Montgomery County, PA

ValleyForge.org

Recently opened Residence Inn Hotel in Bala Cynwyd, PA

OVERVIEW

The amenities offered within Valley Forge and Montgomery County help to make the area one of the most attractive destinations in the region. All within a short drive, visitors and attendees will find the King of Prussia Mall, history with Valley Forge National Historical Park, plus delectable restaurants with more than 1,600 options from which to choose, and attractions in almost every corner like Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown.

WHAT'S NEW

The Residence Inn Bala Cynwyd opened in February of 2021 as Montco’s newest riverfront venue.

The Element Valley Forge debuted in July of 2021 as the sister property to the Sheraton Valley Forge hotel. The Sheraton Valley Forge currently is undergoing renovations.

The Alloy King of Prussia, a Doubletree Hotel, has completed a $19-million renovation that has truly transformed the property, formerly the Doubletree Valley Forge.

Crowne Plaza King of Prussia wrapped up its full-property renovation in 2020 by completing finishing touches on meeting and event spaces.

Elmwood Park Zoo recently received a $1-million donation from the Genuardi Family Foundation in support of the zoo's efforts to expand its development across Stony Creek and is one of the largest in the zoo’s 97-year history.

Elmwood Park Zoo's future expansion relies on being able to access the more than 20-acres of land that run adjacent to its current footprint. The Genuardi Family Foundation's gift will fund the construction of a 100-footlong vehicle and pedestrian bridge spanning the creek.

“The gift from The Genuardi Family Foundation gets us one step closer to a whole new era for the zoo," said Jennifer Conti, Elmwood Park Zoo's director of development. "It opens up our ability to enhance our existing facility and create new and exciting adventures for our guests to enjoy.” DePauls Table Modern Italian Steakhouse in Ardmore, PA The Valley Forge and Montgomery County area continues to add to its growing list of restaurants, too. Morgan’s Brooklyn BBQ and Kooma KOP (sushi) are two of the newest in the area.

Lark, located on the top floor of the Residence Inn Bala Cynwyd, is preparing to open in the coming weeks, adding a new rooftop restaurant to the county’s impressive list of culinary offerings.

WORKING TOGETHER

"As groups have returned, our members have been ready to help welcome them back," asserts Scott Higgins, director of sales for the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Bureau. "We’ve created a 'Show Your Badge’ program, offering area discounts to attendees through the free Visit Valley Forge app."

"Busy periods within our destination have been shared, allowing the ability to properly staff," he continues. "We’d hosted educational webinars for our members, allowing them to gain valuable knowledge on what’s now needed in this 'new normal'."

LOOKING AHEAD

"Prior to the Delta variant, we were seeing an impressive return of meetings and events," Higgins observes. "As cases continue to decrease, we feel confident that the return will again happen and that momentum will pick up. It’s fairly clear that, after not meeting for nearly two years, groups want to get back together safely. Virtual was a great short-term solution, but it’s only reaffirmed that the power of meeting in-person can’t be matched."

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Montgomery County is a great destination for meetings, events and leisure travel, and it is easily accessible. Home to many historic venues as well as an expo center, it can accommodate events of all sizes. The county also has a large network of trails, craft breweries, shopping and great restaurants that provide additional opportunities for both meeting attendees and those visiting for pleasure.

"Social events and personal travel are returning to the area, both for inside and outdoor activities," observes Pamela Kelly, RPh, MS, president and CEO for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Montgomery County. "Business-related events are coming back, but at a slower rate. There is an increasing comfort level for small meetings, however large conferences are still a little slower to return. Employees that have not yet returned to the office have been reluctant or not permitted to attend in-person events."

Venues are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their guests, Kelly adds, but notes that the challenge is in finding staff to fill vacancies in order to maintain the service level expected by guests.

"Once employees return to the office, there will be an increase in meeting attendance and therefore events and conventions," Kelly states. "Vaccination ability for small children also will help relieve the stress of parents concerned about spreading COVID-19. Staffing concerns are expected to be ongoing, and supply chain issues may cause increased costs." Karamoor Winery’s new tasting room being rebuilt after a 2020 fire.