EventsWorthy Chester County Versatile Venues Dine-Around

“For businesses to get back on track, we need more cooperation from state and local governments. When the pandemic hit us in March, the restaurant and event industry spent a lot of time and money to show the state of Pennsylvania regulators their plan to hold events safely, and the state of Pennsylvania ignored those efforts and shut everything down. Other states, like Ohio, Indiana and Maryland, worked with the industry and continue to do so now. Shutting everything down does not mean people will stop gathering. People will still gather on their own and they will not be as safe as they would be in a restaurant or event space that is regulated by the state to uphold COVID-19 safety measures.” KIM RUBY CMM, FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE CONFERENCE PROFESSIONAL, MARKETING AND EVENTS, CANADA LIFE REINSURANCE the science of gatherings, to get the best informa-

BRIAN LANG AREA DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING FOR HYATT CENTRIC, PHILADELPHIA, PA

“It definitely looks like we are about to turn a corner and the event industry will have a meaningful recovery in 2021. We’re finally starting to hear some good news and it is clear from our partners and clients that people are longing to be more than patience for the economy to recover, as

together again. Once regulations are lifted, there will be pent up demand, but it will be limited in size and scope until we can gain back consumer confidence.”

“To get back on track, the Hyatt Centric will work closely with meeting and event planners to ensure that we’re meeting their needs and the expectations of their attendees and that our hotel surpasses industry safety standards. As a pact on liability. Let’s lead in this. Let’s be the best

brand-new hotel, we have the technology to provide contact-less meetings using built-in audio-visual, microphones, smart TVs and food service that can all be controlled by phone. We have built-in induction counters and in-room refrigerators enabling contact-less food service, as well. And planners can rest assured that their attendees are protected by the Hyatt’s Global Care and Cleanliness Commitment, which Forbes magazine called the best in the hotel industry.

“We’re called the hospitality industry for a reason. And now we’ll have a chance to show what that truly means. We’ll never before - whether it’s making bigger spaces available to allow for increased capacity, or resting meeting rooms between events. We’ll do what it takes for our clients and their attendees to feel safe and return to in-person events with confidence.”

“There is no ‘on track’ at this point. It is massive scramble, reinvention and realignment. The way we will begin to do this is to be a leader in touting tion about the science of pandemics, and to promote how we will serve the needs of our clients –external and internal.”

“Science of gathering: why is this important to the human brain and human psyche? How can this best be accomplished? This is going to take a lot we did in 2009. This will take more than a campaign of ‘this is a great place to be’ or… splashy images.”

“Science of pandemics: this is not a political issue, despite the current flavor of our national politics. Let’s be leaders in promoting the best information. We also have to be willing to accept where it may impact our bottom line negatively or we lose credibility. We may have to invest in medical personnel or some other ways to keep our people healthy. We may have to consider new imhave to roll out the red carpet and show our flexibility like

investors in information and not just reactors to edicts.”

“We know the value of what we do, and what we provide. It’s time to move to another level – just as we always have done. I’ve done it; you’ve done it. Let’s support each other with encouragement, ideas, and science.”

KATIE SCHULTZ HMCC, DIRECTOR, SALES AND MARKETING, CHUBB HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER, & PRESIDENT, MPI PHL CHAPTER

“Once restrictions are lifted, showing successful meetings and events that have occurred at our venues during these times will help planners understand how safely and successfully this can be done. Videos, especially, documenting the event or meeting will be key to showing the client the flow of the attendees through the property, the safety protocols in place, and how we are handling food and beverage service. Dropping rates and offering tons of concessions will not be the way to go. We have to understand that the planner is dealing with a number of attendees that are all in different places with this pandemic, and showing that safety and protocols are being followed through with is key for their attendees to feel comfortable attending and event or meeting. Video testimonials from clients who have had events during the pandemic should be added to any venue website.”

RUTH WATERS CHSP, DIRECTOR OF SALES FOR HARRISON GROUP RESORT HOTELS, OCEAN CITY, MD

"I think we have started to see a slight uptick in the planning already. Planners need confidence in their suppliers to get back to business. In the hotel business, this means that we are event ready and cleanliness ready. We need to put extra emphasis on distancing seating, serving food in a safer manner with less hands in the pot, so to speak. Cleanliness needs to meet with conviction more than ever before and will be of great importance as groups start to come back to the hotels.”

“Planners need to know that the suppliers and hoteliers are their allies. They need to feel that, if they have extenuating circumstances, such as a new mandate from the state government, the hoteliers will not hold them hostage to their attrition clauses and will make exceptions where there didn't used to be. We all need to flex and bend. The industry, as a whole, needs to understand that planning will still be difficult. The future is bright, but still uncertain. Our commitment to our colleagues needs to take the forefront and we need to continue to work together in what will be our new normal."

MEET IN CHESTER COUNTY VERSATILE VENUES DINE-AROUND

November 11, 2020 – Chester County, PA – Top meeting and event planners came together for an exclusive, in-person evening for a taste of Chester County’s Versatile Venues. Put together by Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau along with Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine, stops included Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia-Valley Forge, where attendees had a chance to explore the new $12 million dollar renovations including an upscale steakhouse and seafood Restaurant, Cool River. Planners were safely transported by Metropolis Passenger Logistics to the next stop the newest event venue in Chester County Loch Aerie Mansion, a historic Victorian mansion with a modern feel along with cater John Serock Catering. The last stop of the night for desserts and drinks, provided by Provence Catering and Chaddsford Winery was at the Duportail House, a charming historic venue for indoor and outdoor events. Photo Credits: Oliveto Media

This event was conducted in adherence to the COVID-19 Safety and Health Regulations set forth by the CDC.

Jon Mathews and Neal Yakupcin of the Embassy Suites Philadelphia-Valley Forge

Courtney Babcock, Chester County CVB making sure all protocols are being met

The newly designed Atrium at the Embassy Suites Philadelphia-Valley Forge

John Serock of John Serock Catering hosting dinner at Loch Aerie Mansion Wine dispensing system option for guests at the Embassy Suites Philadelphia-Valley Forge

Loch Aerie Mansion ballroom

Duportail House