Luzerne County, and the Lehigh Valley Central PA: Altoona, Happy Valley, Lancaster, Gettysburg

CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

The Horseshoe Curve in Altoona, PA; photo courtesy: Explore Altoona

ALTOONA, PA

www.explorealtoona.com

Altoona, located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, offers “a variety of cost effective meeting and event venues, from the state-of-the-art Blair County Convention Center and the multi-purpose Jaffa Shrine Center to the unique White Oak Hall located at Fort Roberdeau, the western-most Revolutionary War site in America,” noted Mark Ickes, executive director of Explore Altoona.

With a unique history as a railroad hub surrounded by the mountains, Altoona was established in 1849 by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as headquarters for building and repairing locomotives. Today, Altoona’s industrial heritage, history, culture, and its outstanding natural resources have helped position it as a thriving 21st century business community and an emerging leisure and business travel destination with a proud legacy.

UNIQUE VENUES

The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, the country’s only interactive railroaders museum, commemorates and celebrates the significant contributions of the city’s railroaders and their families to American culture and industrial heritage. The museum offers six event spaces, including a theater and museum railroad yard.

A National Historic Landmark, the world-famous Horseshoe Curve opened in 1854 as one of the most significant engineering marvels at the eastern base of the Allegheny Mountains as a more efficient method of moving trains in America’s westward expansion. The curve is 2,375-feet long, with a curvature of 9-degrees, a central angle of 220-degrees, 122-feet of total elevation.

An Altoona landmark for more than 125 years, Lakemont Park serves as a gathering place with a selection of traditional amusements, mini golf courses, paddle boats, picnic pavilions, and facilities for team building. The Casino at Lakemont Park, with its own unique parklike ambiance, offers flexible function spaces, as well.

The sleekly designed and beautifully appointed Blair County Convention Center boasts 15,000-square feet of flexible ballroom space, 24,000-square feet of exhibit hall space, 11 versatile meeting rooms, and breathtaking common areas – all providing plenty of space for appropriate distancing.

WHAT’S NEW

Within the last two years, hotels in Altoona have added new or newly renovated 550 hotel rooms in the market. park (Laguna Splash at DelGrosso’s amusement park) to expanded steam locomotive excursions on the Everett Railroad and the stellar outdoor experience of the September 11th National Memorial Trail, this is an exciting time for groups to explore a small destination with big adventures in Greater Blair County,” says Ickes.

The Altoona Grand Hotel, a full-service property, features six meeting rooms and a courtyard. Other meeting hotels in the area include Marriott’s dualbranded Fairfield Inn and Suites and TownePlace Suites, along with The Courtyard by Marriott, which adjoins the Blair County Convention Center.

HAPPY VALLEY, PA

happyvalley.com

Happy Valley is home to Penn State University, award-winning hotels, meeting and conference centers, and one of the largest adventure-based team building courses on the East Coast. “Meet in the middle” as Central Pennsylvania is a convenient drive from the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions and University Park Airport offers daily flights in and out of Happy Valley.

After the meeting, downtown State College offers a vibrant nightlife, theaters, shopping, museums, attractions and concerts and historic walking tours are available in the charming small town of Bellefonte.

"Happy Valley combines some essential ingredients seldom found in other locations. It’s the perfect setting for executive retreats, incentive meetings, small strategic meetings, board meetings and mid-sized conferences. Planners will find their event will be the focus of attention at any host property. Combine that on-site recognition with the natural energy of being in a college town and outstanding outcomes will result,” said Dave Gerdes, vice president of sales and marketing for the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.

“The central location and easy access encourage well attended events,” he continued. “Off-site offerings aplenty include historical sites, university venues and great outdoor facilities. Team building options are a big component of the area’s offerings with most providing memorable outdoor access. And, last but not least, Happy Valley is so affordable compared to other locations…. No nickel and diming here. Parking is free. Wi-Fi is free. We major in meetings in Happy Valley!”

