Q&A with Marc Kaminetsky, Director of Sports, Tourism & Convention Sales, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board.
Just minutes from Philadelphia, Valley Forge is the ultimate meetings destination. With 75 world class hotels and over 300 cutting-edge meeting venues, the team at the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board is ready to help meeting planners make their next event a success. Marc Kaminetsky, Director of Sports, Tourism & Convention Sales with the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board shares how they set themselves apart to create memorable meeting experiences.
What makes Valley Forge a great meeting destination?
Marc: Valley Forge and Montgomery County are a great meetings destination because of the overall value proposition; including everything from free parking to affordable hotel rates, wonderful free amenities and the location.
What is the one thing planners are always surprised to learn about the Valley Forge area?
Marc: Planners are often surprised to learn about our proximity to Philadelphia. You can be to the airport in just 18 miles!
What might we find you enjoying in the destination on your day off?
Marc: On my days off, I like to enjoy Montco’s almost 100 miles of trails! Each one is unique offering anything from the scenic countryside to quaint villages, and vibrant downtowns. Plus, we have 1,600 restaurants for dining before or after your hike, run, walk or bike!
What advice would you give to a planner who hasn’t worked with a CVB before?
Marc: The CVB serves as the boots on the ground for all planners, and allows them to be informed about up to the minute changes taking place, whether new restaurants, traffic or special events.
What do you see trending in the meeting’s market? How is your CVB proactively addressing this trend or staying current?
Marc: Meetings now are all about making memorable experiences and events that stand out and feature unique aspects of a destination, such as the local culinary scene and activities that aren’t found in other places.
We at the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board provide clients with resources that feature cutting edge attractions and experiences that clients are looking for. We accomplish that through videos, social media, and other digital technology.
How does a planner benefit from consulting with you prior to sending out their RFP?
Marc: We’re able to eliminate extra phone calls, emails, and communication when a planner’s time is extremely valuable while they may be planning hundreds of meetings throughout the course of the year. We’re one-stop shopping!
What’s the latest news, developments, or events in your destination you’d like to share with planners?
Marc: VFTCB’s Arts Montco brand promotes the county’s more than 200 arts and culture venues such as live music concert halls, award-winning playhouses, one-of-a-kind museums, and landmark historic sites that can serve as great off-sites for meetings and events.
The King of Prussia Town Center continues to grow by expanding its dining options to offer an impressive lineup of city-style, top-tier restaurant brands, all within walking distance of each other. Montgomery County’s more than 1,600 restaurants continue to include favorite big names as well as small town diners and cafes.
Located across from Legoland Discovery Center in Plymouth Meeting Mall, 5 Wits Plymouth Meeting is an immersive, hands-on experience that challenges your mind and senses, and lets you be your own action heroes in one of three adventures. The Montgomery County location is the franchise’s first in Pennsylvania, and sixth overall.
Montgomery County, PA is home to more than 30 craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries, including some of the most awarded in the state and the country.
What differentiates your destination from your competitive set?
Marc: Our sales team has a total of more than 100 years of experience combined in hospitality, so we also have the tools to make your meeting, or event, memorable.
Plan your next meeting in Valley Forge, PA. Learn more here.