From city lights to starry nights
By Kate Zaliznock
Think Pennsylvania is all rolling farmland and Founding Fathers? Well, yes…but also no. This state brings serious range for meeting planners—historic cities, peaceful countryside, grand ballrooms, quirky barns, you name it. Whether you’re planning a buttoned-up board meeting or a fireside retreat with s’mores on the agenda, the Keystone State delivers.
Resources
Philadelphia CVB
Jason Jordan, vice president of sales (convention division)
[email protected] | discoverphl.com
Valley Forge Tourism
Scott Higgins, HMCC, director of sales
[email protected] | valleyforge.org
Discover Lancaster
Chris Ackerman, director of sales
[email protected] | discoverlancaster.com
Visit Pittsburgh
Andrew Ortale, chief sales officer, business events & destination experience
[email protected] | visitpittsburgh.com
5 Reasons Why Meeting Profs Love Pennsylvania
A rich sense of history. From cobblestone streets in Philadelphia to Gettysburg’s storied battlefields, Pennsylvania is steeped in American heritage. Planners can host events in spaces that double as historic landmarks, creating a powerful sense of place that sparks connection and reflection.
City energy and country calm. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Lancaster deliver world-class convention centers, vibrant culinary scenes and arts-rich neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the Poconos and the Laurel Highlands offer retreat-style settings, ideal for wellness-focused gatherings or incentive escapes.
Four-season appeal. Whether it’s fall foliage retreats, cozy winter gatherings, springtime campus settings or summer mountain escapes, Pennsylvania is ready for meetings year-round. Each season brings new opportunities for outdoor activities and memorable group experiences.
Accessible and connected. Major airports in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, along with Amtrak routes and interstate highways, make it easy to get in and out. Its Northeastern location offers convenient proximity to New York, D.C. and other major hubs.
Venues with personality. Planners can choose from iconic museums, historic theaters, rustic barns, boutique hotels and hi-tech conference centers. No matter the group size or style, Pennsylvania offers meeting spaces with built-in charm and character.
5 Places to Meet & Stay
Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Convention Center gives planners unmatched flexibility for large-scale events in a walkable, transit-friendly setting surrounded by hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions.
Over 1 million sq. ft. of meeting space
Set within a vibrant resort atmosphere enhanced by on-site gaming and entertainment, Wind Creek Bethlehem offers planners the chance to blend serious meetings with memorable, built-in off-hours experiences.
72,227 sq. ft. of meeting space; 552 guest rooms
Nestled in the scenic Laurel Highlands, Nemacolin provides planners with an immersive luxury retreat experience enriched by world-class amenities and versatile indoor‑outdoor venues ideal for both focused meetings and group adventure breaks.
35,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 270 guest rooms
Set against a backdrop of wooded slopes and ski trails in Tannersville, Camelback Resort offers planners an energizing change of pace with space to meet, unwind and tap into the spirit of adventure—all under one roof.
9,482 sq. ft. of meeting space; 453 guest rooms
Lancaster County Convention Center at Penn Square combines historic charm with modern flexibility, offering planners a vibrant, walkable setting steps from boutique shops, restaurants and a seamlessly integrated Marriott hotel.
108,772 sq. ft. of meeting space; 416 guest rooms
This article appears in the September 2025 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
