Destination: Wilmington Meeting & Event Planning City Guide
Destination Articles
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Small States Corner Niche Markets
By Holly Woolard
March 26, 2013
The term “niche” often refers to a specialized market. Even the largest global companies strategically target niche markets for maximum return on investment, so it’s not surprising that states and cities promote key attributes, both natural and manmade, to enhance tourism and their meetings and events industry. Delaware and New Jersey, the second- and fifth-smallest states in the nation, respectively, have developed niches in technology and entertainment, as well as through their renowned beaches and historic mansions and hotels. Their meeting spaces and convention centers also cater to niche markets, accommodating anything from small executive retreats to internationally celebrated sporting events.
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Meet Me in the Mid-Atlantic
By Heather Larson
March 30, 2012
New Jersey and Delaware aren’t often associated with one another. New Jersey is probably best known for its casinos in Atlantic City and the beach scene on the Jersey Shore, while Delaware showcases the early history of the U.S. But these states share geographical ties including coasts bordering the Atlantic Ocean, and both offer meeting venues of all types and sizes and convenient access from New York, Baltimore and Philadelphia—not to mention a tax structure that makes meeting there affordable.
Learn about Wilmington for Event Venues, Services & Meeting Destinations
Destination Description
Smart Stats:
Number of Meetings Hotels: 50
Total Hotel Rooms: 6,000
Number of Special Events Venues: 36
Local Convention Centers: Chase Center on the Riverfront
Local Airports: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Local CVB: Greater Wilmington CVB
Smart Snapshot:
Another Delaware town that’s alluring to frugal planners is Wilmington, the largest city in the state. Wilmington has no sales tax on meeting rooms, food, beverage, entertainment or shopping, and the lodging tax is lower than many surrounding areas.
The city is also home to an assortment of attractions. The Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts is situated in Wilmington’s revitalized riverfront along with the Delaware Art Museum. Both underscore the city’s artistic side. Wilmington is additionally the site of many of Delaware’s anticipated summer festivals, such as the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, a weeklong celebration in Rodney Square. The festival draws attendees from all over the state to enjoy the warm weather and an array of jazz musicians.
For a respite, try the DuPont Environmental Education Center that overlooks the Wilmington riverfront and provides panoramic views of the Christina River. The Riverboat Queen, a replica of an old-fashioned paddlewheel boat, can add a dose of antique to your outing.
