Publisher’s Letter

As we enter 2021, we leave 2020 behind on a note… and it sure wasn't a high note. In the New Year, a lot will depend for each of us on the industry we are in and what condition our business or career is in, as well as how the vaccines will help with recovery and moving forward. A lot of words we never wanted to hear or use were brought to the forefront in 2020 and led our collective vocabulary: Quarantine; Pandemic; New Normal; Social Distancing; Flatten the Curve; Unprecedented; oh yes, and Pivot. The hospitality, convention, meetings, tourism, special events, catering and restaurant industry was the hardest hit of all industries, and the only data that officials could provide was that this was the hardest hit industry. The industry took the brunt of the spread as every type of get-together fell under one word,

“gatherings.” Gatherings is a broad word that has multiple layers. A corporate board retreat or a retirement luncheon, a sales meeting in an upscale restaurant's private dining room, or an executive level management conference at a museum - all following CDC protocols - were lumped together with a block party, college dorm initiation, keg party in the backyard, or a birthday party inside the house. We are all looking forward to the future and experiences like face to face meetings, manning a trade show booth, setting up for the gala or attending the opening of a new museum exhibition, post-conference drinks at the bar, selecting a seat at the annual luncheon and hosting private dining events with clients and more.

Jim Cohn - Publisher Mid Atlantic Events Magazine

PAGE 8- Hotel LBI in Ship Bottom, NJ boasts oversized suites, a beach open all year, plus plenty of outdoor dining options.

CONTENTS

January z February 2021

MID-ATLANTIC EVENTS

January | February 2021

Atlantic City, NJ offers outstanding opportunities for safe meetings, dining and entertainment.

Page 45 Destinations are featuring a wide range of safe offerings both indoors and outside

FEATURES

Atlantic City, NJ’s programs are in place from its beach and boardwalk to gaming and dining

8 Outdoor Spaces & Unique Offerings

20

26

38

Venues with unique spaces for outdoor functions Ideas for Great Travel Experiences Regional destinations where adventures await Being There for Small Meeting Groups The Hospitality Industry stands ready for the return of meetings Conversations to Inspire Forward Motion 2.0 Inspiring positivity and personal forward motion

PAGE 20 - A view from the water of Annapolis, MD, an outstanding destination for both business and leisure; photo credit: Bob Peterson; courtesy: Visit Annapolis.

PAGE 45 - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ offers an endless array of upscale amenities, the excitement of gaming, Hard Rock Cafe, meeting and event space and more. EVENTS EXTRAS 4 Publisher’s Letter 18 Casino Resorts: Latest Guest Offerings 24 Peddler's Village - Navigating the Pandemic 30 Getting Back on Track 32 EventsWorthy Chester County Versatile Venues Dine-Around 36 Taking Life One Sip at a Time 40 Michael Massari - Leading The Way 42 Featured Location: New Jersey 52 Meeting Safely at the Lancaster Convention Center 53 EventMakers 54 Around The Region

Mid-Atlantic Events Staff

PUBLISHER & EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jim Cohn MANAGING EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rich Kupka DESIGN & PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . .Dana Kurtbek-MME Media FEATURES EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lydia Young TRAVEL EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ken Alan EVENTS DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jennifer Johnson CONTROLLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert Conrad CONTRIBUTING WRITERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sharon DeFelices, Jennifer Sand, Kerri Sitrin

ADVERTISING & SALES 215-947-8600, ext. 111 ad-sales@eventsmagazine.com

EDITORIAL OFFICES 1800 Byberry Rd Ste 901, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 215-947-8600, ext. 110 editor@eventsmagazine.com

Opinions expressed in editorial submissions contributed to Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine are those of the individual authors exclusively and do not represent the opinions of Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine, its staff, its advertisers, or its readership. Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine and Tri-State Events Magazine, Inc. assume no liability or responsibility for independently contributed editorial submissions or any typographical errors, mistakes, misprints, or missing information within advertising copy.

- Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau - Discover Lancaster - Green Meetings Industry Council - Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International – Greater Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware - International Live Events Association – Greater Philadelphia, North Jersey & Washington DC - Meeting Professionals International – Middle Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Philadelphia & Potomac - Mid-Atlantic Society of Association Executives - National Association of Catering Executives – Greater Philadelphia/South Jersey - Ocean City, MD Convention and Visitors Bureau - Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association - Pennsylvania Society of Association Executives - PHL CVB - Pocono Mountains Convention & Visitors Bureau - Professional Convention Management Association Greater Philadelphia - Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board - Visit Bucks County - Visit Delco, PA Vol. 34, No.2

Connecticut Delaware Maryland New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia Washington, DC

Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine is the bi-monthly, Mid-Atlantic publication, bringing information about the Hospitality and Meeting Industry to Meeting, Seminar, Trade Show, Overnight Accommodation, Special Event, Conference, Convention, for Association, Corporate, Group and Individual Planners along with Hotel, Resort, Conference Center, Attraction, Banquet Facility General Managers, Directors of Sales, Catering and Conference Services.

Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine (ISSN 0896-3967), is published bi-monthly by Tri-State Events Magazine, Inc. Copyright 2021 by Tri-State Events Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.

Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine 1800 Byberry Road, STE 901 Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 215-947-8600 www.eventsmagazine.com

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Spaces fferings&Spaces fferings

Throughout the region, properties offering unique and outdoor spaces are attractive options because they allow for open-air functions with plenty of space and ample distance to keep attendees safe and comfortable. Not only are these outdoor venues great options in warmer months, but many also provide heated and covered areas for accommodating groups in all kinds of weather. Back in mid-March, like many others, The Exchange restaurant in Lancaster, PA, made the difficult decision to close, temporarily. During that time, The Exchange’s sister restaurant, Plough, both of which are helmed by Chef Ryan McQuillan, offered a special carry out menu.

In early June, The Exchange reopened for outdoor dining. “We found that Lancaster residents were craving dining at restaurants again, but in a space that offers a lot of room to distance,” observes Josh Nowak, director of sales and marketing for the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and the Lancaster County Convention Center. “Our outdoor dining was booked to capacity - in the context of lowered volumes - throughout the weekends almost immediately.”

The Exchange also has created some exciting to-go offerings for those who still wanted a high-quality restaurant experience at home. One unique offering this summer was the Pizza To-Go Pack, which included prepped dough and farm-fresh and locally sourced ingredients – a perfect meal kit for families.

The Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, in which both The Exchange and Plough restaurants are located, recently achieved the GBAC STAR Accreditation - the highest health safety standard for hotels and event venues globally.

“Our staff continued to show great dedication to sanitization and safety throughout this unprecedented time by keeping up the high-quality service our guests know to expect,” says Nowak. “Through new trainings, we exceeded health safety expectations to make sure our guests felt comfortable in our environment.”

The Exchange is widely known for being the highest rooftop restaurant in Lancaster, overlooking downtown from its historic Penn Square location. The restaurant brings a vibrant year-

round social experience to the Lancaster sky. The indoor-outdoor dining model is punctuated by floor-to-ceiling windows on the interior and the bars’ extension onto the outdoor patio.

“We’re well known for our menu’s creativity,” Nowak notes. “The extensive beverage-driven menu offers exciting cocktails and unexpected combinations, such as in ‘A Perfect Pair,’ which includes Bulleit bourbon, lemon juice, pear nectar, ginger honey simple syrup, and candied ginger. The food menu presents upscale twists on bar favorites - think gourmet chicken nuggets, seasonal panzanella, smoked tofu, and of course, our wood fired pizza is what we’re really known for.”

“What makes our beverage-driven menu a standout offering is the frequent creation and rotation of custom cocktails from our talented pool of mixologists,” he adds, “providing guests the opportunity to experience something unique each time they visit.”

Guests are welcome to book either the indoor or outdoor space for private events, which are taken on a case-bycase basis. The dining area is spacious and comfortably accommodates groups of eight around its firepit tables.

“As group-size regulations adjust, we pivot as a team with our customers to maintain an adherence to current guidelines,” Nowak explains.

“We’re very proud to have a comfortable and sleek year-round dining option to offer Lancaster’s residents and visitors,” he continues. “The rooftop features a floating bar that is partially enclosed during the colder months to create warmth, tables with glass-enclosed fireplaces in the center, and several larger heaters to create a warm and welcoming outdoor dining experience no matter the weather.”

Since its menus are seasonal, guests of The Exchange can expect a selection based on local, in-season ingredients and comfort foods associated with the c

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colder months as well as cocktail menus and draft lists to match the season.

A go-to venue for events and special occasions, The Exchange looks forward to hosting more of these functions as circumstances allow. “We’re consistently receiving inquiries about hosting private groups on the rooftop for weddings whose guests are staying at the hotel,” notes Nowak. “After several months of operating under the Commonwealth and Lancaster County’s guidance, as well as our guidelines as a GBAC facility, we feel extremely prepared to welcome groups back to commemorate their life moments in our unique space.”

At Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, PA, Christine Hensel Triantos, director of marketing and communications, explains, “We learned pretty quickly in 2020 that we would have to turn on a dime, and that we needed to be as prepared as possible for each potential scenario. Led by our COO, Bob McGowan, our Peddler’s Village leadership team communicates constantly with each other, as well as with our merchants and employees. We brainstorm ideas and determine together what might work. We also pay close attention to guest comments and feedback so that we can better understand their concerns and priorities.”

