Limitless ways to support your programming
By Gary Diedrichs
It’s called the Keystone State because of its central location among the original 13 colonies, its vital role in the birth of the nation and its importance in holding the early union together. Today, for planners, this Mid-Atlantic state of historic urban centers, dense forests and the Appalachian Mountains can support any gathering.
Reasons Why Meeting Planners Love Pennsylvania
- Scale and sophistication. Tier-one meeting spaces in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh rank among the country’s best, with leading-edge technology and LEED certifications. At the same time, downtown event districts have compact, grid-based layouts for attendees to seamlessly transition between convention halls, hotels and dining.
- Urban buzz meets country calm. Beyond the state’s justly celebrated urban centers, regions like Lancaster County, the Poconos, Valley Forge and Lackawanna County charm your attendees with flexible indoor/outdoor venues, idyllic corporate retreat backdrops that are nature-focused and unforgettable team-building settings.
Read More: Eastern Pennsylvania: Where History Meets Hype
- It’s still the East Coast’s keystone. Positioned perfectly between New York City and Washington, D.C., a more convenient regional meeting point can’t be found. And the trifecta of excellent airlift via hubs like Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), multiple Amtrak routes and major interstate highways throughout the state makes transport a no-brainer.
- A budget-friendly alternative. Compared to its urban neighbors to the north and south, premium event venues, luxury lodging and high-end F&B in Philadelphia and its nearby suburbs can be a bargain. Pricing can be even better in metro Pittsburgh. Plus, don’t discount the allure of deals for attendees, such as no state sales tax on most clothing.
Places to Meet & Stay
Pennsylvania Convention Center is not only LEED Silver-certified, but also boasts one of the largest ballrooms on the East Coast.
679,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
Nemacolin Resort sits on a sprawling 2,200 acres in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, where it seamlessly marries luxury with championship golf and other outdoor activities.
20 meeting venues; 320 accommodations of several types
Mohegan Pennsylvania promises never a dull moment, with gaming, entertainment and even harness racing to excite attendees between sessions. Hiking and nature parks, too.
20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 238 guest rooms
Lancaster County Convention Center offers a distinctive and historic setting that feels worlds apart from the Eastern metroplex yet has advanced tech and safety standards.
90,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 27 meeting rooms
This article appears in the September 2026 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
