Robert Lipper, Vineyard

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday February 7, 2008

LONG ISLAND VENUES CREATE MEMORABLE MEETINGS SITES

Contact:  Kristen Matejka  
Director of Marketing and Communications LICVB&SC
631 951-3900 xt.317

HAUPPAUGE, NY-(Feb. 7, 2008)- Well-known for its sandy white beaches and top-rated golf courses, Long Island is also rich in character and features noteworthy  meetings venues in everything from gorgeous “Gold Coast” mansions to the exciting Belmont Racetrack, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.

“With free hotel parking, affordable rates and a moderate hotel tax rate Long Island is close to New York City, but a world away,” said Regina Zara, director of sales at the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB&SC). “And the LICVB&SC offers planners assistance with free RFP coordination, site inspections, pre-and post-convention activities, collateral material, incentives and other services.”

Following are some of the unique meetings venues Long Island offers in addition to its wide assortment of full and select service hotels:

Recently undergoing a major renovation, Oheka Castle is a 1920s French Chateau style castle considered one of the finest castles built on Long Island. On 22-acres of well-manicured property, with the Cold Spring Country Club and golf on the premises, this actual castle has 26 rooms and suites and over 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a grand ballroom, library and dining room. An indoor pool and jogging paths are on the premises.

Another renovation was recently completed at Hofstra’s University Club. Built in 1965, the facility recently underwent a major transformation into an elegant, yet modern style facility with three main rooms including a Grand Ballroom and two smaller conference rooms for private functions.

The historic Belmont Racetrack offers meeting planners a very unique entertainment opportunity. The Garden Terrace (12,000 sq. ft.) and North Shore Terrace (6,000 sq. ft.) at Belmont Racetrack offer meeting planners the opportunity to combine the excitement of a “day at the races” within a luxurious setting that can accommodate up to 5,000 guests. Meeting equipment and meeting support services are provided by the site, along with event planning services. This historic racetrack recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Another unique meetings site is the Cradle of Aviation Museum. It includes the luminous Reckson Center Atrium, Red Planet Cafe, Hall of Honors, Sky Walk and the 300-seat Leroy R. & Rose W. Grumman IMAX Dome. The Museum's four-story Reckson Center Atrium is a magnificent backdrop for unique special events and can accommodate over 1,000 guests.

And fairly new to the Long Island area is The Charles B. Wang Center at Stony Brook with 120,000 sq. ft. of interior spaces and 35,000 sq. ft. of gardens. Well equipped with conference facilities, the Center holds two mid-sized lecture halls that are wired for laptops and the most current audiovisual presentations. The building is dominated by a 100-foot octagonal pagoda, a structure traditionally associated with Chinese temples.

Or add extra interest and excitement by holding your function at Atlantis Marine World. With room for 500 guests, the aquarium offers captivating exhibits including the sharks, penguins, sea lions, a giant moray eel and many other sea creatures. Guests will also enjoy cuisine prepared by its classically trained chefs. Atlantis recently introduced team building programs in partnership with Motivate America and will work closely to customize an experience to meet individual needs and budget.

In addition, Long Island Wine Country is also home to over 30 wineries offering tastings, tours and meeting facilities, indoor and outdoors. And for very large meetings and conventions Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum, home of the New York Islanders, offers a versatile, large-scale option with plenty of nearby hotels, museums and golf.

To plan a meeting on Long Island or for more information about meeting and incentive options, contact the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission by calling 1-877-386-6654 or visit www.discoverlongisland.com/meetings


The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB&SC) was established in 1979 as the official tourism promotion agency for the destination’s nearly $5 billion travel and tourism industry. Based on Long Island in Hauppauge, NY, the LICVB&SC contributes to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island by promoting the region as a world-class destination for tourism, meetings and conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and related activities.

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330 Motor Parkway, Suite 203, Hauppauge, NY 11788 (631) 951-3900   www.discoverlongisland.com

 

 

 

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