BE INSPIRED

Give your next meeting world-class inspiration with over 20,000 square feet of convertible meeting space tucked away in the picturesque Pocono Mountains. Mount Airy Casino Resort offers a AAA Four-Diamond experience for groups of 10 to 1,000. When the work is done, guests can explore non-stop gaming action, award winning dining, exciting entertainment and luxurious accommodations, all in one place!

For more information, visit mountairycasino.com/meetings-weddings or call 570-243-5125.

A Hotel With A Purpose

Albert Boscov had one vision in building the DoubleTree by Hilton in troubled downtown Reading, PA. Create a business that puts community first to help move a city and its residents forward. The team at this hotel fulfills this mission through a culture that requires that employees, 75% of whom walk to work, are treated with the same hospitality, care and respect as the guests who stay there. Because of this, they’ve won the “Connie Award”, the highest Hilton honor, an unprecedented four times since opening in 2015.

Craig Poole, the President and culture bearer of Reading Hospitality, LLC who owns and manages the property, will tell any business their success formula. “It takes an unwavering commitment to put people over profit. Something we call ‘humanizing profit’. A belief that the mental, physical and financial wellness of its staff comes first. It makes for happy employees who are then highly empowered to take care of our guests. It creates less turn-over, less absenteeism, we have close to zero workers compensation claims and we have no post-pandemic hiring struggles. Our business thrives because we invest dollars in our employees, give them dignity and an opportunity for personal growth.”

So, what does this investment look like? DoubleTree by Hilton, Reading offers living wages and benefits above industry standards with 700 healthy meals a week are served to employees and clothing and household goods are available through their in-house thrift “Care Closet”. A full-time employee development counselor helps balance work and family and classes with a local banking institution provides courses on financial wellness. With Habitat for Humanity, the hotel helps employees find the path to home ownership. Second chance employees, the formerly incarcerated, reintegrate here and are welcomed as part of this team that delivers award-winning hospitality. Joy is found by guests who experience the 4% of hotel employees who have special needs and who are empowered, some for the first time, to not only take care of themselves but also others.

“If humanizing profit is working in this City, it can work anywhere. It’s purposeful work and that’s the difference that makes the success”, says Poole. What is certain is that, when you stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Reading, you will experience a different kind of hospitality. One that is driven to success by the employees who embrace Albert Boscov’s purpose of moving a community forward.

There is also a documentary on YouTube about the hotel and Craig Poole“Follow Me and I Will Be Behind You”. Follow Me and I Will Be Behind You FULL DOCUMENTARY - YouTube miles of freshwater streams for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, boating and more.

There also is a thriving local art scene, a growing and diverse culinary community, local music, exciting sports, festivals, and a Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail.

Places To Meet

Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza has more than 8,000 permanent seats for large events and shows, while Mohegan Pennsylvania offers 20,000-square feet of flexible meeting space.

Luzerne County also is home to many institutions of higher learning with meeting and event space. Penn State WilkesBarre, Wilkes University, Misericordia University, King's College, and Luzerne County Community College are great options.

The historic Luzerne County Courthouse also is available for events, as are other unique venues.

FOOD & DRINK

The culinary scene in Luzerne County is as varied as it is delicious. Authentic, homemade pierogi, fresh kielbasa, handmade pasta, delicious tacos, delectable sweets, and the pizza that has put this region on the map means dining out here is always a highlight.

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA

www.lehighvalleychamber.org

WHAT'S NEW

“We have a lot of revitalization and new builds happening here in Bethlehem,” observes Tammy Wendling, senior vice president, Bethlehem Initiatives, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. “To name a few, Wind Creek is putting the finishing touches on their new facility space, which includes the Foundry Ballroom. This venue has 22,000square feet of meeting space that can be used to host conferences, trade shows and more for up to 1,900 guests.”

Wind Creek Bethlehem soon will debut its expansion tower in June. Once complete, the property will boast over 550 hotel rooms, a high-end lobby bar, art installations, a new luxury spa with a relaxation pool, and a total of 60,000square feet of meeting and event space, including three allnew ballrooms. The new ballrooms can accommodate intimate events or groups of up to 2,200 guests, establishing Wind Creek Bethlehem as a regional competitor when attracting larger group functions.

The Wilbur Mansion recently opened their new event space, as well, which includes an event center and boutique hotel that offers a charming atmosphere, modern amenities and handcrafted cuisine at their premier restaurant.

In addition, Bethlehem consistently welcomes new dining opportunities, including the recent additions of Steak ‘n’ Steel Hibachi, Inc., Wonder Kitchen, plus new fast, yet elevated, eateries like Casa del Sangwich, Toastique, Birriaholic, Lu Taqueria, and Steel City Bistro.

Things To Do

Bethlehem is in the center of the Lehigh Valley and boasts some of the top regional attractions. Visitors can experience history and heritage throughout downtown’s historic footprint. Tours are available through Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites.

Across the Lehigh River at ArtsQuest, take in a movie at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas or listen to live music at the SteelStacks, Levitt Pavillion, or the Musikfest Café - all at

Wind Creek Bethlehem is a top destination for group events in the Lehigh Valley, PA

ArtsQuest. The property overlooks the former site of Bethlehem Steel.

At Wind Creek Bethlehem, guests can play at the casino, shop, enjoy a live performance at the Event Center, and more.

A few miles west of Bethlehem, enjoy a baseball game at Coca Cola Park – home of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, AAA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Thrill seekers can visit Dorney Park, which boasts over 60 rides, attractions, shows, and a waterpark - Wild Water Kingdom.

Places To Meet

The City of Bethlehem’s meeting spaces are all unique and each offers something special. Some of the mainstay properties, also boutique hotels, include Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Sayre Mansion, and The Wilbur Mansion.

At Historic Hotel Bethlehem, guests are welcomed with world-class hospitality. Special features include the Grand Ballroom and The Mural Ballroom with hand painted murals dating back to 1936.

On the city’s Southside are both Sayre Mansion and The Wilbur Mansion. Sayre Mansion has a unique meeting space in its lower level called the Asa Packer Room, which is both intimate and elegant by design. The property currently is in the process of building a permanent outdoor fixture for a larger event space. This boutique hotel also has guestrooms that are all unique.

Next door at The Wilbur Mansion, which once was the historic Masonic Temple, renovations are complete and the mansion now offers an event space with a 250-person capacity, a restaurant, overnight rooms, and more. The mansion overlooks the Steel Stacks and has a very modern-meets-historic feel.