Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546515
B M & T ••• September/October 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 10 The first thing I noticed about B u r l i n g t o n wasn't Lake Champlain. It wasn't the mountains. It wasn't even the postcard beauty that seems to appear around every corner. It was the air of confidence. A con- fidence that comes from a place that never chased someone else's idea of success. Coming from Miami, a city con- stantly reinventing itself, expand- ing itself, announcing itself, Burlington felt almost radical in its certainty. Independent restau- rants fill the streets where nation- al chains might have settled. Local businesses remain part of the daily rhythm. Artists, chefs, hote- liers, and entrepreneurs seem invested in protecting the charac- ter that brought people here in the first place. For meeting plan- ners, that distinction matters. Attendees arrive in Burlington and immediately understand where they are. What impressed me most was not the individuality of Burlington's hotels, though each certainly possesses its own personality. It was the consistency. From boutique properties and waterfront retreats to larger meet- ing venues and emerging develop- ments, a common thread connect- ed them all: a genuine desire to make guests feel welcome. The finishes, architecture, and amenities may differ, but the experience remains remarkably aligned. Each property seemed to embrace the same unspoken promise, to create a home away from home while revealing a side of Vermont that cannot be cap- tured in photographs or postcards. While Burlington continues exploring future convention cen- ter possibilities, the destination has built a successful meetings ecosystem through cooperation. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and cultural venues work together to accommodate groups, creating opportunities for planners to design programs that feel cohe- sive, personal, and distinctly local. WHERE TO MEET Hotel Champlain Burlington places Lake Champlain at the center of the guest experience. Eight meeting venues and out- door gathering areas overlooking the water provide flexibility for conferences, corporate events, and social functions accommodating as many as 680 attendees. DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont serves as the region's meetings heavyweight. More than 30,000 square feet of flexible event space accommo- dates everything from executive meetings to large-scale gatherings approaching 1,300 attendees. For organizations prioritizing capaci- ty, the hotel remains one of the destination's most significant assets. Hotel Vermont offers a more intimate approach. Indoor and outdoor gathering spaces lend themselves to executive retreats, incentive groups, board meetings, and smaller celebrations. Its largest event venue accommo- dates approximately 80 guests, creating an atmosphere where conversation and connection take precedence. Harborvale delivers the charm of a lakeside retreat with the amenities planners expect from a modern meetings property. Opening in July 2026, the 161- room hotel pairs beautiful Lake Champlain views with cozy interi- ors, welcoming public spaces, and a stunning indoor pool. Meeting options range from intimate boardroom gatherings to events of up to 129 guests in the Harbor Room, creating flexibility for everything from executive retreats to social functions. Of all the properties visited dur- ing the trip, The Essex Resort & Spa left the strongest impression. Essex understands something Arial Shot of Burlington in the late evening