If you’ve ever been fooled when unwrapping a tiny gift box, expecting, perhaps, a pair of earrings tucked inside but finding instead the keys to a new car or tickets for an exotic vacation, you’re already aware of the punch that Delaware packs.
The First State might be the second-smallest in the nation but planners consistently find—much like a grand gift discovered inside a wee box—absolutely everything they need for a successful event.
While large groups often book meetings in Delaware and enjoy success here, small groups feel particularly at home.
Greater Wilmington
Smaller groups of 75 or fewer people make up about 20 percent to 30 percent of the overall meetings business in Greater Wilmington, according to Sara Garnett, director of sales at the Greater Wilmington CVB.
Wilmington’s Chase Center on the Riverfront, the state’s premier convention facility, serves both intimate and major citywide gatherings. The facility hosts trade shows, board meetings, general sessions and other events, plus its on-site audiovisual capabilities are second to none.
While larger properties including the Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown and the Hotel du Pont, both located in downtown Wilmington, as well as the Newark-based Embassy Suites Newark/Wilmington South all welcome large meetings, they are also pleased to accommodate small groups.
Also in Newark is Deerfield, a glass-enclosed conference facility surrounded by woods and situated on an 18-hole golf course. The facility, Garnett says, is geared to hosting small groups that regularly report enjoying the picturesque setting.
Two other unique properties that cater to smaller meetings are the 28-room Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa in Wilmington and the Buena Vista Conference Center in New Castle.
“The inn features three elegantly appointed private dining/meeting rooms that are perfect for board retreats and groups ranging from 10 to 40 people,” Garnett says.
Until recently, Buena Vista Conference Center was reserved exclusively for government-related meetings and events, Garnett adds. Today, the Greek revival mansion and surrounding grounds provide a unique setting for meetings and office retreats for groups with as few as eight people (and up to 250).
In Garnett’s opinion, some of the top area attractions for small groups to visit are Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, the former home of Henry Francis du Pont; the Delaware Art Museum, which boasts a terrific collection of American illustration and the most comprehensive collection of Pre-Raphaelite art outside the British Isles; and historic New Castle, which is home to more authentic historic buildings than Colonial Williamsburg.
More active groups can head to the new Go Ape Treetop Adventure. Located in Lums Pond State Park, the course features four zip lines over water.
And for groups made up of foodies, planners should check out Wilmington-based Celebrity Kitchens, where small groups can enjoy an interactive dining experience as guest chefs prepare food tableside. Or, for a hands-on experience, the group can assist with the process. PageBreak
Dover
In Kent County, including Delaware’s capital city of Dover, small group business makes up about 60 percent of the meetings pie, according to Charles Gray, director of sales at the Kent County & Greater Dover CVB.
Larger properties that cater to small groups include Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Holiday Inn Dover-Downtown, and smaller retreat-friendly properties include AmericInn Harrington and AmericInn Milford.
After the meeting, small groups enjoy visiting the Air Mobility Command Museum, which is the only museum in the U.S. devoted to military air transport; the Johnson Victrola Museum, the only museum of Johnson Victrola talking machines where attendees will recognize Nipper the logo dog; and the Old State House, which was just declared a National Monument in April.
Groups might also visit the Delaware Bay, Gray suggests, to witness the spawning of horseshoe crabs, “a prehistoric animal that has unique medicinal properties and calls the bay home.”
And a lap around the Dover International Speedway is the best recharge in the middle of a meeting itinerary. Here, attendees can drive race cars around the Monster Mile and enjoy a very informative trackside tour.
Southern Delaware
Small groups of 75 or fewer attendees make up the majority of groups that plan meetings in Southern Delaware. Along with corporate retreats, says Scott Thomas, executive director at Southern Delaware Tourism, the market is mostly composed of SMERF groups.
The list of properties here is long, and includes the Rehoboth Beach-based Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center, Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, Bellmoor Inn, Brighton Suites Hotel, Henlopen Hotel (with the rooftop venue Salero) and Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
The Hyatt Place Dewey Beach is opening this year and joining other Dewey Beach properties, including the popular Best Western Gold Leaf.
In Lewes is the Inn at Canal Square, Hotel Rodney and the Virden Conference Center; the Millsboro-Long Neck Area is home to Baywood Greens, a golf and banquet facility, and the Cordrey Center; Georgetown has the Brick Hotel; and Heritage Shores Club, another golf and banquet facility, is located in Bridgeville.
According to Carol Everhart, president and CEO at Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach COC, it depends on the time of year when planning what to do with the group when business has concluded.
There are many water activities to pursue during the warmer months, she suggests, including paddle boarding, guided kayaking and whale-watching tours from Lewes.
She adds that Rehoboth Beach is pedestrian-friendly with nearly l00 eateries around town.
“It is known as the culinary capital on the coast with amazing upscale and seafaring meals,” she says.
Southern Delaware Tourism’s Thomas adds that planners might inquire about walking food tours of the coast, charter fishing adventures or booking one of the 10 signature public golf courses for a networking outing on the links.
Top outings include visits to the popular Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Tanger Outlet Centers for tax-free shopping, the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum in Fenwick Island and Cape Henlopen State Park.
Situated just outside of Lewes, the state park features the Fort Miles Historic Area, a World War II era coastal fortification that now offers group tours of its underground gun battery and fire control towers that feature terrific views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Possibly the perfect spot to end the day is at Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales in Milton. Daily brewery tours and tastings are available.
Contributing writer Carolyn Blackburn wonders if she’ll find a six-pack of Dogfish brew at her local beer purveyor.
