Following a board meeting of a local asso- ciation, Judi Garst took several of its mem- bers on a tour of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ (PAFA) Historic Landmark Building. While the group mar- veled at the beauty of both its architecture and artwork, one board member remarked: "We all need to take the time to be tourists in our own city.” He added that so often we don't make the time to visit the facilities all around us everyday.


"By hosting a dinner, holiday celebration or awards reception at one of the exqui- site facilities Philadelphia has to offer, cor- porations and associations are making it possible for their employees and clients to enjoy the experiences available right in our neighborhood - a location that per- haps not everyone has had the privilege or time to visit,” adds Garst, director of facility rentals for PAFA. This statement rings true for many destinations through- out the Mid-Atlantic region.


At PAFA, guests can immerse themselves in culture while enjoying their event or participating in a meeting. The extremely unique experience of dining in the midst of famous American artwork (PAFA is one of the few art museums that permits guests to dine in its galleries) elevates any gathering.


Providing a memorable and unique day for guests will add a positive touch to a meeting - of any nature. A high-stress budget meeting might require a short


midday break to give attendees some breathing space. For this, Garst recom- mends that planners hire docents to help walk guests through each collection and the pictorial representation of American history.


Further, a client appreciation dinner could gain added positive energy by hir- ing a PAFA student to paint in front of guests and recreate a notable piece of art- work, which could then be given as a gift. Planners also can hire PAFA students to draw portraits of guests - or even carica- tures as a way to lighten the mood. A por- trait wrapped in a company's branded folder would make an ideal keepsake to take home from any event.


The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts sits directly across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Sponsoring a corporate break from a con- vention at the museum provides atten- dees and friends a welcomed respite and can breathe some fresh air into the group.


To truly go off site for a meeting, a unique venue gathers attendees outside of the usual walls in one shared space. Off site meetings invite them to separate from their environs just long enough to see their business or mission from a different angle with fresh eyes.


A new perspective is just what many com- panies need during or after a merger, acquisition or downsizing. As our econo-


Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts


my continues to shift, employees find themselves with new titles, teams and responsibilities. In response to this chang- ing business climate, Greg Michels, corpo- rate sales manager for Peddler's Village, notes the trend of increased team build- ing during meetings and events.


Michels reflects, "More and more compa- nies are looking for team building due to reorganization.” The restructuring of com- panies has required a change in thinking. Employees must view everyone as a col- league, as opposed to subordinate or boss. In some cases, the subordinate of a year ago might be the new boss, or vice versa might be true.


The event team at Peddler's Village cus- tomizes each team building activity and tour for every client. Always popular, scav- enger hunts take on a new creative edge due to the desire of the staff at Peddler’s Village to make each interesting and inter- active.


One successful hunt recently directed groups to search for various pieces of a puzzle, which turned out to be parts of a tricycle. Each group built the tricycles and the company then announced that the toys were to be donated to a local charity. The activity weaved the element of sur- prise into each step and allowed all par- ticipants to work together.


The charity


donation as the finale created a sense of good will at the close of the event.


Michels adds that meetings at Peddler's Village are different, because "it's not just sticking them in a board room... it's great for them to be able to take a lunch break and get outside to stretch their legs.” The property spans four acres, which pro- vides plenty of space in which groups can participate in a range of activities.


Peddler's Village often hosts a favorite among ice breaker events: private murder mysteries. Local acting troops perform, and the audience participates in a "who- dunnit" mystery. If a planner needs to host a dinner, making it more interactive will be a win-win for the organizer and guests.


Michels looks forward to the start of "Who Killed the King of "Rock 'n' Roll"


Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 63


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