W


hen the goal is to entice attendees to an event, build excitement leading up to a meeting, or provide an incentive to motivate employees, the destination and venue can make all the difference.


Boutique, upscale and retreat destinations with a variety of spaces in which to meet, an eclectic array of accommodations and plenty of choices for networking and after-business activities can be found throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.


Between southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware lies Chester County’s Brandywine Valley, a destination with top-notch conference and event facilities, 5,000 hotel rooms in the area, and interesting sites to visit, such as Longwood Gardens, muse- ums made famous by the legacy of the DuPont and Wyeth fami- lies, and an assortment of wineries.


“Chester County’s Brandywine Valley is a charming destination offering a variety of inspiring experiences for business and leisure travelers,” said Courtney Babcock, director of sales for the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau. “The scenic, green, rolling countryside is just 30 minutes from Center City Philadelphia and the Philadelphia International Airport. Our excellent facilities and accommodations, delectable cuisine and old-world hospital- ity will delight planners and guests.”


Planners will find the setting of Chester County, PA to be ideal for smaller conclaves, such as retreats and executive board meetings. The county offers non-traditional venues for smaller meetings, such as charming bed-and-breakfasts like Faunbrook Inn and the Inn at Whitewing Farm.


For an event unlike any other with a portrait-perfect backdrop, planners will find the Brandywine River Museum of Art and Knauer Performing Arts Center to be great options. Historical sites like the Chester County Historical Society and the American Helicopter Museum are available for networking events and other gatherings.


Smaller groups can visit one of the area’s more than 20 craft breweries, such as Victory Brewing, which offers tours of its facility where attendees can learn about brewing, packaging and distrib- uting. Attendees can indulge in grape-stomping events, tastings and vineyard tours, too. Guests can explore local coffee roasters, such as Golden Valley, which features tours of the facility that culminate with a coffee “cupping” in its state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen.


With planners leaning toward more interactive experiences that take attendees out of the traditional meeting room, Chester County offers a range of activities. Some options include: Escape Room challenges; Chadds Ford Historical Society’s challenge that incorporates local Revolutionary War history; zip lining at Treehouse World; as well as canoeing and hiking opportunities.


Mid-Atlantic­EvEnts Magazine 31


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