Explore Happy Valley in any season. New hiking, biking, geocaching and walking/driving tours are available. More than 750,000-acres of public lands surround Happy Valley, making it an excellent base camp for outdoor activities.

Happy Valley also is home to a thriving craft beverage scene and amazing field-to-fork dining establishments, plus affordable rates, less traffic, beautiful foliage, fall festivals and charming communities with one-of-a-kind boutique shops.

Adventure seekers have much to explore in Happy Valley, too, from its unique museums and history to agcentric experiences like farmers markets, farm stands, driving tours, and Amish culture.

Head to Penn's Valley and Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park for a boat ride cave tour through America’s only all-water cavern and farm-nature wildlife park. Those inspired by history can check out Bellefonte in the Nittany Valley, which has architecture to admire, walking tours and enough antique

stores to keep the biggest antiquarian busy for hours.

The Central PA Tasting Trail includes a mix of craft beer, distilleries, wineries and cideries. And Happy Valley is, of course, home to Penn State University and Nittany Lion pride. Downtown State College bustles with university town energy and a robust mix of arts, culture and entertainment.

LANCASTER, PA

discoverlancaster.com

Lancaster is easily accessible via Amtrak and four regional and local airports and offers a perfect blend of urban style and rural splendor. The area boasts more than 9,000 overnight rooms and approximately 500,000 total square feet of modern meeting space in its meeting and conference facilities, with a wide range of venues to meet needs large and small. Lancaster County is an optimal meeting and group destination.

PLACES TO MEET

The Lancaster County Convention Center and adjoining Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square in Lancaster City seamlessly incorporate the 110-yearold Beaux Arts façade of the landmark former Watt & Shand department store and offer a combined 90,000square feet of meeting space.

Eden Resort and Suites and the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton – Lancaster (both just outside Lancaster City) provides guests with a full range of amenities.

The stylish Lancaster Arts Hotel in Lancaster City is perfect for board retreats, while the Cork Factory Hotel in Lancaster City features a catering kitchen and covered outdoor veranda (comprised of buildings that once housed the historic Armstrong Cork and Kerr Glass companies).

The Spooky Nook Sports complex in Manheim boasts more than 100,000square feet of meeting and exhibit space along with the on-site Warehouse Hotel.

The Inn at Leola Village is a AAA Four Diamond-rated property in the town of Leola.

Pennsylvania

We’ve always been known for our wide open countryside and our vibrant downtown. It’s what makes Lancaster County the perfect destination to hold your next meeting. When the time is right for your group to get back together, we’re here to help you plan for success safely in one of our large indoor or outdoor venues.

meet • plan • discover • explore • relax

discoverlancaster.com/meetings

The Wyndham Lancaster Resort and Convention Center has completed a multi-year makeover of its entire property.

The restored Lititz Shirt Factory just opened at the start of 2021 and contains event space for up to 150 featuring a state-of-the-art sound system, lighting and a bar area.

Fulton Theatre has plans to reopen and significantly expand later this year.

Anchored by its recently opened Café 1832, there will be fresh dining and entertainment options on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Strasburg Railroad complex.

Located on the fully renovated second level of an 18th-century bank barn, the new John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts at Historic Rock Ford in Lancaster City has recently opened.

Lancaster’s food and beverage scene has continued to grow with the latest additions of Double C Restaurant and Our Town Brewery in Lancaster City, as well as Tied House in Lititz, and the coming-soon opening of Artifice Ales & Mead in Manheim.

Take a trip down memory lane with the debut of Barry's Car Barn in Intercourse and its amazing collection of American muscle cars from the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s (along with a few other unique automobiles).

Delicious fare will take center stage with the scheduled openings of a revamped Columbia Market House and its many stands this summer, and a redesigned Southern Market Center and its food hall in Lancaster City this autumn.

LOOKING AHEAD

“With our wide-open countryside and outdoor recreation, combined with a smaller, walkable city and towns, Lancaster County strikes a comfortable balance of activity and spaciousness that appeals to many travelers,” noted Joel Cliff, director of communications for Discover Lancaster.

