groups. Its Martin Guitar Museum brings together music history, culture and crafts- manship. Also on site, the original Martin factory and old Martin Homestead are now the Guitarmaker's Connection, a retail store offering a collection of tools, guitar parts and kits.
Value is critical for a destination that seeks to attract small meetings, and Kaminetsky says that the Lehigh Valley definitely fits the bill. “We are a very attrac- tive fit for groups coming out of the Northeast Corridor. The Lehigh Valley is really affordable... and we are drivable from Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey and the New York throughway."
Saving groups money is a significant ben- efit, says Kaminetsky. "Most of the hotels in the Lehigh Valley don't charge for park- ing, and hotel taxes are low throughout the area at around 8-10 percent."
Personal service is another big draw to the area. “We take a very personal approach with our clients. The planner isn’t ‘passed
along’ to someone in conference servic- es," notes Kaminetsky. "That personal touch really makes a huge difference.”
In addition, Discover Lehigh Valley can use its extensive experience in working with meeting planners to help new and returning business.
dinners. “We try to be the ultimate resource and a conduit for whatever a group needs. There are a wealth of inter- esting venues for small meetings and team building outings.”
Kaminetsky even
offers to drive planners to their site inspec- tions. “This gives us a chance to get to know each other and build on our rela- tionship."
Adam Perle, vice president of the Princeton, NJ Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Princeton Convention and Visitors Bureau, is dedicated to going the extra mile for meeting planners, too. “Princeton is ideal for small meetings for numerous reasons,” he notes. “We’re equal distance between New York City and Philadelphia, and we have all the ameni- ties of those cities with less cost. Planners like the prestige that is Princeton, as well.”
It’s not unusual for Perle to hand-deliver visitors’ guides to groups or to work with planners in presenting customized VIP
Perle notes that his town has been hosting meetings for over 200 years. In 1783, early news of the Treaty of Paris was delivered to American forefathers who were in Princeton at the time of this pivotal report that ended the Revolutionary War. They were so pleased with the facilities that they named Princeton the temporary cap- ital of the Colonies, and Congress held its first meeting in Nassau Hall.
Fast forward and you’ll find the latest in technology, luxurious accommodations and the appeal of a renowned source of American history. Morven Museum and Garden is often reserved for smaller meet- ings. A short walk from Princeton University, it is part of an original tract of land purchased from William Penn in 1701 by the Stockton family. Morven is home to a formal lawn, majestic trees and beds of heirloom annuals.
14 November December 2012
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