Hartford Business Journal Special Editions

Doing Business In Connecticut 2017

Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/833859

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 74 of 99

2017 | Doing Business in Connecticut 75 able to relax in one of the 100 guest rooms and villas, with gourmet dining in Kensing- ton's, or cocktails and lighter fare in a cozy pub called Ascots. Water's Edge Resort & Spa Couples might enjoy a romantic journey down the Connecticut River on the Lady Katharine, a musical at the Goodspeed Opera House followed by dinner in the picturesque village of East Haddam, or a retreat to the imble Islands in Stony Creek. Since back in the day, New Yorkers and Western Connecticut couples and families would escape to Westbrook for weeks at a time to enjoy one of the largest luxury resorts on the water: Water's Edge Resort & Spa. Gorgeous views and high-end touches combine in the nearly 100 guest rooms and suites in the main hotel, 68 seaside villas, and both 4- and 5-bedroom beachfront cottages along the shore. "Most of our guests appreciate the num- ber of choices they have here at the resort," said Vice President Tina Dattilo. "We have three eclectic restaurants offering fine Italian to casual fare, outdoor bars and coffee bars, entertainment to suit any taste, a private beach, a resort spa with pampering treat- ments, and opportunities to truly get away." e venue naturally lends itself to wed- dings on the water, with outdoor garden terraces, gazebos, and ballrooms of every size and kind that can hold up to 300 guests. Water's Edge Resort & Spa, said Dattilo, is a great place to experience what a "resort" is truly about. ❑ $14.7 billion The total sales generated by the tourism industry in CT in 2015. 118,586 The number of jobs supported by the tourism industry in CT. $1.7 billion Total tax revenue from the state's tourism businesses. Source: DECD Connecticut Tourism By the Numbers PROFILE By Joan Hunt G eneral Manager Michael Costelli is as much a part of the Connecticut Convention Cen- ter in Hartford as its expansive atrium or 40,000-square-foot ballroom. He was on site when the venue opened in June 2005, and became gen- eral manager soon aer, helping it evolve into one of the largest meeting facilities between Boston and New York. Team leader Talking to him, one sees the venue as a seemingly incongruent combination of stability and total flexibility. Stability begins with staff. "Our chef, who opened with us, is still with us, and Food and Beverage Direc- tor Diane St. Jean and her assistant have all been here since day one," said Costelli. Most convention centers farm out the food and beverage service, he said, but keeping it in-house guarantees ongoing quality and dependability. Also, most of the original department leaders and full-time staff are still in place, contributing to a quality of service unparalleled in the industry. "I cannot tell you how satisfying it is to walk into the building every day and work with these folks," said Costelli, noting that they work together well because they share the same vision. "If somebody sees a piece of paper on the floor, some- times we bump our heads together picking it up," he quipped. As to flexibility, "We can do anything anybody wants," says Costelli. "We can have trade shows with a sea of booths, and then right in the middle of the hall can build out space that would make you think you were in the old Studio 54 [in NYC], with lighting and draperies creating a unique experience. Hosting such a wide variety of events — from shows and conventions to char- ity galas, sporting events and festivals — can be a staging challenge, but it is one that Costelli enjoys. One week they can be setting up indoor volleyball courts for regional tourna- ments, another week they are creating space for cheerleading competitions. Costelli sees the convention center as both a dramatic destination and a conduit to other Hartford and Connecticut venues. "e objective was to help bring business to the city and to have a gorgeous facility," he said. Visitors attending meetings and events are drawn into two great Hartford worlds by just looking out the large glass panel windows on the east and west sides of the sixth floor. e two function areas are mirror images of one another, Costelli explains, with a huge ballroom in between. e east side overlooks the Connecticut River and waterfront, while the west side of the building has a view of the city's Front Street District. e convention center serves about 360,000 people per year. Its footprint, including parking, is 1.6 million square feet. e building is as wide as 1.6 football fields and about three football fields long. ❑ Michael Costelli MEETING SPACE Costelli Leads State's Largest Convention Center PHOTO/CT CONVENTION CENTER

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Hartford Business Journal Special Editions - Doing Business In Connecticut 2017