DESTINATION: Connecticut's Biggest New Venue

For large events outside of New York—but not too far outside of New York—the Connecticut Convention Center opened this past June. The $271 million center is the largest piece of the city and state's efforts to revitalize Hartford's downtown business district. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the 540,000-square-foot center has 140,000 square feet of exhibition space; 25,000 square feet of meeting space; and a 40,000-square-foot ballroom that can seat 2,300. (As a reference point, the Javits Center has 800,000 square feet.) To house guests nearby, check out the 409-room Marriott Hartford Downtown, which is scheduled to open in August. —Chad Kaydo
Posted 08.08.05