One destination that is very attractive to the small meetings market is Chester County, Pennsylvania and the Brandywine Valley.


Courtney Babcock, director of sales for the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau (CVB), says that "Chester County’s Brandywine Valley offers over 50 meeting options through- out the region, which includes full-ser- vice hotels, quaint bed and breakfast properties, and unique venues like a winery or historical society.”


“With no large convention space, small to medium-size meetings work best,” she continues. The ideal size group for the region that could take advantage of the largest selection of options is any- where from small board meeting of 10 up to an event for about 100 attendees, she adds.


Babcock notes that corporations, state associations and non-profits are among the primary markets who plan smaller


meetings. She further explains that, particularly among the corporate seg- ment, many smaller meetings are focused on retreat or executive board meetings and they are drawn to the countryside setting of Chester County.


Team building also is very popular in Chester County, especially team ses- sions that include culinary cooking challenges like the ones offered by the Inn Keeper’s Kitchen at Dilworthtown, or by The Desmond Hotel - Malvern, a Doubletree by Hilton. Those who wish to engage in more physical or outdoor team building activities might opt for a ropes course at Westtown School or go zip lining at Treehouse World.


"Small meetings are more flexible in what plannners can offer to their atten- dees,” Babcock explains. “Smaller groups allow for more time to engage in a unique experience like a visit to Victory Brewery and taking the time tour the facility and learn about brew- ing. Wineries have offered grape stomp-


ing events for small groups. The CVB is the best resource to help make sugges- tions and enhance your itinerary with options such as these."


Overall, planners seem to be more interested in interactive experiences today, wanting to take their attendees outside of more traditional classroom settings. “Often, smaller groups will go off-site for activities, such as an escape room challenge in West Chester or they will visit one of our 20 craft breweries,” cites Babcock, adding that a complete list of these craft breweries can be found online at BVBrewScene.com.


"Chester County offers a wealth of non- traditional venues that are often over- looked for smaller meetings, so when the lead-time is short we can always find the right fit,” Babcock observes. “Think charming bed-and-breakfasts, art museums and historic sites."


"The options are limitless in Chester County for small meetings,” she contin-


FIRST MEET. THEN RETREAT.


There’s no better place to bring your team together than the Pocono Mountains. Meet at one of our state-of-the-art conference facilities. Then relax with a spa day or an adventure in the great outdoors. To plan your group retreat, contact David Jackson at 570.236.1699 or Djackson@Poconos.org.


2­ 2 November­z December­2018


#PoconoMtns


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