1. Urban Edge and Ocean Cool
Conference, meeting and event attendees accustomed to world class destinations will enjoy the sophisticated, history rich and picturesque maritime city of Portsmouth, NH, which is located at the mouth of the Piscataqua River just six miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which recently named Portsmouth as one of its "2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations" describes it as, "…one of the most culturally rich destinations in the country with its captivating blend of coastal beauty, historic buildings and lively downtown." It offers great variety when it comes to culture, food, shopping and entertainment.
 
2. Team Building Activities
Improved efficiency, problem solving and communication can be achieved via one of Portsmouth's many fun and inventive team building options. Group outdoor activities such as kayaking tours by Portsmouth Kayak Adventures (www.portsmouthkayak.com), deep sea fishing trips by Sushi Hunter Sportfishing Charters (http://www.sushihunter.com) and golf outings at one of the areas many golf courses such as Breakfast Hill Golf Club (www.breakfasthill.com) abound. A guided walking tour by New England Curiosities (www.newenglandcuriosities.com) makes for a memorable experience. In addition, there are variety of cooking and wine education classes including those offered by Atrezzi (www.attrezzinh.com) and A Grape Affair (www.agrapeaffair.com) to select from.
 
3. Unique Dining
Portsmouth offers an array of dining venues for corporate events. It is a leading contender for the title of the U.S. city with the most restaurants per capita and offers some of the finest dining in New England. You can choose one of its many restaurants such as The Black Trumpet Bistro (www.blacktrumpetbistro.com), Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe (www.jumpinjays.com) or Brazo (www.brazorestaurant.com) or cafes such as Popovers on the Square (www.popoversonthesquare.com) or Breaking New Grounds. You can also opt for something a little different such as a catered event at one of Portsmouth's many historic homes or on a boat.
 
4. Entertainment
Musical and theatrical performances take place in Portsmouth throughout the year. They can be enjoyed year round at The Music Hall (www.themusichall.org), The Player's Ring (www.playersring.org), Seacoast Repertory Theater (www.seacoastrep.org) and Pontine Theater (www.pontine.org) or outdoors in the summer at Prescott Park (www.prescottpark.org). Portsmouth's many bars and restaurants including the Blue Mermaid Island Grill (www.bluemermaid.com) and The Press Room (www.pressroomnh.com) regularly host a variety of bands.
 
5. World-class Facilities
Meeting venues in Portsmouth and surrounding areas include world class hotels such as the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel (www.sheratonportsmouth.com) and Wentworth by the Sea (www.wentworth.com) in addition to conference centers such as New England Center (www.newenglandcenter.com). Several of the areas elegant country clubs are also available for events including Wentworth by the Sea (www.wentworthbytheseacc.com) and the Portsmouth Country Club (www.portsmouthcc.net).
 
6. Professional Support Services
A strong network of support service providers including audio-visual experts such as massAV (www.massav.com), event planners such as Seacoast Events (www.seacoastevents.net), photographers such as Jeremy Heflin Photography (http://www.heflinphoto.com/commercial.html), caterers such as Galley Hatch Caterers (www.galleyhatchcatering.com), and limousine services such as Great Bay Limousine (www.greatbaylimo.com) exists to ensure your event runs smoothly.
 
7. Cost-effective
The quality of accommodation, food, event space and entertainment that is available in Portsmouth is on par with that of the nation's largest cities at a more affordable cost.
 
8. High-quality Accommodation
There are several top notch accommodation options within less than a five minute walk from the center of downtown Portsmouth and many more options a short drive away. They include the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel (www.sheratonportsmouth.com), Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown (www.portsmouthdowntown.stayhgi.com) and Wentworth by the Sea (www.wentworth.com).
 
9. Easy Access
Portsmouth is easily accessed by car or plane. Boston, MA's Logan International Airport and Manchester, NH's Manchester Boston Regional Airport are less than an hour away. Pease Airport is located in Portsmouth itself. Most major airlines fly in and out of Logan International Airport and Manchester Boston Regional Airport. Pease International Airport offers direct flights from Columbus, OH, Greensboro, N.C., Punta Gorda, FL, which is easily accessed from Fort Myers, Sarasota and Naples, and St. Augustine, FL, which is easily accessed from Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, to Portsmouth and back on Skybus (http://ask.skybus.com/info/destinations.shtml). Starting in June 2008, Skybus will be offering flights from Stewart International Airport to Pease International Airport and back. Stewart International Airport is located less than an hour from New York City.
 
10. Free Conference Planning Assistance
The professional team at the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce (www.portsmouthchamber.org) offers free planning advice to conference and event organizers. Its informative website features a comprehensive list of conference locations, accommodations, restaurants and cafes, entertainment offerings, shopping options, activities, transportation services and much more.

**Courtesy of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce.