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

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe, 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

Pennsylvania Convention Center exterior

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

Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia game room

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

Person playing golf at Skytop Lodge
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

People playing board game at 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.