5 Reasons Why Meeting Profs Love New England

Four distinct seasons, endless atmosphere. From the vibrant colors of fall to the sunny coastline of summer, New England offers an ever-changing natural backdrop that brings built-in ambiance to any event. Planners can host scenic autumn retreats in Vermont, snow-dusted incentive trips in Maine or harborfront receptions in coastal Rhode Island.

Culinary and cultural depth. The region is a foodie’s dream: lobster boils in Maine, farm-to-table feasts in Vermont, craft breweries in New Hampshire and global dining in Boston. Add in world-class museums, music festivals and historic landmarks, and you’ve got endless options for off-site experiences.

Built-in thought leadership hubs. New England is home to some of the world’s top academic institutions and innovation centers like Harvard, MIT, Yale and Dartmouth, plus industries ranging from biotech to green energy. This intellectual capital makes it easy to tap into inspiring keynote speakers, field trips and partnerships that elevate a conference or corporate gathering beyond the expected.

Small towns, big impact. Beyond the well-known cities, New England offers quaint, lesser-traveled destinations that bring intimacy, charm and more budget-friendly options to events. Places like Woodstock, Vermont; Mystic, Connecticut; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Lenox, Massachusetts offer high-end inns, creative venues and walkable main streets that foster connection and reflection—ideal for executive retreats, offsites or wellness-focused gatherings.

Plug-and-play wellness. From coastal kayaking and mountain hikes to spa getaways and ski resorts, New England makes it easy to integrate wellness into the agenda. Group activities like sunrise yoga on the beach, apple picking or whale watching foster memorable team connections in natural settings.

5 Places to Meet & Stay

Four Seasons Hotel Boston is set against the Boston Public Garden in the heart of Back Bay. This Forbes Five-Star property offers refined elegance and timeless style for both executive gatherings and high-touch conferences.

36,078 sq. ft. of meeting space; 239 guest rooms

Hotel Viking has been a Newport, Rhode Island icon since 1926. This historic hotel blends old-world charm with modern amenities and offers a boutique luxury experience for groups seeking walkable access to Gilded Age mansions, waterfront activities and seaside dining.

3,540 sq. ft. of meeting space; 208 guest rooms

Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center in Massachusetts is a full-service lakeside resort that offers a peaceful setting for regional conferences, leadership retreats or multi-day events. Surrounded by classic New England countryside, it gives attendees the space to focus.

33,468 sq. ft. of meeting space

Hartford Marriott Downtown pairs modern luxury with seamless event capability, offering direct access to the Connecticut Convention Center. Attendees also enjoy upscale accommodations, onsite
dining and sweeping views of the Connecticut River.

13,500 sq. ft. of meeting space; 409 guest rooms

Cliff House Maine in Ogunquit is perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic and offers sweeping ocean views, high-end amenities and a rejuvenating atmosphere ideal for incentive travel or wellness-infused programs.

25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 226 guest rooms