Wilmington, DE

Key Highlights

Hotels	50
Total Sleeping Rooms	7,542
Committable Meeting Rooms*	16
Largest Ballroom	21,900 Sq. Ft.
Average Hotel Room Rate	USD $114
Average Daily Meal Cost	USD $56
Average Weekly Car Rental	USD $338
*Maximum for a single hotel

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Wilmington, DE Meeting Planning Overview

Located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region, Wilmington is both a beautiful meeting destination and an accessible one. The city is just a three-hour drive from over one-third of the nation's population and fewer than two hours away by train from major metropolitans New York City and Washington, DC. Air travelers can take advantage of daily flights to over 120 domestic and international destinations taking off at Philadelphia International Airport, just 20 minutes away from downtown Wilmington.

Guests will be glad to waste so little time on travel, as the relatively small city of Wilmington packs a powerful punch. With over 6,500 hotel rooms and 300 meeting rooms spread across town, meetings in Wilmington can range from large three-day conferences of over 1,000 people to intimate evening dinners and receptions of under 20 guests. Leading the way in facilities is the Chase Center on the Riverfront, the largest event space in the Brandywine Valley at 87,000 square feet. Host a corporate presentation at one of 10 meeting and breakout rooms, or relax with a cocktail and hors d'oeurve reception in the spacious Atrium Lobby.

The Chase Center serves as the centerpiece of the recently-rejuvenated Riverfront Wilmington, where eateries, tax-free and outlet shops, and entertainment facilities make for a popular tourist stop and a great location for unique events. Take guests out to the ballgame by hosting a casual picnic or elegant dinner at one of the function areas at the Daniel S. Frawley baseball stadium. Or, for rehearsal dinners or corporate functions, the elegant Wilmington Hall offers stunning riverfront views and top-notch cuisine.

Beyond the popular riverfront, Wilmington continues to impress with cultural and historical venues. Groups can immerse themselves in the arts at the stately Delaware Art Museum, held in high regard for its extensive collection of American and British art. Here, spaces such as the Chihuly Bridge area, which spans the museum's colorful Dale Chihuly "Persian Window" installation, create a memorable backdrop for intimate gatherings. Or, impart a taste of Wilmington's heritage to events at the 1,000-acre Winterthur Musuem and Country Estate, which boasts indoor and outdoor facilities for both large and small affairs.

A business giant regarded as a national hub for the credit card industry, insurance retail banking, legal services and automobile manufacturing, Wilmington's major employers include AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, ING Direct, and several DuPont branches. Higher learning also holds a strong presence in the area, as Wilmington is home to the Delaware College of Art and Design, Widener University, Wilmington University, Goldey-Beacom College and branch campuses for the University of Delaware, Drexel University and Delaware State University.

Wilmington, DE Area Destinations

Delaware

About Wilmington, DE / Additional Info

Located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek in the picturesque Brandywine Valley, Wilmington's serene landscape belies the hard-working, industrious spirit of its history. The city sprang to life as center for goods during the Civil War. By 1868, it was rated first in production of gunpowder and second in carriages and leather by 1868.

Wilmington continued to prosper in industry with the advent of railroads and with war-related goods during the both World Wars. Today, Delaware's two remaining homegrown Fortune 1000 companies are headquartered in Wilmington. As industry grew, so did the city's population. Presently over 70,000 people reside in its 17 square miles.

Though small in size, Wilmington is certainly not small in attractions, many of which reflect its storied heritage. Visit the Hagley Museum and Library to learn about the du Pont family, who first established a gun powder mill in the city in 1802 that has transformed into the world's 2nd largest chemical company DuPont. Or, visit world-famous Longwood Gardens, the former estate of Pierre S. du Pont that now serves as home to 11,000 types of plants and more fountains than any other garden in the United States.

Of course Wilmington offers much more to explore than history. Shopping fanatics regularly flock to the city to take advantage of Delaware's tax-free status. Explore the charming shops and boutiques of Trolley Square and Little Italy, visit tried-and-true chains at Christiana Mall, or pick up a bargain at Shipyard Shops outlets. Meanwhile, the arts come alive at the Riverfront Wilmington, thanks to the Delaware Theatre Company, which offers a diverse five-play season ranging from classics to contemporary works.

Riverfront Wilmington is also the place to be for dining and nightlife. Enjoy a cold, hand-crafted brew at the riverside Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, or savor the fresh, hand-selected seafood at Big Fish Grill. For post-meal entertainment, C.W. Harborside's bar offers two pool tables, a regulation shuffleboard table, and a number of nightly challenges and specials. From casual nightlife to historic estates, Wilmington carries on Delaware's legacy as First State by putting its guests first as well.

Wilmington, DE Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)

Hotel at Convention Center? No
Sleeping Rooms 1 Mile from Convention Center: 217

Destination Type(s):

Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants
Historic Destination

Special Event Venues
36
Population
5,826,742
Restaurants
55
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
0.00%
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-20%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Wilmington, DE

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Philadelphia, PA	31 mi	41 min	n/a	N/A
Baltimore, MD	71 mi	1 hr 20 min	45 min	USD $240+
Washington, DC	109 mi	2 hr 4 min	52 min	USD $215+
New York, NY	124 mi	2 hr 10 min	53 min	USD $190+
Pittsburgh, PA	297 mi	5 hr 2 min	1 hr 15 min	USD $265+

Wilmington, DE Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	40	42	51	63	73	82	86	84	77	67	55	44
Avg. Low (°F)	24	25	33	42	52	61	67	65	58	46	37	27
Rec. High (°F)	75	78	86	94	95	100	102	101	100	91	85	74
Rec. Low (°F)	-14	-6	2	18	30	41	48	43	36	24	14	-7
Rainfall (in)	3.0	3.0	4.0	3.0	4.0	3.0	4.0	4.0	4.0	3.0	3.0	3.0

Wilmington's moderate climate results in muggy summers, mild falls and springs, and fairly cold winters. The coldest month is January, when the average high temperature is 40°F and average low is 24°F. The warmest month is July, with an average daytime temperature of 86°F.

