The saying that everything old is new again couldn’t ring truer than in the Northeastern corner of the U.S., where a pioneering spirit celebrates the historic while maintaining a cutting edge of innovation.
Here’s a quick scan of what four top Northeastern destinations—Boston, New York City, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.—have on tap to make your next meeting or event truly historic.
“Washington, D.C. is an ideal destination for groups looking to add impact to their events,” says Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President & CEO, Destination DC. “From its unmatched intellectual capital as the nation’s capital to its diverse neighborhoods, abundant free attractions, world-class museums and award-winning dining scene, D.C. offers something for everyone. With its walkable layout and easy access, attendees can fully immerse themselves in a dynamic city that inspires and elevates their experience.”
Among the unique venues in D.C. is the National Cathedral, which has several gorgeous meeting spaces, with capacities from 90 to 1,600. It also has its own retreat house, the Virginia Mae Center, which offers both guest rooms and gathering spaces for conferences and private events. The Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery, one of the largest and most elegant event spaces in the city, also is available for corporate meetings and events, as is the Library of Congress, which can seat up to 450 for a seated dinner and up to 1,200 for a reception in its Great Hall. The Smithsonian Museums also can host events.
Among the most exciting new hotel venues in D.C. is the Yours Truly DC-Vignette Collection by IHG. This 355-room Bohemian-inspired hotel features 15,000 sf of meeting space, from outdoor patios to a ping-pong room and a ballroom with space for up to 350. Another new hotel is the Canal House of Georgetown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, which has 92 guest rooms, 10 specialty suites and three terrace rooms, as well as 6,000 sf of common areas and meeting spaces. The iconic 356-room Le Meridien Madison has undergone a $15 million renovation of its lobby, guest rooms and communal spaces. It features 18,066 sf of meeting space in eight event spaces, the largest with a capacity of 500.
“Boston is an epicenter for education, life sciences and innovation,” says Meet Boston Sr. VP of Sales & Services Nik Pereira. “Our pioneering spirit resonates with groups that meet here. In Boston we combine the old and the new seamlessly, still making history while celebrating our tradition of driving change and determining the future. Groups find inspiration in Boston’s unique and cutting-edge impact on leading industries such as pharma, fintech, life sciences, healthcare, education and more.”
While winters can keep attendees inside slurping clam chowder, there are a plethora of outdoor venues for those looking for cool spots in the warmer months. One is the Lawn on D, a dynamic outdoor event space in the heart of the Seaport District, which can host private events for up to 4,000. Artists for Humanity EpiCenter, one of the hottest and greenest of the city’s event venues, can host meetings for 40 to receptions for 800, while the F1 Arcade, a simulation racing experience, offers full-motion racing simulators along with food and cocktails.
While the city’s two convention centers—The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and the Hynes Convention Center—are ideal for large conventions and trade shows, the city’s hotels also are constantly revitalizing. For example, the 399-room citizenM Boston Back Bay hotel, which opened last fall, features inspiring spaces filled with art, natural light and stylish furniture in its Gather at societyM event spaces. The Sheraton Boston Hotel, which features 68,689 sf of event space, is undergoing extensive renovations to its guest rooms, lobby, food and beverage outlets and recreational services.
If you want to add impact to your event, consider New Jersey. The state’s diverse range of meeting spaces, venues and attractions cater to a variety of industries and interests—and it is strategically located near major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia.
“New Jersey offers unmatched accessibility, an eclectic mix of venues and diverse experiences, making it the ideal northeastern destination for unforgettable group events,” says New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism Executive Director Jeff Vasser. “From world-class convention centers to scenic waterfront retreats along 130 miles of Atlantic coastline, the Garden State boasts dynamic spaces that are sure to make an impact—and it’s all made possible by the dedication of our tourism partners who continually elevate our meetings and events.”
While Atlantic City is a widely known mecca for meetings and events with over 1.8 million sf of meeting space, 15 meeting and conventions venues and 64 off-site venues, there are many other counties that lend themselves to large meeting groups. For example, Bergen County, with its larger hotels and proximity to Manhattan, provides exceptional event spaces including the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck. Bergen County is also home to a variety of Revolutionary War sites for large groups to tour. Middlesex County offers modern meeting facilities including large convention centers like New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison and the Rutgers University Conference Centers in New Brunswick & Piscataway.
Then there’s Mercer County, home to Princeton University, which features elegant settings such as The Boathouse at Mercer Lake in West Windsor, a scenic venue with indoor and outdoor event space. More traditional venues are also available like the Hyatt Regency Princeton, featuring over 33,000 sf of meeting space, including ballrooms and breakout rooms. Monmouth and Ocean counties offer scenic coastal venues, perfect for retreats and corporate gatherings, while Morris and Somerset counties feature sophisticated banquet halls and golf resorts.
Among the new hotels to hit N.J. is Pendry Natirar in Peapack-Gladstone, a new luxury venue with sophisticated meeting spaces, private dining rooms and scenic outdoor areas. The Seaview, A Dolce Hotel in Galloway has recently renovated its Bayview Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1,000. The Wave Resort in Long Branch, a new oceanfront property, features flexible event spaces with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The venue can accommodate up to 300 guests for standing receptions and up to 200 guests for seated events.
“New York City is an ideal destination for groups seeking an impactful event. With world-class venues ranging from iconic landmarks to state-of-the-art conference centers, as well as a selection of leading hotels, the city offers unparalleled options,” says New York City Tourism + Conventions Executive VP, Convention Development Jerry Cito.
“New York City’s accessibility via three major airports and an extensive public transit system makes it easy for attendees to travel to and within. New York City’s vibrant culture, Broadway offerings and diverse culinary scene, along with its endless attractions, creates an enriching experience for business events and contributes to record-breaking attendance,” he adds.
Among New York City’s wide range of venues for business events is the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center for large conferences—whose North Javits expansion has added 3.3 million sf of versatile event space with sustainable features. Other interesting venues include the Metropolitan Museum of Art for elegant cultural events and The Glasshouses for stunning skyline views. Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers is perfect for waterfront events, while the soon-to-open Waldorf Astoria New York provides a luxurious setting for high-profile gatherings. For a modern, creative vibe, Brooklyn’s Industry City offers an innovative atmosphere, while the glamorous Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center provides a timeless backdrop for memorable events.
Among New York City’s new venues and renovations is Domino Square in Williamsburg. Opened in September 2024, the new public plaza is ideal for community events. Hudson River Park’s Pier 97, which opened in October 2024, features a sunset deck and vibrant gardens, perfect for outdoor events, while Convene 30 Hudson Yards, opening in summer 2025, will offer 72,000 sf of event space with stunning views and a 780-person grand hall.
meetboston.com; visitnj.org/meetings; business.nyctourism.com/meeting-planners; washington.org/meetings
