Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel, King of Prussia
In history books, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, is known as the site of miserably cold winters that soldiers endured during the American Revolution. In Valley Forge National Historical Park, a monument was erected in honor of the strife they overcame at the encampment in 1777–78.
President George Washington’s famous words are etched across the towering National Memorial Arch: “Naked and starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery.”
The 3,500-acre site is a popular stop for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the first U.S. Army. Reconstructed log cabins on the encampment grounds can be toured, along with historic buildings such as Washington’s former headquarters. The national park offers enriching experiences for groups that visit Montgomery County, located 18 miles outside downtown Philadelphia.
What was once a Colonial outpost in the King of Prussia region is today a major international shopping destination. Every year, more than 25 million shoppers patronize King of Prussia Mall, the second-largest mall in the country. The existing 400 shopping outlets, which include several high-end brands, will be joined by an additional 50 retailers when the new 155,000-square-foot corridor opens Aug. 18.
There is plenty for visitors to do in Valley Forge, but there are even more places to meet. There are more than 20 venues, including five IACC-certified conference facilities and hotels. Marc Kaminetsky, director of convention and tourism sales for Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board, assists meeting planners to ensure the success of their meetings and events.
“Valley Forge and Montgomery County offer planners a unique destination to host conferences from five to 500 attendees,” he says. “With a wide range of meeting facilities, the region provides the perfect combination of business and pleasure. From the King of Prussia Mall to the Valley Forge National Historical Park, the area is guaranteed to be a hit for your next meeting.”
Convenient Locations
DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Valley Forge, King of Prussia
Near the King of Prussia Mall, DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Valley Forge offers 24,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 24 meeting rooms, Keystone Ballroom and an outdoor reception area by the pool. The hotel also has 327 guest rooms and a newly expanded fitness center.
In nearby Landsdale, Courtyard Marriott Lansdale is redesigned in contemporary accents of bright yellow and gray. Modern decor and furniture decorate the lobby areas and reinvented dining venues serve locally inspired dishes. The hotel provides 125 guest rooms and 6,948 sq. ft. of meeting space within nine meeting rooms.
Valley Forge Casino Resort, King of Prussia
One of the premier venues for nightlife in the area is Valley Forge Casino Resort, which features seven dining options and a variety of casino gaming. Valley Forge Casino Resort and adjoining Radisson Hotel offer a combined total of 486 guest rooms. The 100,000-square-foot convention center includes 54,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space with room for up to 250 booths.
Crowne Plaza Philadelphia, King of Prussia
Crowne Plaza Philadelphia, King of Prussia is near Valley Forge National Historical Park and located across the street from King of Prussia Mall. The property features dining venues onsite and 226 guest rooms, including six suites. There’s more than 24,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space at Liberty Conference Center, which is housed within the hotel. The IACC-certified conference center includes two ballrooms, a 130-seat amphitheater and four breakout rooms.
Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel in King of Prussia was remodeled in 2014 and boasts upgraded amenities and interiors. The 180-room hotel has a club lounge and various dining areas, including Ralph’s of South Philly, a modern take on the oldest Italian restaurant in America. The property features 25,000 sq. ft. of function space, including a 10,000-square-foot ballroom and 13 conference rooms.
Historic Charm
Joseph Ambler Inn, North Wales
For meetings that deserve charm and character, Joseph Ambler Inn in North Wales harkens back to Colonial times. On 12 acres of countryside, 52 guest rooms are spread throughout five historic buildings. Small meeting groups can enjoy five private event spaces that together accommodate up to 200. The rooms range from formal banquet halls to intimate gathering areas.
Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center is another one-of-a-kind facility that offers a rustic ambience amid picturesque surroundings. The 19th-century inn and tavern has been transformed into a modern facility that boasts 113 guest rooms and 28 suites. The 23,000-square-foot conference center has 17 meeting rooms and two ballrooms with original brick archways and exposed beams. Groups can dine at The Farmer’s Daughter restaurant, where modern farm-to-table cuisine is served in a barn-style setting.
Outside the Box
Unconventional think spaces rule at The Hub Conshy in West Conshohocken. The conference center is one of four similarly themed facilities in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Hub Conshy opened in November with 8,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 7,000 sq. ft. of outdoor terrace and atrium space. Each conference room offers thought-provoking designs that are especially appealing to biotech firms and corporate groups.
Chubb Hotel & Conference Center in Lafayette Hill, another privately owned meeting venue, offers more than 50,000 sq. ft. of IACC-certified space. The campus of ergonomically designed spaces is conducive to creativity and productivity, and offers 120 renovated guest rooms. Altogether, there are 48 high-tech meeting rooms that are equipped with smartboards, videoconferencing, complimentary Wi-Fi and built-in HD projection. There’s also plenty of outdoor breakout space within 300 acres of rolling hills and woodlands.
Rivercrest Golf Club & Preserve is a top venue for conferences and special events. The family-owned Phoenixville facility offers golf outings and team-building activities on its 300-yard dual-ended practice range and 60-yard grass tee. The golf course also hosts the Donovan McNabb Foundation Golf Classic. Rivercrest accommodates functions in its 49,000-square-foot clubhouse.
DIY Food & Wine
Cooking Spotlight, Phoenixville
There’s nothing like going behind the scenes during team-building activities—especially when it comes to food. Cooking Spotlight brings out the chef in everyone in a dedicated facility for private events and culinary activities. Groups of up to 80 can participate in cooking classes and competitions that make use of local produce and artisanal products.
At Stone & Key Cellars, attendees can have a hand in the winemaking process. The urban winery in Montgomeryville sources grapes from California and presses varietals using old traditions and state-of-the-art equipment. Groups can fill and cork their own bottles with custom labels to mark the occasion. Events can be held on the production floor, surrounded by barrels of wine. The space also has a 20-foot custom tasting bar that pours 10 wines and hard cider on tap.