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Plan on the Poconos for an Outdoor Haven

By M+E Staff

What do you think of when you hear the Poconos? If heart-shaped bathtubs come to mind, it’s definitely time to pay this part of northeast Pennsylvania a visit. This scenic region is home to 2,400 square miles of breathtaking mountains, waterfalls, woodlands and winding rivers. And those retro, heart-shaped or champagne-glass-shaped tubs are defi nitely a thing of the past. “We’re a destination known for outdoor adventure and well-being,” says David Jackson, vice president of sales for the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “You want a reason why planners should think of the Poconos for their next event?” asks Jackson, “I’ll give you five.

First, is our location. We’re an easy drive from New York or Philadelphia. Second is sustainability. We’re big on green here and many of our hotels are national leaders.” Healthy food sourced from area farms is Jackson’s third reason, citing that many planners now are looking to deliver “quality programs that also have quality nutrition.” Adventure is up next. “We offer team-building ideas for Type A personalities,” says Jackson. “Dog sledding, sky diving, whitewater rafting, even a Nascar experience—we have it all. Be sure to catch a performance at the Shawnee Playhouse, Sherman Theater or at Mt. Airy Casino.”

Of course, Jackson knows that despite the many attractions the Pocono Mountains offer, meeting and event attendees are here to do business. “The fifth reason is our technology,” he says. “We offer state-of-the-art technology in our many resorts and conference centers designed for corporate guests.” While the Poconos may be a four season destination, winter is definitely a highlight, with six ski resorts: Shawnee, Big Bear, Camelback, Blue Mountain, Alpine and Big Boulder/Jack Frost.

The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort occupies an enviable location surrounded on three sides by the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Lodging is available in three spots: the historic main inn with 80 guest rooms; the Delaware Lodge with 12 rooms overlooking the golf course; and the luxurious Legacy Collection cottages. The property also boasts a 3,200-square-foot spa, hiking and biking trails, river activities including kayaks, canoes or rafting trips, and even tours of the ShawneeCraft brewery. Private meeting rooms and flexible space are ideal for planners seeking an all-in-one experience for up to 300 people. Shawnee’s green mindset even extends to meetings, where everything is done to minimize the carbon footprint.

Set on 160 acres, the Bushkill Inn & Conference Center is, as general manager Christopher Calo puts it, “a true getaway.” Renovated in 2012, the 166-room property has modern guest rooms in its main lodge, as well as in cottages and cabins dotting the property. Located near beautiful Bushkill Falls, Bushkill Inn has something for everyone, says Calo, with a full-service spa and fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools and year-round outdoor activities. The stunning natural setting is particularly conducive to team-building or retreats. “I am really excited to be at Bushkill,” says Calo, who recently accepted the reins. “It’s a place for people to unite.” As for meeting space, Bushkill is well suited for meetings with 13,000 square feet of flexible event space. “One of the things that I think is amazing is our auditorium,” says Calo. “It’s a full stage with lighting and curtains, but with no fixed/permanent seating, it’s so flexible and ADA accessible. It’s ideal for presentations and award ceremonies.”

Want to be in the heart of the action for your meeting? Book the new Camelback Lodge. This mountain retreat opening in April 2015 puts you right at the mountain. The lodge’s 453 guest suites, some with fireplaces and balconies, translate to plenty of room for your group. The new conference center will offer 22,000 square feet of flexible meeting and entertainment space, in addition to the 18,000 square feet of existing space in the base ski lodge. The 7,450-square-foot Grand Ballroom will be able to accommodate up to 400 guests for a sit-down banquet or plated-dinner function. A flexible air-wall system will allow the ballroom to be configured to smaller room sizes to best accommodate different sizes of groups and meeting needs. A separate Meeting Forum will offer four breakout rooms, as well as a prefunction area. “A meeting venue should be a source of inspiration, providing a catalyst to spark excitement, revelation, discovery and learning,” says Michelle Wescott, director of group sales for Camelback Lodge. “Camelback Lodge will inspire and deliver by way of its location at the base of Camelback Mountain, and through unique team-building, adventure-based offerings, the entire mountain becomes boundless meeting space.” Camelback Mountain has 166 acres of skiable terrain for skiers of all levels and with 100 percent snowmaking on all trails, praying for snow isn’t necessary. Camelback is also welcoming Aquatopia in the spring. This 125,000-square-foot, adventure-themed indoor water park with a transparent roof lets the sunshine in and enjoys a year-round temperature of 84 degrees.

It may be the newest kid on the block, but the new Kalahari Resort, slated for an early summer opening, will feature a 457-room hotel, 100,000-square-foot indoor water park and the third largest convention center in the state (behind Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with 65,000 square feet). “Kalahari will change the face of meeting planning in the area,” Jackson says.

“Kalahari Resorts is thrilled to bring our beyond-expectations experience to the East Coast,” says Kevin Shanley, corporate director of sales. “We’re looking forward to providing 65,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, award-winning indoor/outdoor attractions, top-notch dining and unparalleled meeting amenities to planners and attendees visiting and living in the Pocono Mountain area.”

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