For example, when they learned in December that indoor dining was being temporarily halted, they moved as much food preparation as possible outdoors, setting up a large Water Wheel Food Tent, as well as stands where they could sell hot cider and other food and drinks.

“Through teamwork and careful planning, we were able to get this up and running in less than 48-hours,” exclaims Hensel Triantos. “With takeout meals from our seven restaurants and these new outdoor stations, we were able to safely provide people with a variety of food and drinks as visitors shopped in the Village and experienced the holiday magic.”

Communicating changes also has been a top priority. “We want people to have the most helpful, up-to-date information so that they know what’s happening - and also what’s not happening,” she continues. “Managing expectations

is critical to maintaining satisfaction… We provide regular updates on our website, social media channels, and eblasts.”

Despite so many challenges, the team at Peddler’s Village remains confident that they have all of the key components - a large outdoor property, hard-working merchants, a unique blend of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, and many loyal customers - to continue to serve guests both in the short and long term.

A unique countryside shopping, dining and entertainment destination in Bucks County, Peddler’s Village is open air, which has really been helpful in navigating through the pandemic. “We’ve put important safety measures in place that our guests really seem to appreciate,” notes Hensel Triantos.

On the property are picturesque icons such as the water wheel, windmill, gazebo, and the koi pond, all of which are year-round favorites. The holidays are especially beautiful, when the Village is transformed into a winter wonderland adorned with a million colorful lights and holiday decorations.

The Golden Plough Inn offers spa packages with the award-winning David J. Witchell Salon and Spa in Peddlers Village.

Peddler’s Village has many offerings, both inside and outside. Groups can book private events at Giggleberry

Fair, a fun and unique indoor space that features a six-story obstacle course and maze, an arcade, and a fully restored 1920s antique carousel.

The Water Wheel at Peddler's Village in Lahaska, PA

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• Main Exhibit Hall– 45,500+ sq. ft. of column-free, 昀exible halls • Bayfront Ballroom–19,126 sq. ft. • Exhibit Hall–14,000 sq. ft. of 昀exible space • 21 meeting rooms • Performing Arts Center –1,200 seats with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, box of昀ce, concession area and spacious dressing rooms • 25+ hotels offering meeting space

Ocean City is a comfortable drive, less than 3 hours from major Mid-Atlantic cities and 30 minutes from the Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY). While you’re here, enjoy our 10 miles of beautifully maintained beach, famous 3-mile Boardwalk, 17 nearby golf courses, and more!

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START PLANNING TODAY! Visit OCMDCONVENTIONCENTER.COM, or call 1.800.OC.OCEAN. To learn more about meetings and events in Ocean City, or hotels that can accommodate your group, contact Regina Brittingham at 800-626-2326 or RBrittingham@oceancitymd.gov.

Peddler’s Village has many offerings, both inside and outside. Groups can book private events at Giggleberry Fair, a fun and unique indoor space that features a six-story obstacle course and maze, an arcade, and a fully restored 1920s antique carousel. Adults love it for parties as much as kids do, proclaims Brian Shields, the property’s director of sales. “We offer scavenger hunts throughout the Village involving our shops in providing clues. We also have murder mystery shows, normally held inside, but which now are being offered as an outside walking tour.”

The Golden Plough Inn offers spa packages with the award-winning David J. Witchell Salon and Spa, as well as halfprice packages during select times for suites that have jacuzzis and fireplaces. Also, its Dine and Stay Package is very popular, where guests can enjoy the Village and choose to have dinner at one of its four restaurants. Bed and Breakfast packages including morning meals at Buttonwood Grill also are available.

“Throughout the year, we sell Visa gift cards that can be used throughout the Village at the shops, restaurants, inn, at Giggleberry Fair, or to purchase tickets for murder mystery dinner shows, comedy shows, or other events,” Shields adds.

“We will continue to offer outdoor entertainment, such as live music and performances, and outdoor food and beverage sales, whenever possible,” notes Hensel Triantos. “We’re looking at doing new scavenger hunts in January and/or February. No matter what time of the year it is, Peddler’s Village is always a nice place to walk, get some exercise, and enjoy the fresh country air!”

As of now, Peddler’s Village plans to present another PEEPS® show in late March through early April, echoing their new gingerbread display approach and continuing what was a very successful PEEPS® event that launched in 2019. “If we are in a better public safety situation by May, we will present our Strawberry Festival. With any luck, we’ll have Summer Block Party weekends in June, Bluegrass and Blueberries Month in July, and a Peach Festival and Sidewalk Sale in August,” adds Hensel Triantos.

