Meetings in Albany are firmly on the map with the opening of the new Albany Capital Center just steps from the New York State Capitol.
With easy access to the Adirondacks and well-established culinary scene, the city is a perfect option for meeting and event groups.
“Albany is a fantastic location, with New York City, Boston and Montreal just three hours away by car,” says Doug McClaine, general manager at the newly opened Albany Capital Center. “Adirondack lakes, mountains and rivers, perfect for competitive outdoor sports like road races, triathlons, skiing and kayaking, are within easy driving distance, and downtown Albany is home to five hotels and nearly 100 restaurants. It’s a truly pedestrian-friendly city in every sense of the word, which means that when attendees visit they won’t even need a car.”
For the complete scoop on the center and a couple of local experiential ideas, read on.
New Convention Center
The recently opened Albany Capital Center is located just steps away from the New York State Capitol. The new facility is the latest addition to the Capital Complex, and is connected by enclosed climate-controlled walkways to the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, The Egg Performing Arts Center and the Times Union Center Arena, which collectively offer more than 159,000-sf of meeting and event space. The center will also be connected by enclosed walkways to the newly renovated 200-room Renaissance Albany, which was once the historic Dewitt Clinton Hotel.
“Based on the feedback we’ve gotten so far, Albany area residents and attendees alike are impressed with what we have to offer at the Albany Capital Center and want to spend time here,” says McClaine. “With more bookings in the works every day, we have a lot to look forward to in the coming months and years as we build what will surely be the premier events venue in the Capital Region.”
The Albany Capital Center offers a 22,500-sf multi-purpose ballroom and exhibit space, as well as six meeting rooms with 9,200-sf space and a 13,600-sf pre-function area. Food and beverage are provided by Mazzone Hospitality, an award-winning local catering team that emphasizes the Capital Region and surrounding areas in their menus.
Historic Brewing Culture
Groups can explore 400 years of the city’s brewing culture with a tour of Albany’s craft beverage producers. Highlights include a tasting tour at the Albany Distilling Company, the city’s first spirits manufacturer since Prohibition, a cider tasting at the Nine Pin Cider Works, and wine and beer pairings at the Hudson-Chatham Winery.
Old School Oysters
Dining experiences for groups include Jack’s Oyster House, which opened in 1913 and has been continuously operated by the same family. Executive Chef Larry Schepici presents a menu that includes the original 1913 recipes for dishes such as Manhattan clam chowder and crabcakes. The City Beer Hall is housed in a historic building in downtown Albany and offers three unique indoor spaces and an outside patio for events. It can host functions for up to 150 and can arrange beer/cocktail tastings, pig roasts and other event options.
