door vents

It is that time of year again! Warmer weather has returned. Soon summer officially will be here. People are anxious and excited to enjoy the great outdoors once again. This does not apply only to the weekends. Many planners are looking for wide open spaces under sunlit skies in which their attendees can be entertained, educated, relaxed, and inspired.

Oftentimes, planners can get even more creative in outdoor settings, too. Outside there is plenty of space for setting up a variety of activity stations and dining areas without the need to heavily decorate with Mother Nature as their backdrop. Attendees also may be more relaxed in an outdoor atmosphere where they can breathe in fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.

There are lots of places that provide planners with the option to take their events outside in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Pocono Organics, for example, is one of North America’s largest Regenerative Organic Certified Farms. It has tented outdoor spaces and features fresh organic catering created by Chef Lindsay McClain, winner on the Food Network’s hit show - Chopped.

Wallenpaupack Creek Farm in the Pocono Mountains Region is a historic farm that dates to 1829. It has outdoor spaces and an impressive 200-year-old renovated barn. Trout Lake, situated on 500-acres with a private lake, is a versatile property offering water and land sports, athletic facilities, and on-site overnight accommodations.

Poconos Park is the area’s largest outdoor entertainment venue. Newly renovated and situated on 200acres, it has a 10,000-seat amphitheater with additional seating on the grass lawn and at its Lakeside Theatre, a 10,000-square foot banquet hall alongside a 90-acre lake.

Of course, back-up plans are important when it comes to outdoor events. Tenting outdoor areas can provide relief from rain or offer shade from the sun. Renting portable heaters or fans help in regulating temperatures and keeping guests comfortable. And some venues offer versatile indoor/outdoor spaces so that attendees easily can move indoors or outside depending on the weather.

The Pocono Mountains is home to lakes, rivers, mountains, farms and thriving woodlands, offering every type of outdoor location imaginable. The Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau recommends those planning outdoor events should ensure that guests are aware of any weather contingencies ahead of time so they will be prepared for any changes to the event environment.

The bureau also advises to think ahead in anticipation of what guests might need, such as sunscreen, bug spray, umbrellas, or blankets, and have those items on hand and stationed around the event so that guests can access them easily, if needed. Finally, they ask that attendees and organizers please follow “Leave No Trace” principles while enjoying their time in the Pocono Mountains.

“The popularity of outdoor events isn’t something new,” observes Scott Higgins, director of sales for the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board, “however, it’s been highlighted since the impacts of the pandemic. Yes, it is better for airflow circulation, but it also helps create a unique experience for attendees. By moving outside, attendees get to experience a change of scenery from what has likely been a meeting room for the past number of hours. They are able to soak in the sun, take in the fresh air, and experience the destination in a new way.”

“In Valley Forge and Montgomery County, PA, we’ve always been proud of our offerings that allow groups to move outdoors,” Higgins adds. “We celebrate the nature that’s in our destination.”

For meetings, the county is home to venues like Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center in Blue Bell, and the Joseph Ambler Inn in North Wales, both of which offer ample outdoor options. For off-site activities, groups can enjoy the 3,500-acres at the Valley Forge National Historical Park or take-in a round of golf at one of the more than 50 golf courses located here.

F&B Outdoors

Holding an event outdoors became increasingly popular during the pandemic, and continues today for many reasons, explains Domenick Savino, CPCE, managing partner, The Drexelbrook in Drexel Hill, PA. For one, outdoor venues and spaces can offer tremendous versatility. Often blank canvases just waiting to be created, there are no walls to limit a planner’s creativity. Natural settings are another advantage. “Taking advantage of a sunrise, bright afternoon, or sunset is something that all guests can enjoy while mingling or being entertained.”

Drexelbrook Catering, the off-site division of The Drexelbrook, offers many dining options for outdoor group events. “Our most popular is the 'You Chill… We Grill' menu,” says Savino. “A planner will be able to customize a complete interactive Grill Station where guests can enjoy 'grilled to order' food such as lamb chops, steak, vegetable kebobs or fish. Even the basic 'All-American BBQ' is perfect for outdoor lunch for your team. We will come to your office parking lot complete with grill, staff, food, beverages, dessert and pop-up tent with tables and chairs. Now that is a great way to treat your team.”

Of course, whenever dining outdoors, certain precautions need to be in place such as food temperature, placing all food under cover of a tent, and the need for an adequate water supply. Simple guidelines such as keeping hot food hot and cold food cold goes a long way in making sure guests stay safe, Savino explains. Also, ensure that all equipment is in top working condition prior to any outdoor event, especially refrigerators.

Planning is one of the most important aspects in creating an enjoyable and memorable event for all, Savino adds. Having a “Plan A” and a “Plan B” is necessary in this region due to temperature variations. “Tend to the details of parking, restrooms, power sources, tents, mosquito control and, finally, don’t get caught up in what you cannot control. Focus on what a great event it will be.”

Speaking of golf, coming soon will be a new TopGolf facility in King of Prussia with simulated golf and other sports challenges.

“When it comes time to groups meals, we have that covered, as well,” notes Higgins. “The very popular King of Prussia Town Center offers numerous options such as Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Paladar Latin Rum Bar, and Fogo de Chao.”

Higgins adds that there are too many outdoor options to list, but the Valley Forge TCB invites planners to connect with them to learn about options that can help create a memorable event in Montgomery County, PA. “With the options built into the destination, you won’t find your event is placed in a parking lot or in the street with areas blocked off. We have true outdoor venues and feel these options will create a better overall environment for your attendees.”

Holding an event outdoors is a great way to offer a unique experience for guests, especially after a long day spent in meetings, asserts Hans Schreiber, director of sales and marketing, Lancaster County Convention Center and the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square in Lancaster, PA. Having an outdoor option for guests presents a great opportunity for them to get some air and unwind.

“At the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Lancaster County Convention Center, our meeting rooms are entirely indoors. However, The Exchange Rooftop, Lancaster’s tallest rooftop bar, is located on-property and is just a short elevator ride up,” says Schreiber. “So, after a day spent in meetings, groups can enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of downtown Lancaster and the surrounding countryside from The Exchange, while enjoying delicious shared plates and wood-fired pizza, sipping hand-crafted cocktails, wine, beer, and more.”

Watching the sunset from the roof is an experience guests surely will remember. “We’re also lucky to be located right in the heart of beautiful, historic, and walkable downtown Lancaster, with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes for meeting goers to enjoy,” Schreiber adds.

The Exchange Rooftop is ideal because it is both indoors and outdoors. Guests can enjoy the scenic rooftop views, even while they are within the covered inside lounge area – a great option in the event of inclement weather. There also are heat lamps and firetop tables on the outdoor roof deck allowing guests to enjoy cocktails and a bite to eat when it is on the chillier side.

“Outdoor events offer a refreshing and exciting alternative to traditional indoor events, providing a range of benefits and unique opportunities for planners and attendees alike,” asserts Larry Sieg, president and CEO of Visit Atlantic City. “Being surrounded by Atlantic City’s bodies of water and diverse ecosystem can promote mental health and overall well-being, helping attendees to feel relaxed and rejuvenated.”

Atlantic City, NJ’s natural elements serve as the backdrop for outdoor spaces and create an inviting and memorable ambiance. “Meeting comfortably and freely is always promised in Atlantic City, with a variety of outdoor meeting options found throughout the destination,” notes Sieg. “From the beach to the world-famous boardwalk, attendees can experience new heights from each casino resort, enjoy the shore life on the Atlantic City beach, or connect over the Atlantic Ocean at