As you know, the NJLA Conference is returning to the Ocean Place Resort and Spa for the first time since 2011, but don’t think that you’ll be visiting the same meeting and event spaces. In 2012, Ocean Place started a massive multi-phase renovation process that has considerably improved the look and feel of the venue. This year’s conference attendees will be surprised and pleased with the changes in store.

New carpets, light fixtures, chairs and other details have brightened up meeting spaces and breakout rooms. There is also free, upgraded wi-fi available throughout the meeting spaces to accommodate the many attendees who will be using devices and laptops during the conference.    

Situated along the boardwalk at Long Branch, Ocean Place has always featured beautiful views of the ocean (almost to the point of distraction in some meeting rooms!), and some of the renovations have highlighted these views and created additional spaces for visitors to enjoy the outdoors and the calming seaside atmosphere, including an outdoor Tiki Bar. Let’s band together to try to make sure that April 20-22 is warm and sunny!

Fortunately, even if the weather is cool, conference attendees can still take a dip in the indoor pool located on the first floor regardless of whether the outdoor pool on the mezzanine level is open.

The dining area near the front lobby, where luncheons will be held during this year’s conference, has been fully updated and now features a large bar front and center. This space, now called the Seaview Restaurant and Lounge, will be a great place for networking events and mixers as well as a place to meet with friends and colleagues after conference hours. We expect that many attendees will gather at the seating area near the bar for conversation (about libraries, of course) and maybe play a game or two of pool.

Conference attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the well-appointed rooms at Ocean Place and stay overnight rather than making a daytrip. All of the hotel’s 256 guest rooms have been completely gutted and renovated as well with new bathrooms, carpets and furniture. Rooms are available for a special rate of $169 a night and you can place reservations online or by calling 800-411-6493 (press 2 for reservations). For this rate, reservations should be made by April 5!

Whether this is your first NJLA conference or you are familiar with the location, Ocean Place will feel fresh and new. With so much to see and enjoy, you may want to extend your stay or return for a visit on your own! For more photos, visit the Ocean Place website: www.oceanplace.com.

For more information about completing your conference experience with an overnight stay, you can also take a look at the NJLA Conference website: http://njlaconference.info.