WOW, SO MANY OPTIONS! SHIFTING GEARS A BIT, TALK ABOUT A FEW OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHESTER COUNTY AS BOTH AN ATTENDEE AND AN EXHIBITOR AT REGIONAL AND NATIONAL TRADE SHOWS AND CONFERENCES.
Our Chester County CVB sales team attends around 12 different conferences and trade shows each year. Strategically, they give us the opportunity to showcase Chester County as a destination for a variety of market segments, including: association, religious, tour, corporate and sports. They are one of the most valuable ways to meet potential new clients and build ongoing rapport with existing clients. From morning general sessions to afternoon appointments, educational breakouts and evening events, we have the opportunity to continually network and meet with clients.
Conferences and trade shows also provide excellent opportunities to meet colleagues from other destinations and discuss best practices. In my 17-plus years working in this industry, I have made some amazing friends and colleagues from all over the country.
WHAT, IF ANY, CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN AT THESE CONFERENCES IN RECENT YEARS?
The biggest change I have seen is the format of many conferences; changing from a traditional 10’ x 10’ booth setup to appointment-based shows. I like that we are given time in advance to research potential appointments and request appointments with organizations that fit Chester County’s market. But the speed dating style of the prearranged 7-minute appointments can be challenging - especially after two days.
Community give-back and service project opportunities is an added feature that
most conferences are including now, too. For example, at the last conference I attended, we spent one morning making fleece knot blankets for local shelters to be distributed to the local homeless community.
ONE OF THE MOST CREATIVE AND FUN EVENTS FOR PLANNERS OF MEETINGS ON THE EAST COAST IS THE CHESTER COUNTY CULINARY CHALLENGE, WHICH WE ARE PROUD TO SERVE AS ONE OF THE PARTNERS ALONG WITH YOU. TELL EVERYONE ABOUT THIS EVENT, WHICH HAS BECOME SO POPULAR.
The Chester County Culinary Challenge is different than your average networking event. We have created an event that is experiential for planners and our Chester County Hospitality Partners. We want the attendees to interact with one another in a fun atmosphere and, hopefully, by the end of the night they will have met a new friend or potential client. The teams consist of both planners and a Chester County hotel or venue partner. The teams are challenged to create a dish with a “surprise theme.” Over the past four years, we have had them create bento boxes, dumplings, tamales, and chicken chili. All teams are judged on teamwork, presentation and taste.
In 2018 we added a cocktail challenge to the event, as well. Teams have to create a featured drink within the same time limit using one specific liquor. The cooking and cocktail challenge judges are comprised of area meeting planners and chefs.
WHAT GOES INTO PUTTING TOGETHER AN EVENT LIKE THIS?
We start planning about six months in advance to develop a theme and each year we have to top the previous year. We first meet with Desmond Hotel Malvern, a DoubleTree by Hilton’s culinary
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team who present their creative vision on what the cooking themes should be.
They regularly run culinary team building events for their clients; however, they strive to make the Chester County Culinary Challenge different from their normal challenges. The amount of supplies that are required - from individual burners, utensils, knives, bowls, and let’s not forget the array of ingredients - is a massive undertaking.
Of course, our partners, like you, Jim, are such key ingredient in the event’s success. From helping us market the event, bringing additional ideas on how to run things more smoothly, and adding special touches to make it even more memorable is just so valuable. We also look for Chester County area sponsors to support the event, like yourselves and Chaddsford Winery, who sponsors the wine and has been a partner in this event since its first year.
WHAT DO PEOPLE ASK YOU ABOUT THE CHESTER COUNTY CULINARY CHALLENGE MOST OFTEN?
The theme for each year's Culinary Challenge is always a surprise. So, throughout the year, other than what the upcoming date is for the Culinary Challenge, I am always asked about the theme. When new planners and our CVB partners attend they often ask a lot of nervous questions about the level of cooking skills required for the event. But it never fails that after they experience the evening, they are shocked how much fun they end up having. It is 100 percent a low-pressure event, but absolutely one of the most memorable of the year.
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