sept-2017

142 143 AT A GLANCE CONNECTICUT CONVENTION CENTER WHAT: The northeast’s pre- mier convention center WHERE: Downtown Hartford, Connecticut WEBSITE: www.ct conventions.com Connecticut THE CONNECTICUT CONVENTION CENTER THE NORTHEAST’S PREMIERMEETINGDESTINATION T he Connecticut Convention Center is an award-winning venue owned by the State of Connecticut with amission to enhance the economic fabric and qualityof life of the cityof Hartford.It is touted as the northeast’smost ideal location for trade shows,conventions,businessmeet- ings-anyoccasion seeking a dramatic riverfront setting. The Center overlooks the Connecticut River in the heart of downtownHartford’s Front Street District–a rap- idlyexpanding entertainment hub,teemingwith new restaurants,bistros,and entertainment venues. Mike Costelli,General Manager of the Connecticut Convention Center,discusses its background: “The Waterford Group,a leader in the hospitalityand gaming industries,was responsible for developing the Con- vention Center,which opened in 2005,as well as the adjoiningMarriot Hotel that opened shortlyafter,and the Connecticut Science Center in 2009.Waterford owns The Convention Center