Massachusetts Conference Center, Retreat Center, Corporate team building, Boston, Cape Anne, Rockport, Essex MA

Conference Center Resources & Programs

For 20 years The Essex Conference Center & Retreat has provided a setting for a diversity of events. The natural setting and beautiful gardens invite relaxation and reflection. Our guests enjoy an early morning walk along our trails through the woods or to the bay, less than a mile from the Center.

Groups can also gather together on the grounds for meetings by day. By night, enjoy the fire circle for continuing dialogue and fun.

Corporate Retreats and Team Building Programs

Unlimited Adventures is ECCR recommended source for Corporate Team Building programs using our Ropes Initiative Course. Russell “Rusty” Harnish is the Director and lead facilitator with 40 years experience of teaching, counseling and adventure program experience. Check out Unlimited Adventures at ECCR.

The Essex Conference Center is the preferred venue for Team Building programs offered by The Ant & the Grasshopper. They bring together a remarkable group of professional facilitators who will help your group break down barriers, improve communications, improve morale, facilitate team building, and have fun in the process. They are known for mixing Business with Pleasure ....and it works. Read more about the programs at the Center from The Ant & the Grasshopper.

Many of our clients staying at the Center for several nights might enjoy a night out on the town. Alchemy Cafe & Bistro is our restaurant of choice for upscale casual dining. Reservations can be made by our Sales Director.

Onsite, we offer volleyball, bocce ball and horseshoes. Nearby attractions on Cape Ann include whale watching, from the spring through fall, and birding year round. The towns of Essex, Gloucester and Rockport, all within fifteen minutes from the Center, offer many boutiques, antique stores and art galleries.

For travel to and from the Center we highly recommend North Shore Shuttle. They will get you where you need to be on time and at reasonable rates

Finally, we are delighted to provide expanded culinary services for a special dinner or bag lunch for off-site excursions.

Fire Circle Entrance

Fire Circle Gathering

Of all the retreat centers our organization visits around the country, Essex is our preferred site. The location and setting are gorgeous, the conference facilities are beautiful, and the food is terrific. Being so close to local resources in the surrounding community definitely rounded out our experience. And on top of that, the staff is the best - they anticipate our groups' needs and make the role of our trainers hassle-free.

— Rockwood Institute