Executive Director
Mid-Atlantic Tent Renters Association (MATRA)
Wilmington, Del.
Describe your event.
Our annual conference, held in 2006 at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, had about 450 attendees from the Northeast/mid-Atlantic regions, and throughout the U.S. and Canada. The conference focus is to educate tent rental owners and employees about the tent rental industry and new tent products. MATRA is a truly “hands-on” learning conference. It will be held at Dover Downs again this year.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Delaware? 1br>
We were very fortunate to find Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, which has a large outside area for the installation of some 16 tents in various sizes; it’s like our own self-contained village. And Delaware is a great location for attendees to drive to or fly into any of the area airports.
What surprised you the most about Delaware?
That many attendees have done some sort of business in Delaware and enjoyed the time they spent here. They also enjoy the tax-free shopping.
Was anybody particularly helpful?
Two key people made my life easier and made this conference happen: Carole DeMeo, from Dover Downs, and Ned Blair, who was at that time with the Kent County and Greater Dover CVB and now is the sales manager at Dover Downs. Their knowledge of the area and the hotel was superb. Everyone from the general manager to the waitstaff had a helpful “we can do that” attitude that our attendees noticed.
How does Delaware compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
Delaware is that “gem” that more and more people are finding out about. The pricing is fair and the people that work at Dover Downs are truly professional.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Delaware?
Bring your ideas and an open mind because Delaware has a lot to offer in such a small package.