Meet in The Garden State
By Eming Piansay
During the Revolutionary War, George Washington spent his longest winter encampment in New Jersey—a powerful emblem of the perseverance and determination of American ideals.
While most planners may not be keen on hosting a winter reenactment, New Jersey’s historical significance is an excellent touchstone for highlighting hard work and determination within teams and groups.
The abundance of historic sites throughout the area can offer meaningful reflection and connect groups with impactful missions looking to change the course of history.
Resources
Crystal Springs Resort
Elena DeBlasio, sales administrative assistant
corpsales@crystalgolfresort.com | crystalgolfresort.com
NJ Division of Travel & Tourism
Michael Styles, director of tourism marketing
michael.styles@sos.nj.gov | visitnj.org
Visit Atlantic City
Joan Mooney, director of sales
joanm@visitatlanticcity.com | visitatlanticcity.com
5 Reasons Why Planners Love It Here
Historic locations. Between Harriet Tubman Museum, William Trent House Museum and nearly 300 military engagement locations, New Jersey offers guests the chance to see the remnants of a time long past. Visit New Jersey provides a digital PDF of the memorials and historic areas throughout the state if planners want to create an immersive historical experience as an off-site activity.
Wine tours and vineyards. For wine connoisseurs, New Jersey has over 50 wineries, including Alba Vineyard and The Federal Twist Vineyard. The Grape Escape offers corporate events such as office meetings, winemaking, and olive oil and balsamic vinegar bottling.
Art, science and culture. The Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium is known for being a Negro League baseball stadium. There, guests can partake in educational programs and guided tours. The Liberty Science Center is another great attraction that includes 12 museum exhibition halls, 110 species among a live animal collection, a 3D theater, live simulcast surgeries and more!
The Boardwalk. Planners looking for some downtime for their guests might consider driving to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk. Attendees have various activities such as mini golf, Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker, five-star restaurants and casinos!
Outdoor activities. After a day in the boardroom, get your team outside. Consider incorporating a cruise such as Atlantic City Cruises or parasailing, fishing, axe throwing or golf, just to name a few!
5 Great Places to Meet
DoubleTree by Hilton Somerset Hotel and Conference Center offers indoor and outdoor pools, a basketball court and a tennis court.
28,105 sq. ft. of event space and 20 meeting rooms; 364 guest rooms
Atlantic City Convention Center is adjacent to the AC Regional Rail Terminal, which connects Philadelphia and Atlantic City. The lobby of the convention center contains a 90-foot-tall skylit atrium.
734,380 sq. ft. of meeting space and 50 meeting rooms
ICONA Cape May is a seren beachfront resort that features an expansive ballroom and intimate corporate suites overlooking the Atlantic. The hotel’s ICONA Shuttle takes guests across Cape May to enjoy a variety of fine dining, shopping and entertainment options.
20,000 sq ft. of meeting space; 56 guest rooms
Crystal Springs Resort allows planners to create team-building activities that include nature walks, cooking with local ingredients, yoga and meditation. The hotel is also home to Restaurant Latour which offers stellar views of the mountains.
100,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space; 250 guest rooms
Ocean Casino Resort Atlantic City houses a spa and bathhouse, along with a salon and fitness center. The Topgolf Swing Suite, Bar & Kitchen onsite provides the chance for friendly competition between attendees.
Over 160,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 20 meeting rooms; 1,860 guest rooms
This article appears in the May 2025 issue. Subscribe to the magazine here.