In Atlantic City, NJ, Ocean Casino Resort is situated on 6.3-million square feet, allowing the property to be very flexible with its space, both indoors and outdoors. “We have Ovation Hall

that can accommodate up to 5,000 attendees for a concert or event - a 70,000-square foot room that is ideal for large meeting and social functions from 200 to 1,500 attendees,” notes Peter Ciccone, senior vice president of hotel sales for Ocean Casino Resort.

Of course, restrictions and regulations have, for now, limited the capacities for both indoor and outdoor events, so, as a property and team, communication is more important than ever. “With the constant changes in every area, from the casino, guestrooms, food and beverage and more, we have to ensure we are on the same page and adhering to the COVID policies,” explains Ciccone.

As a demonstration of their ability to be both flexible and creative with their available space, Ocean Casino Resort has carpeted and enclosed a section of their parking lot in which they have hosted trade shows and meetings. “We continue to utilize Topgolf, which has always been a hit for groups, and also our restaurants for functions. With the 25 percent capacity restraints, we can still host meetings and events for close to 100 people,” observes Ciccone. Ocean Casino Resort also offers extremely flexible attrition and cancellation policies, which allows groups to adjust attendees as needed. “We are also offering one per 20 comp room policy on all groups,” he notes.

The property’s Outdoor Lobby Bar is open year-round, and they have added temporary dining outside to their Sky Garden this past summer, which has been very successful. “This will become a permanent restaurant in the spring,” notes Ciccone, “and it is ideal for group events.”

Each of these venues provides a range of unique spaces and opportunities to consider, both indoors and outside. Creativity, flexibility and communication will go a long way toward creating meeting and event solutions during these challenging times.

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Food Bri E

Chef Jennifer Carroll is no stranger to the camera. Her personality leaps right into viewers’ living rooms as a two-time BRAVO Top Chef All-Star. So, when the pandemic hit, transitioning from in-person to virtual events was a natural fit for her.

Known for fun, experience-focused dinners and events, Chef Jen channeled the energy she poured into executing in-person events into the virtual space with online cooking classes filmed from her native Philadelphia.

THE CLASSES WERE AN IMMEDIATE HIT!

Engaging with clients and employees from home is tough for all industries, but Chef Jen has found that food brings people together - even virtually.

“I love sharing my expertise and teaching my students as if they were going to work with me on the line at the restaurant,” she says. “I explain how to be more efficient and organized throughout the prep and cook, along with so many simple tips and tricks that will make you question how and why you’ve gone this long without knowing how to do these things already.”

She’s witnessed first-hand the value of cooking classes as a team building opportunity for clients or colleagues as they learn to properly chop an onion or blanch green beans together over Zoom.

ings People Together Even When They’re Apart

In addition to cooking classes, Chef Jen offers a virtual BRAVO Top Chef-style “Quickfire Challenge” that is highly interactive and entertaining. The event package is limited to 20 guests, and Chef Jen provides a list of three must-use ingredients prior to the event. Each chef participant has 15 minutes to turn those three ingredients - plus any other ingredients from their pantry, fridge or freezer - into a creative dish.

While participants are cooking, Chef Jen pops around the screen asking everyone what they're making, and it doesn’t take long for the good, competitive spirit to come out! At the end of the 15-minute time limit, everyone holds up their plate for a celebratory screenshot, each participant presents their dish, and Chef Jen declares a winner.

Afterward, she puts 15-minutes on her own clock and then demonstrates what she would make with those same three ingredients. This virtual package has been very popular for team building events and is ideal for employees who haven’t seen each other in a while. It can get fiercely competitive, but with a lot of laughs!

Chef Jen offers the following tips for holding successful virtual cooking classes:

EXCELLENT LIGHTING & AUDIO Lighting and audio are extremely important. Invest however much you can and upgrade wherever it makes sense. If you are starting off, a simple ring light and ear pods will make a world of difference! STRONG INTERNET CONNECTION A strong Internet connection is a must! Hardwiring the connection (as opposed to Wi-Fi) is the best way to go.

ENGAGING ON-CAMERA PERSONALITY Chef Jen loves to be as interactive as possible with her audience, just like she would be for an in-person event. She encourages questions and you will often find her stepping out from behind her set-up to approach the camera and show the audience a cooking detail or ingredient.

THOROUGH ADVANCE PLANNING Unlike an in-person live event, you can’t just pull someone aside to discuss logistics during a virtual event. Everything must be pre-planned to avoid awkward Zoom moments and ensure a smooth and successful event. This includes talking through every detail in advance.

A few key questions to ask: Who is moderating? Who is introducing? How will participant questions be handled (either via unmuting or via chat box with the moderator)? Who is closing? It also helps to do a brief technology test in advance, as well as to log on 15minutes early to confirm that everything is working properly.

For more about virtual cooking classes with Chef Jen Carroll, or to talk about virtual events, contact Kerri Sitrin from Chef Jen’s team: kerri@sitrinconsulting.com