An analysis of the increasing popularity of small meetings set in smaller towns, such as Gettysburg, points to the three Cs: Cost. Convenience. Creativity.
The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, New Jersey, incorporates all three Cs. Little more than an hour from New York City, Philadelphia and Atlantic City, the premier boutique hotel offers luxurious seaside appeal within affordable budgets. Round trip transportation on a New York ferry can be included in its meeting pack- age. A full day of delicious meals and pre- mium beverages is part of the package also. Other flexible options include signa- ture cocktails, champagne toasts and the freedom to use outside caterers.
The legendary Stone Pony rock club, where Bruce Springsteen began his career, is just across the street from The Berkeley Oceanfront, and Asbury Park Convention Center is next door. Shannon Calzonetti, sales manager, and her staff
coordinate musical and entertainment activities with local businesses in order to provide meeting guests with captivating side trips at discounted prices.
“Asbury Park is famous for its bands,” remarks Calzonetti. “The entire town works as a team to host various performances and tailor each group’s meeting around a myriad of musical series or dinner theater shows. We get as much information in advance so we can individualize meetings.”
Calzonetti says that the hotel’s small meet- ing calendar has doubled in the past year. She credits much of this growth to the town’s revitalization that began in 2002. In its late 19th and early 20th century halcy- on years, Asbury Park was a residential resort that drew more than 600,000 vaca- tioners. One hundred years later, the
downtown district was dilapidated and largely empty.
A cultural, political and
economic revival, led by local and nation- al artists, is returning the town to its for- mer glory.
Substantial boardwalk reconstruction and the renovation of The Berkeley Oceanfront have been significant to bringing meetings to Asbury Park. “The hotel was built in 1928 at the height of the town’s prominence,” notes Calzonetti. “We maintained its architectural charm, but walk inside and, wow! There’s a 20-foot flat screen TV, iPod docking and computers. Ballrooms are exquisite in décor and capped with crystal chandeliers and carved angels. Meeting rooms, styled as lounges, are surprisingly unexpected. Modern interiors contrast to the vintage exterior. There are leather sofas, cocktail tables and scads of throw pillows. Most meeting attendants here are young and forward-thinking, their reaction to the space and attention is very positive.”
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 25
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