“This always has been true of the unique experience we offer, but people are putting an extra premium on that aspect right now and will likely continue to do so going forward,” he continued. “Consequently, we’ve sponsored a number of recent area events and, with sports tourism already starting to come back, we’re undertaking several initiatives to encourage the steady return of other group and business travel as conditions improve. During this process, we’ll continue to model safe practices, and ask our guests to do the same, as we work through the mass vaccination period.”

GETTYSBURG, PA

destinationgettysburg.com

The perfect blend of history and agriculture keeps Gettysburg at the top of many travelers’ lists from immersive Civil War history experiences to rich agritourism and culinary experiences.

Within a walkable one-mile radius from the center of downtown Gettysburg, visitors will find a wide range of attractions and locally owned stores selling everything from handmade artisan crafts to quirky décor and games. History museums and other experiences showcase different angles to tell the story of the battle of Gettysburg. Some show how civilian life was affected by the battle, others focus on specific days of battle and topics like Civil War medicine.

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is comprised of a 12-gallery museum, the Cyclorama painting experience, and an orientation film to introduce visitors to the Battle of Gettysburg and complement this orientation with a battlefield tour. Bus tours tend to encompass the entire 6,000-acres of battlefield in one tour, while Segways and horseback tours focus on specific sections of the battlefield.

Lessons of leadership, taken directly from the Battle of Gettysburg, are the centerpiece for a number of leadership development programs. These programs use Gettysburg National Military Park as an outdoor classroom to teach what it takes to be leader and other applicable lessons.

Visitors can venture out into the Adams County countryside to experience some authentic agritourism experiences. In the heart of Pennsylvania’s Fruit Belt, Adams County has always been a vibrant farming community. Many farm markets and orchards offer pick-your-own experiences throughout the growing season.

Among the orchards are vineyards and hop fields that help produce the area’s impressive craft beverage scene - from beers to wines, spirits to hard ciders and even mead, visitors can explore the Adams County Pour Tour, the official craft beverage trail.

WHAT’S NEW

Jack’s Hard Cider opened a new Cider House and restaurant, Mela Kitchen. Taking its name from the Italian word for apple, Mela Kitchen takes a clean eating and rustic approach to its menu of brick oven pizzas, Italian-inspired small plates and family style offerings. The unique cidery and restaurant was converted from an old movie theater and is ideal for meetings and networking events.

LOOKING AHEAD

As the industry recovers, Destination Gettysburg believes that leadership retreats, board meetings and the smaller meetings will come back first. Hotels and venues in the area have created safe operational and cleaning policies that will be implemented for groups to provide a comfortable environment.

Thirsty Farmer Brew Works, part of the Adams County, PA Pour Tour; photo courtesy: Destination Gettysburg York offers value and convenience, with easy access by road, rail and air. In addition, the county provides a variety of lodging options, close to many popular destinations such as Gettysburg, Lancaster and Hershey. In addition, there is a network of parks and trails nearby as well as a rich history for visitors.

WHAT’S NEW

The Four Points by Sheraton York underwent a multi-milliondollar renovation and reopened this past December. Renovations were made to its lobby, Trio Restaurant and Lounge, event spaces and guest rooms. The indoor swimming pool received new finishes and furniture, as well.

LOOKING AHEAD

“This pandemic obviously had a profound effect on the Pennsylvania tourism industry. York County was no exception,” observed Melissa Beaverson, director of destination marketing for Explore York, York County’s official tourist promotion agency. “The events, group tour, and meetings and conventions segments were hit hard, with leisure visits also down significantly. Tourism was a billion-dollar industry in York County, and we fully expect to recover to that point again.”

“While we rebuild together,” she continued, “we will continue to feature and promote all the wonderful things we have to see and do… We also are very excited to start welcoming back some of our larger events. Sporting events and conventions have started to book in-person events for the end of 2021, 2022 and into 2023.”

DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Reading; photo courtesy: Reading & Berks County Visitors Bureau

HERSHEY-HARRISBURG, PA

visithersheyharrisburg.org

Travel trends over the past year skewed to day trips or driving distance overnights. The Hershey Harrisburg Region enjoys a location that’s central and drivable for a large portion of the Northeast. Family options like Hersheypark® and Chocolate World are open and available to visitors, and outdoor offerings are attractive for all guests looking to explore without large crowds.

WHAT’S NEW

Hersheypark® debuted Hershey’s Chocolatetown®, featuring a reimagined park entrance and expansion in summer 2020. This spring, the park debuted a huge park-themed restaurant and several additional options for sweet treats like Milton’ssm Ice Cream Parlor.

Several local breweries opened or expanded with an eye on outdoor seating for entertaining. LOOKING AHEAD

Visit Hershey and Harrisburg has a designated section on its website and a Safer Together Pledge to address all guidelines and restrictions.

“Tourism-related businesses in our region have done an incredible job in adjusting their operations to stay open or reopen in extraordinary times,” noted Audrey Bialas, director of sales for Visit Hershey and Harrisburg. “Attractions, restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets are prepared and excited to see tourism return and we are hearing from guests who are just as eager to travel again. Hershey and Harrisburg have always had a warm and welcoming feel, and guests will appreciate that now more than ever.”

Visit Hershey and Harrisburg continues to work closely with clients hosting meetings that are smaller, shorter, and closer to home. The popularity of small groups continues to grow, especially with the emergence of hybrid meeting technology. More venues have become hybrid ready and are partnering with local AV providers to create seamless service packages. As planning continues to be conducted remotely, Visit Hershey and Harrisburg also can help connect planners with local suppliers who can assist them by conducting virtual site visits.

Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat in Harrisburg, PA; photo courtesy: Visit Hershey & Harrisburg

visitcumberlandvalley.com

The Cumberland Valley offers a multitude of experiences, including a downtown filled with unique restaurants, breweries, architecture and history, charming countryside escapes with farmers markets and U-Picks, as well as spacious state parks and scenic outdoors.

WHAT’S NEW

In the last year, a Fairfield Inn opened in Mechanicsburg, a Comfort Suites in Camp Hill, and two Holiday Inn Express locations in Carlisle and Mechanicsburg. More new hotels are planning to open later in 2021, as well.

LOOKING AHEAD

“Pennsylvania’s new capacity limits will open indoor opportunities, as well as support our restaurant industry,” noted Aaron Jumper, social media and travel media manager for the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau. “Travelers will need to find their own comfortability, but - and this may be optimistic - I think a return to normalcy could happen by Q3, and when meetings feel safe for the attendees and the hosts, we cannot wait to have them back.”

Cornerstone Coffeehouse in Camp Hill, PA; photo courtesy: Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau

Please join us!

You and your mee琀ng planning team are invited to a unique outdoor trade show where you will be able to visit IN-PERSON with des琀na琀ons, hotels, venues, event service companies, and more! There will be exci琀ng rae prizes and tasty food, beverages, and treats! CDC guidlines for outdoor events will be in place.

Thursday, June 3, 2021

2:00pm-5:00pm

The Drexelbrook Catering & Event Center 4700 Drexelbrook Drive, Drexel Hill, PA 19026 610-259-7000

This event is complimentary for all planners. Please register by May 30th.

In the event inclement weather is forecasted, this event will be postponed un琀l Thursday, June 10th.

PLANNERS REGISTER HERE!

Visit Delco is hos琀ng an a昀er-event at Drexelbrook from 5:00pm-7:00pm. All registered planners and exhibitors are welcome. If you are a supplier that is not exhibi琀ng at the tailgate trade show, you can register to a琀end this a昀er-event for $50.00. Please arrive no earlier than the start 琀me of 5:00pm. Please click here to register as a supplier who is not exhibi琀ng.

Dress code - Smart casual • Click here to see a current list of exhibitors.

Questions? Please contact Erica Keagy at gppcma@comcast.net, 610-220-1232 or Jim Cohn at jim@eventsmagazine.com, 215-947-8600.