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VIBRANT VENUES, CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: IT'S MORE THAN A MEETING IN CONNECTICUT B Y R U F U M C K I N N E Y Plan your next meeting in a destination easily accessible to your team — and packed with unique experiences. From a state-of-the-art riverfront convention cen- ter to out-of-the-box venues like a carousel museum, classic schooners, adult summer camps, casinos, castles, and more, Connecticut offers the perfect meeting venue for any group. Conveniently positioned between New York City and Boston, over 23.5 million people live within a 2½-hour drive of Hartford, Connecticut's centrally located state capital – a major selling point for meeting planners and sports promoters alike. It's simple to get here via rail, bus, car, or air — by flying into Connecticut air- ports like the ever-growing Tweed-New Haven Airport and nationally recognized Bradley International Airport. • • BRIDGEPORT • • Bridgeport is a vibrant city of over 144,000 residents, brimming with life across its 16 scenic square miles. With 1,300 acres of lush parks, 13 distinct neighborhoods, and a rich tapestry of communities, Bridgeport offers endless possibilities. From serene shoreline parks and intriguing museums to the thrill of regional baseball, hockey, and live per- formances by national musical acts, Bridgeport is a place where culture, excite- ment, and community converge, creating a destination that feels like home. Because of Bridgeport's unique loca- tion it serves as a perfect destination for small to midsize events providing more intimate venues and outdoor spaces. The Naturalannie Essentials Candle Making Bar & Event Space serves as an option offering your group a specific activity as well as SPACE to hold a private event. Experience feel-good candle-mak- ing vibes for yourself at one of the Sip & Pour candle-making experiences. These engaging, hands-on candle-making and wine-sipping events are held in the cozy, intimate studio under the stars and last for 1.5 hours. The Sip & Pour is a great way to try out candle-making and spend time with your group in a unique and fun way, plus wine of course. Each Sip & Pour is capped at 10 participants to ensure everyone gets enough time to relax and enjoy the art of candle making. Sip & Pour's are BYOB: guests can bring their own beverage, light snacks will be provid- ed. You must be 21+ to attend. If you are looking to plan an event at a Bridgeport restaurant you might want to explore Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill. The restaurant features a truly unique atmosphere and design geared for family fun and dining. Casual family dining is available in the Grill where you can select from a menu featuring a variety of appetizers, sand- wiches, salads and burgers. A private room can host up to 36 and is the perfect spot for a private lunch or dinner, seminar or even a fun birthday party. An island-theme bar area, which has seating for 20, offers visitors the experi- ence of feeling like they are underwater exploring the skeletal remains of a sunken ship. Looking up, visitors can see the bat- tered, barnacle and coral-encrusted wooden hull, an old rusted iron chain and the iron rail around the bow. A host of exotic fish swim in and around the wreck while Dorado and sharks, suspended from the ceiling, appear to swim overhead. • • NEW HAVEN • • Have you ever thought about explor- ing Greater New Haven? It's an incredi- ble place where you can experience a perfect blend of history, culture, outdoor recreation, and innovation. From breath- taking landscapes to world-class muse- ums like the Yale University Art Gallery, there's so much to discover. What's more, you'll find a thriving global culi- nary scene that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. Whether you're exploring the ivy-clad halls of Yale University or taking a leisurely stroll along the scenic shores of Long Island Sound, you're sure to have a great 52 B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com C O N N E C T I C U T AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Trumbull Marriott Shelton 325 Springhill Suites Milford 124 Best Western Executive Hotel of New Haven – West Haven 100 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Mohegan Sun Total Meeting 275,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 125,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 49 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Connecticut CSB – (860) 728-6789 www.ctmeetings.org Mohegan Sun photo credit: Connecticut CSB S