New Jersey isn’t just the Garden State—it’s a hub for big business too. With seventeen Fortune 500 companies calling it home, it’s an essential destination for many business travelers. Whether you’re meeting with giants like Johnson & Johnson, Prudential Financial, and Campbell Soup, or exploring partnerships with the state’s thriving small businesses, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest your head.
So, let’s dive in and discover the best New Jersey has to offer.
Key Business Locations in New Jersey
New Jersey offers an array of top-tier business locations, which makes it a top pick for business travelers. Among these locations, significant business hubs, parks, and convention centers stand out due to their strategic positions, excellent amenities, and suitability for business-related activities.
Major Business Hubs and Parks
New Jersey is home to many large-scale business hubs and parks that serve as the heart of economic activity in the state. East Hanover, Whippany, and Florham Park are some of the notable examples. These locations cater to a dynamic mix of businesses and bring together top professionals from diverse industries.
A classic example is the Courtyard Montvale by Marriott. Nestled next to the Garden State Parkway, this upscale Marriott location offers an affordable yet cozy stay. It also provides an array of amenities designed with business travelers in mind, such as high-speed internet, complimentary breakfast, rooms with full kitchens, and express check-in and checkout, to name a few. Another indispensable amenity it offers is on-site parking, which is a major plus, particularly for travelers with rental cars.
Convention Centers and Event Spaces
Business events, such as conventions, expos, and more, play a critical role in fostering networking and knowledge sharing. Livingston, for instance, is set to host several conventions and expos in 2024, such as the ReNEW JERSEY Business Summit and EXPO, and the New Jersey Statewide Multicultural Business Expo. These events draw individuals from a range of industries, offering excellent networking opportunities and insights into the latest industry trends.
To complement these events, there is an array of hotels, like the Westminster Hotel, that cater to the needs of business travelers. Located just 17 miles from New York City and around various NJ business hubs, the Westminster Hotel offers a perfect blend of classic contemporary style and modern hospitality. It has sophisticated guestrooms and suites, along with expansive meeting and banquet space, making it an ideal hotel in New Jersey for business professionals.
New Jersey is a premium destination comprising numerous business hubs and event spaces that cater to various businesses. The state’s hotels also offer a wealth of amenities and facilities that align with the needs of business travelers. Whether for business meetings, conventions, or more, New Jersey stands as one of the places to consider for business-oriented travel.
Accommodation and Transportation
Accommodation and transportation play a crucial role in my seamless business travel experience, especially when journeying to New Jersey. Let’s explore the best strategies for selecting business-friendly hotels and navigating New Jersey’s car rental and public transit systems.
Selecting Business-Friendly Hotels
In New Jersey, several accommodation options cater to the specific needs of business travelers. These include the established Courtyard Montvale by Marriott and the chic Westminster Hotel. Both serve as premier choices for business-oriented stays, offering amenities like meeting and banquet spaces. The Courtyard Montvale, noteworthy for its business-friendly amenities, provides a conducive environment for both rest and work. On the other hand, the Westminster Hotel provides a range of sophisticated spaces for meetings and banquets, adding a touch of elegance to business proceedings. In selecting a hotel in New Jersey, prioritize options that align with your business requirements and personal comfort needs for a well-rounded travel experience.
Navigating Car Rentals and Public Transit
Optimizing transportation ensures punctuality, a paramount attribute for all business dealings. In New Jersey, car rentals are often the preferred choice for their convenience, saving business travelers the stress of public commuting. Remember, not all rental rates qualify for discounts and coupons, especially those from car rental companies like Avis, National Enterprise, Alamo, Sixt, Dollar, Payless, and others. It’s also recommended to avoid rentals associated with packages or obtained through websites requiring a member login. The offers for a free day are earned on the 3rd day minimum, providing value if you’re planning on longer stays.
Alternatively, if you’re in the heart of busy hubs like East Hanover, Whippany, or Florham Park, public transit might be a practical option. Accessibility to local attractions like the coastal ocean views, the famed Borgata, and Golden Nugget make public transit an attractive option. Thus, balancing your transportation needs between rental cars and public transit can lend flexibility in commuting while keeping your business engagements in check.
Dining and Networking
New Jersey’s food scene is as diverse as its business environment, making it a prime location for business dinners and networking events. Whether you’re looking for a place to host a productive business luncheon or want a quiet location for dinner meetings, New Jersey offers it all.
Top Restaurants for Business Meetings
When it comes to hosting business meetings, it’s always beneficial to choose a location with a professional environment. This not only sets the tone for the meeting but also puts everyone at ease, allowing for successful negotiations or discussions. Luckily, New Jersey is home to some sophisticated restaurants perfect for these occasions.
Networking Events and Venues
New Jersey is a nexus of business activity, brimming with networking events and venues. Establishing connections and collaborations is simplified by the many opportunities available.
In South Orange, the South Orange Performing Arts Center serves as a cultural hub known for presenting experiences through music, theater, dance, comedy, and family performances. Its diversified public gatherings render it an excellent networking location.
Moreover, the Papermill Playhouse in Millburn offers a unique networking environment. Hosting spectacular shows and showcasing impressive talent, the Playhouse presents a captivating backdrop for fostering business relationships.
For business travelers interested in arts and culture, the Herb & Milly Iris Art Gallery at SOPAC features works of accomplished visual artists, offering a creative and inspiring setting for networking events.
New Jersey provides a plethora of opportunities for business dining and networking, making it an ideal destination for business travel.
