including an IMAX Theatre.
Overlooking the Absecon Inlet and the iconic Marina District, the Waterfront Conference Center at Harrah’s Atlantic City offers innovative meeting space with the opportunity to tendees from start to finish,” asserts Ritambra Verma, direc-
hotel rooms. The conference center is the largest hotel-conference center complex from Baltimore to Boston.
Offering a wide variety of expansive indoor spaces at each of its Atlantic City properties, Caesars Entertainment has worked with planners in coming up with some creative solutions to meet their needs with properties that are extremely versatile and flexible and offer a wide variety of spaces, state-of-the-art amenities and services.
GLOUCESTER, BURLINGTON AND CAMDEN COUNTIES visitsouthjersey.com
OVERVIEW:
Gloucester County is home to large hotels and meeting spaces populating the I295 corridor, especially in the Washington Township, Williamstown, Glassboro and Deptford areas. The Best Western in Williamstown had a major expansion and branding change in 2020, and will become a Holiday Inn Express with a new wing addition early in 2021.
The Gloucester County Dream Park is a 277-acre state-of-the-art equestrian facility located just off I-295 in Logan Township, while towns like Swedesboro, Mullica Hill and Pitman are home to historical attractions, theater, art and many fine dining establishments as well as wineries.
Mount Laurel is the epicenter of business in Burlington County with access to the New Jersey Turnpike and I-295 and hotels, restaurants and attractions, including Top Golf, centered around these thoroughfares. Moorestown, historic
Burlington City and Bordentown offer charming downtowns and dining, while the Pine Barrens offer opportunities for outdoor fun, and Valenzano Winery in Shamong is an experience unto itself.
The city of Camden boasts a picturesque waterfront overlooking the city of Philadelphia from across the Delaware River. Home to Rutgers University, international corporations, as well as the Philadelphia 76ers practice facility, Camden is a business epicenter in Camden County and South Jersey.
WHAT’S NEW:
The highly-anticipated, 180-room Hilton Garden Inn Camden Waterfront is the first hotel to open in Camden in more than 50 years. Its opening in December of 2020 marked the 900th Hilton Garden Inn to open since the brand’s founding back in 1996. Hilton Garden Inn Camden Waterfront is developed by Ensemble Real Estate Investments, and operated by Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company.
Hilton Garden Inn Camden Waterfront features an elevated, high-end appearance that complements the brand’s hallmark bright and airy décor. To emphasize a commitment to the health and safety of guests, the property is participating in the Hilton CleanStay Program, as well.
“Hilton Garden Inn Camden Waterfront will be one of the first hotels in the U.S. to have an upgraded filtration system throughout, known as Bipolar Air Ionization,” said Bill Kao, general manager for the hotel. “The advanced system cleans the air of VOC compounds, kills bacteria and viruses, and neutralizes allergens.” To facilitate low-contact meetings and events, the hotel features over 4,100square feet of multiuse space and follows stringent cleaning procedures. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor dining at the property’s on-site restaurant, The Water Street Grill, enhanced with firepits, cozy seating, unique menus, and views of the water and skyline.
“This is a momentous occasion that Camden residents, business owners, and visitors have waited for patiently,” said Camden Mayor Frank Moran. “Camden’s revitalization is tangible and Hilton Garden Inn Camden Waterfront will be one of the leading catalysts for our city’s economic resurgence. The hotel is a significant part of the $1-billion mixed-use project involving NFI, Conner Strong & Buckelew, and The Michaels Organization, which has already resulted in new opportunities and high-paying jobs for Camden residents.” As the latest addition to the development of the Camden waterfront, the hotel is working closely with Cooper’s Ferry Partnership to form strong ties within the community by hiring local residents through initiatives like Camden Works, which placed over 220 Camden residents with jobs amidst the pandemic. A number of staff also have worked with Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company for many years, showing the dedication Concord has to fostering strong relationships with employees. In addition, Ensemble Real Estate Investments has made a $90,000 contribution to the City of Camden for the administration of Camden Works.
The hotel is conveniently located near prominent business headquarters, including Subaru, American Water Works, and Campbell Soup Company; recreational venues like BB&T Arena and Adventure Aquarium; and institutes of higher education and healthcare systems.
North Jersey
Al fresco dining in Red Bank, NJ; photo courtesy: Monmouth County Government
MONMOUTH COUNTY tourism.visitmonmouth.com
OVERVIEW:
Monmouth County is home to 53 different municipalities, each with their own attractions and charm, from rural communities to busy downtowns full of shopping, dining and entertainment options. The county also is home to many unique attractions that will provide visitors with an array of activities to do and see. Historical sites, downtowns, festivals, theatrical performances, horse racing and beaches are just some of the places one can visit while in Monmouth County. Seaside and downtown alfresco dining options add even more to the group experience in the area.
LOOKING AHEAD:
“Tourism is a $2.6-billion industry in Monmouth County, employing more than 30,000 people each year,” explains Monmouth County Freeholder Director, Tom Arnone, who also serves as liaison to Monmouth County Tourism. “This is not only a vital industry for our area – it is the backbone of our economy. Our pri-
ority is ensuring a successful return to a ‘normal’ tourism season as soon as it is possible to ensure the economic health of our region.”
“We hope to see more companies seek to change their meeting and convention operations from the traditional city locations to seaside destinations,” he adds. “By doing this, companies will help our small business community while also enjoying a beautiful location for their business trips.”
COMMUNITY:
Monmouth County Tourism has long had a strong relationship with dozens of local tourism partners, from arts organizations to festival organizers and municipal business alliances to hotels and restaurants. Monmouth County Tourism remains in constant contact with various partners to ensure similar messaging is being marketed to a large audience throughout the state and Northeast.
