Scranton is known as Pennsylvania’s pro- gressive city, and Peplinski and her team follow the town’s lead by providing pro- gressive packages and committed service.
Destinations Dressed for Success
While the glitz and glamour of large met- ropolitan regions have a certain magnet- ism that draws meeting planners, quaint villages and towns are mighty in charm, complete with signature attractions that complement themes and objectives.
Crystal Ballroom at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, NJ
Another oceanfront hotel blends Victorian splendor with state-of-the-art technology. Boardwalk Plaza in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is AAA four-diamond rated with 84 rooms. The family-owned establishment was founded 19 years ago by Jeff Zerby, Jr. and his wife Jennifer. The Zerbys are among 1.2 million husband and wife teams in the U.S. running com- panies. Family-owned businesses, which generate about 64 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product, are usually man- aged extremely well and recognized for superlative service.
Boardwalk Plaza is no exception. Elegantly appointed accommodations are furnished with beautiful art, authentic Victorian antiques and a glass-enclosed elevator that looks out on the ocean. Banquet rooms, constructed just six years ago, are designed to meet the needs of the new breed of executive - one who expects the best and insists on ingenuity, not just another meeting.
“We stand out as a small meeting choice because of our four-diamond rating, ocean view and restaurant convenience,” says Jennifer Zerby. “Meetings are held adjacent to the restaurant and full-service menus are available 7 am to 10 pm, 365 days a year. Our executive chef is respon- sible for meeting catering, which is a big plus. Participants are pampered just as other guests are.
It’s like they are having 26 November December 2010
their meeting in a big-bed-and breakfast, but with far more amenities.”
Zerby notes that the hotel’s niche is groups of 25 to 45. “We’re well-suited for executive and team-building meetings. There’s a lot to do in Rehoboth Beach all year long, not just during the summer. We partner with several golf clubs to arrange outings. People usually want to take advantage of Delaware’s tax-free sales, so we set up shopping excursions at the 240- store Tanger Outlets. It’s a compliment to us that so many groups come back again and again.”
Another person who enjoys repeat meet- ing business is Donna Peplinski, confer- ences services manager for the Hilton Scranton Hotel and Conference Center. “All meetings, as small as five or as large as 500, receive dedicated service and multi- ple package choices. We offer a confer- ence center, complete with 19 breakout rooms, a grand ballroom and 74-seat amphitheater. Technology is up-to-the- minute, allowing for video and teleconfer- encing, Internet access and audio-visual presentations.”
Hilton Scranton, Green Seal-certified and IACC-approved, is a prime location serv- ing the needs of meeting planners in Northeast Pennsylvania. Single or multi- ple day meetings are customized to suit specific goals and budget needs.
Gettysburg has the historic battlefield. Lackawanna Coal Mining Tour is a Scranton highlight, and a picture postcard setting in Rehoboth Beach is an idyllic backdrop for small functions. Asbury Park’s inimitable music heritage is tanta- lizing and meeting attendees may even see Bruce Springsteen or another celebri- ty. Calzonetti actually ran into Jon Bon Jovi at Target!
There are numerous other small towns to consider that consistently welcome and delight meeting participants. Wilmington, Delaware, is one of these. The gateway to scenic Brandywine River, it is located mid- way between New York and Washington, and is less than 30 minutes south of Philadelphia International Airport. An average of 80 trains, including Amtrak’s high speed Acela Express, make stops here each day.
A savings benefit comes in the form of a perquisite from the Greater Wilmington Convention and
(GWCVB). A $20,000
Visitors Bureau Transportation
Incentive is available to help planners reduce costs and encourage them to book meetings in New Castle County. To be eligible for the award, a minimum of 100 room nights must be reserved and a contract with a GWCVB member hotel in New Castle County signed between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. The event has to take place between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2013. Funding is awarded on a first come-first serve basis.
Esther Lovlie, director of meeting sales at GWCVB, expands on the cost-effective-
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