Eastern Pennsylvania blends heritage, heart and high-impact meeting experiences
By Kate Zaliznock
Eastern Pennsylvania knows how to strike a balance between old-world charm and modern innovation.
Anchored by Philadelphia and framed by Lehigh Valley, Bucks County and the Pocono Mountains, this region delivers a versatile mix of settings for planners who want more than a standard ballroom.
Whether your group craves cultural immersion, culinary exploration or a quiet retreat in the hills, Eastern Pennsylvania offers experiences that stay with you long after the closing session.
Resources
Discover Philadelphia
[email protected] | discoverphl.com
Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
[email protected] | valleyforge.org
Discover Lehigh Valley
[email protected] | discoverlehighvalley.com
Pocono Mountains Convention & Visitors Bureau
[email protected] | poconomountains.com
4 Reasons Why Meeting Profs Love Eastern Pennsylvania
• Urban buzz meets small-town ease. Philadelphia brings walkability, world-class museums and a convention center at the heart of it all, while surrounding regions such as Lehigh Valley and Montgomery County’s Valley Forge offer accessible, stress-free alternatives with robust hotels and unique venues.
• History that elevates the agenda. Where else can you host a reception steps from the Liberty Bell or plan a breakout overlooking a centuries-old mill? Eastern Pennsylvania’s historic backdrops give meetings a memorable sense of place that blends storytelling with sophistication.
• Nature is just a short drive away. The Pocono Mountains are tailor-made for wellness retreats, incentives and outdoor team building. Lakeside lodges, trails and adventure parks allow groups to unwind without straying far from major airports and highways.
• Culinary creativity at every turn. From Philly’s James Beard–recognized restaurants to the Lehigh Valley’s craft breweries and Bucks County’s charming farm-to-table scene, planners can easily weave delicious, local experiences into any program.
4 PLACES TO MEET & STAY
Pennsylvania Convention Center
A centrally located event powerhouse connected to hotels, restaurants and transit, ideal for large-scale citywide events.
679,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 82 meeting rooms
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
A high-energy property that offers a dynamic blend of upscale accommodations, top-tier dining and built-in entertainment.
15,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 208 guest rooms
Skytop Lodge
A legendary mountain retreat in the Poconos, immersed in nature and offering wellness amenities alongside outdoor adventure.
13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 192 guest rooms
Wind Creek Bethlehem
A versatile casino resort in the Lehigh Valley with shopping, dining and entertainment under one roof, plus flexible meeting spaces.
23,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 550 guest rooms
This article appears in the January 2026 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
