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BUSINESS PROFILES | APRIL 25, 2022 | HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL 31 P erhaps it's not surprising that couples in search of the perfect location to host their wedding usually conclude that search once they visit the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate in Middletown. Featuring sprawling lawns and surrounded by more than 100 acres of wooded parklands, the nineteenth century Beaux Art style mansion – often called the quintessential country estate – reflects a bygone era of splendor, elegance, and luxury. Once a private residence created by Col. Clarence S. Wadsworth, today the Mansion is owned by the city of Middletown and operated by The Long Hill Estate Authority. In addition to weddings, it hosts corporate events, nonprofit fundraisers and free public events throughout the year. "The Wadsworth Mansion, in and of itself, is a unique venue with original furnishings from the early 1900s," says Megan Bush, executive director. "By offering one event a day with a dedicated event manager, we do not overbook or overprice ourselves. This ensures each client has the focus, energy, and detailed planning resources they deserve to host a successful event. Our team dives into each event with passion, a listening ear, and creative ideas." Want proof? The Mansion is already booked for weddings through 2023 and into 2024. Hosting anywhere from 165 to 200 events a year, the Mansion can accommodate 200 guests for a seated dinner reception and larger numbers for cocktail parties with two ballrooms and a loggia which can be used for meeting space and dining. Like so many in the events and hospitality industry, the Mansion was directly impacted by the pandemic. But, Bush says, along with the struggles came an opportunity to re-evaluate operational practices and procedures resulting in expanded offerings and identifying new customers. "Prior to March of 2020, we saw a slow trend towards a lower guest count average at weddings as couples looked towards higher quality, intimate events," Bush says. "The pandemic only accelerated this trend for smaller celebrations." In response, the Mansion began offering micro-wedding packages by partnering with its most trusted vendors to offer reasonably priced, high value events to those clients with a smaller guest list. "While many of our couples were forced to reschedule their weddings due to government mandates or travel bans, some couples just wanted to get married!" Bush says. "Our team of event managers navigated all the CDC policies and government mandates to ensure small, outdoor, safe events for those choosing our micro-wedding package. Not only were we able to fill dates and keep our staff employed during a difficult time, but we filled a demand in the market which was sorely needed." Along with the ability to expand upon its offerings, Bush says the pandemic also revealed a broader customer base beyond the Mansion's primary wedding clients. "Over the past two years," Bush says, "we've expanded our reach to local families and citizens through various free events including scavenger hunts along our trails for kids, virtual and in person historical tours for local schools, and ballet performances." This year, the Mansion is reaching out to the corporate world with its new team-building packages, aimed at organizations either continuing to work remotely or just returning to the office as the pandemic subsides. The packages offer everything from guided trail walks and make your own pasta stations to docent-led historical tours, mixologist classes, and axe throwing. "By partnering with experienced caterers, photographers and event planners," Bush says, "we have grown the corporate side of our portfolio for midweek dates, hosting events for organizations such as Key Bank, United Way, American Business Media and the Middletown Rotary Club." Mansion Provides Beautiful Backdrop for a Range of Events W ADSWORTHMANSION at Long Hill Estate Address: 421 Wadsworth St.; Middletown, CT 06457 Phone: (860) 347-1064 Website: www.wadsworthmansion.com Product or Service: Event venue Head of Company: Megan Bush, Executive Director Year Founded: 1994