Throughout the health crisis, Monmouth County has worked closely with those in the tourism and hospitality industry to ensure the everchanging policies, procedures and guidelines from the state are communicated. Monmouth County took the lead in coordinating its own Federal CARES Act Funding Grant Program, distributing well over $20 million to small businesses in need that have had to pay for COVID-related expenses. ELIZABETH, NJ goelizabethnj.com
WHAT’S NEW:
As of now, Elizabeth is showing plenty of "signs of progress," with construction happening that includes, but is not limited to, transportation upgrades and outdoor field facility expansions. Specifically, a $71-million-dollar train station renovation is underway that will connect Elizabeth to the Newark Liberty International Airport in under 10-minutes, to NYC in under 30-minutes, and to the Jersey Shore in under 45-minutes.
Another example, the popular Todd Bowles Sports Complex will be adding two new softball fields and basketball courts. Overlooking the waterfront, this field is known for its views of the Bayonne Bridge while watching a game or playing on the field.
Elizabeth has been voted the fifth best city for shopping, is known as a cultural melting pot, and as a safe destination for meetings.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The overall vision for the Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization (EDMO) is to continue to support the local business community through its Chamber of Commerce and to foster relationships with tour operators, as they are looking forward to bringing visitors and meetings to the Northeast area.
COMMUNITY:
The Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce has continuously remained in operation for its members in the community throughout the pandemic. Serving as their sister company, the tourism office also has consistently continued to help market and strategically plan virtual events and serve local/state funding resources for the local small business community.
Through email campaigns and organic social media postings, they continue to share SHOP Local Campaigns and virtual networking event opportunities. An example is their monthly "Business After Hours," which serves as a Sip-n-See for members to talk with each other about some of what they have been doing to push through these trying times.
On the tourism side, while many may not be traveling just yet, Elizabeth is getting prepared, having ramped up virtual FAM tour experiences for tour operators and travel agents, with one already completed and three more scheduled in the coming weeks.
MEADOWLANDS meadowlands.org
OVERVIEW:
With multiple interstate highways and an abundance of mass transit crossing the region, the Meadowlands is home to one of the most popular destinations, the newly opened American Dream entertainment and retail complex.
WHAT’S NEW:
American Dream blends shopping and entertainment into the ultimate regional destination experience. Featuring the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Indoor Amusement Park, the DreamWorks Indoor Water Park, and the Big Snow all-season indoor ski area, families from hundreds of miles away visit on a daily basis to explore this state-of-the-art facility.
And with over 40 hotels in the immediate vicinity, visitors can enjoy extended stays and explore the many other attractions the area has to offer, like Meadowlands Racetrack, Medieval Times, Liberty Science Center, and RPM Raceway. In addition, the Meadowlands boasts 8000-acres of parks and recreation that includes natural areas for birding, kayaking and hiking along the reclaimed Hackensack River.
COMMUNITY:
In response to the crisis, the Meadowlands Chamber and Meadowlands Live! CVB has been providing area businesses with critical information, resources and guidance to help manage the challenges brought on by COVID-19. The Chamber and CVB continue to be a lead advocate, especially for hospitality- and tourism-related businesses hit hardest by the pandemic.
OVERVIEW:
“While our region offers a lot of excitement for the outdoor adventurer to enjoy, it also provides a welcome escape for those that find comfort in our natural environments and open spaces," notes Tammie Horsfield, CMDE, president of the Sussex Skylands Destination Marketing Organization. "We have learned from our visitors that being here in Sussex County, even if just for the day to walk a trail or visit a state park, acts as a balm during unsettling time and they return to their homes fortified.”
Visitors to Sussex Skylands - New Jersey's Great Northwest - also are drawn to the area for its unique and varied attractions, such as: world famous mines (the region is known as the Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World) that includes the Sterling Hill Mine Tour and also the Franklin Mineral Museum; the picturesque Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area; views of Lake Hopatcong aboard Miss Lotta, the largest boat on NJ’s largest lake; farm-to-fork dining at several local restaurants; plus 75-miles of nature trails and more.
WHAT'S NEW:
In mid-2020, Crystal Springs Resort reopened its luxurious Grand Cascades Lodge following a significant renovation. The property’s makeover is highlighted by its biophilic design, which is a concept used to increase guests’ innate biological connection with the environment through the use of natural materials and light, as well as the replication of elements found in nature.
The installation of refined yet comfortable furnishings, carpeting, paint, artwork and finishes in the guest rooms, plus enhanced showers and bathrooms, heighten the lodge’s overall aesthetic, which is surrounded by panoramic view of forests, farmlands and the Kittatinny Mountains.
“Biophilic design can be very powerful in this industry,” stated Robby Younes, COO of Crystal Springs Resort. “It is a compelling way to enrich the guest experience, allowing an organic mind-body connection with nature.”
LOOKING AHEAD:
People love traveling, whether it is for business or leisure. Being somewhere “else” always revives the spirit and fosters new ideas. Collaborating virtually will never compare to face-to-face idea exchange and nothing can bring people closer together than experiencing and understanding the people, the landscapes and the cultures of the planet through travel.
The Sussex Skylands DMO believes there will be a huge pent-up demand for meetings, events, conventions and tourism in the future, and looks forward to sharing their special brand of hospitality with new and returning guests.
COMMUNITY:
The Sussex Skylands DMO has worked to assist its partners in getting available funding during the pandemic along with information about safety protocols for employees and guests. As attractions and lodging were allowed to reopen, the DMO pivoted to the promotion of these partners and the protocols they have in place to ensure the safety of guests.