Most snowfall occurs in January and February, with an average annual snowfall of around 20 inches. Precipitation is generally evenly spread throughout the year, with an annual average of 45 inches, but May is the wettest month. The spring months of April and May, as well as the fall months of September and October all bring mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s, making them the most months to visit Wilmington.

Wilmington, DE Area Destinations

Delaware

Delaware

Wilmington, DE Meeting Venue Spotlight

Chase Center On The Riverfront

Wilmington's Chase Center on the Riverfront is the area's premier event facility, thanks to its spacious rooms and gathering areas, delicious catering, state-of-the-art audio-visual and technological capabilities, and superior location. Situated on Wilmington's revitalized, thriving riverfront district – home to tax-free shopping, popular restaurants, cultural attractions, and even a minor league baseball stadium – the striking Chase Center was unveiled in November 2005 after a $7 million redesign. Since then, it has remained a wildly popular multi-purpose event facility in the Brandywine Valley.

Totaling 87,000 square feet, the modern, angular Chase Center is comprised of 33,000 square feet of dedicated exhibit space, as well as 10 meeting and breakout rooms measuring up to 1,900 square feet. The center's 12,800-square-foot Riverfront Ballroom features domed ceilings, Palladian columns and elegant mirrors, with space for 1,600 guests. The 5,200-square-foot Christine Ballroom, adorned by a grand Italian chandelier, detailed woodwork and hues of beige, gold and burgundy, can accommodate up to 500 guests.

Guests can also gather in the light-filled, 11,000-square-foot Atrium Lobby, noted for its curved maple walls, while the 3,100-square-foot, 266-seat Dravo Auditorium offers modern, clean décor and a built-in sound system and projection room. Wilmington Hall serves as the center's largest room, totaling 22,000 square feet, or enough space for 2,400 people. The 10,300-square-foot Governor's Hall features soothing maple walls and marble flooring.

The Chase Center's convenience and accessibility don't stop with its location and varied meeting spaces. The center also features 2,600 free parking spaces and a full-service business center with copy, fax and shipping services. The center's audio-visual capabilities include video conferencing and production support services, as well as free wireless Internet access throughout the facility. For overnight accommodations, more than 750 hotel rooms are located within one mile of the Chase Center.

The Chase Center has hosted such groups as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, American Society of Marine Artists, March of Dimes, American Institute of Architects and the Medical Society of Delaware.

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Wilmington, DE Train Information

Wilmington Amtrak Station

The Wilmington Amtrak station, located just blocks from the Riverfront district, serves the Acela Express, Cardinal/Hoosier State, Carolinian/Piedmont, Crescent, Northeast Regional, Silver Service/Palmetto and Vermonter routes. The Acela Express offers hourly service during peak rush hour times between New York City and Washington, DC, as well as round-trip service between New York City and Boston. The Cardinal/Hoosier State route runs between New York City and Chicago three days per week via the Cardinal service, while the Hoosier State service runs daily between Chicagoand Indianapolis.

The Carolinian route runs daily between Charlotte and New York City, with stops in such major cities as Raleigh, Richmond, Washington, DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia, while the Piedmont route offers daily trips between Raleigh and Charlotte. Daily service from New Orleans to New York City can be accessed via the Crescent route, while the Northeast Regional provides daily service from Newport News to Boston, with major stops in Washington, DC, Philadelphia and New York City.

Also accessible via the Wilmington Amtrak station, the Silver Service/Palmetto line runs from Miami to New York City daily. The Vermonter line runs daily between Washington, DC, and St. Albans, Vermont.

The Wilmington Amtrak station is open daily from 4 AM to midnight.

Wilmington, DE Public Transportation

Delaware Authority for Regional Transportation (DART) Bus Line

Wilmington's clean, efficient public bus system is provided by the statewide DART First State system, which operates 60 bus routes throughout Delaware and serves more than 10 million passengers per year. The city of Wilmington is serviced by the New Castle County routes. Stops include Wilmington's Riverfront district, the Chase Center on the Riverfront, and the city's Amtrak station.

Most buses run Monday through Friday from 5:30 AM to 11 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 7:30 PM. DART New Castle County route fares are $1.15 per ride. A daily unlimited pass is $2.40 per person. Children under 46 inches tall ride for free.

Inter-country fares are $1.50 per ride for one zone, $3 for two zones, $4.50 for three zones, $6 for four zones, and $7.50 for five zones. Inter-county daily unlimited passes are $3.15 for one zone, $6.30 for two and three zones, and $9.45 for four and five zones.

Rental Cars

Many major rental car companies service the Philadelphia International Airport and Wilmington area. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National are represented at the airport. Information phones are available at all airport baggage claim areas for each of the on-site rental car companies.

Taxis

Visitors to Wilmington can access several taxi companies outside of the Philadelphia International Airport baggage claim area. Taxis can also be hailed on the street throughout the downtown region, accessed at the Amtrak station near the riverfront district, and found at hotel taxi stands.

Visitors should expect to pay about $60 in taxi fare from the airport to downtown Wilmington.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Philadelphia, PA	31 mi	41 min	n/a	N/A
Baltimore, MD	71 mi	1 hr 20 min	45 min	USD $240+
Washington, DC	109 mi	2 hr 4 min	52 min	USD $215+
New York, NY	124 mi	2 hr 10 min	53 min	USD $190+
Pittsburgh, PA	297 mi	5 hr 2 min	1 hr 15 min	USD $265+