Event planners seek downtown destinations with business and leisure appeal

Corporate meeting planners are putting more weight on destinations that can handle productive sessions and deliver memorable experiences beyond the agenda. In Scranton, that shift is boosting interest in properties and downtown districts that pair meeting space with dining, culture, transit access and outdoor recreation.

Why it matters: - Corporate meeting planners are choosing destinations that support business needs and give attendees reasons to stay engaged before and after meetings. - That shift favors places where lodging, meeting space, dining, entertainment, culture and recreation can be built into one trip. - Northeastern Pennsylvania destinations that offer both infrastructure and experience may have an edge in attracting group business.

What happened: - Research highlighted by Skift Meetings found that 82% of residential meeting venues encourage outdoor connections through activities and experiences. - More than half of those venues offer outdoor meeting rooms or outdoor spaces. - Downtown Scranton is being positioned as an example of the kind of destination planners are seeking. - The city combines a business district, cultural attractions, regional transportation access, restaurants, entertainment and nearby outdoor recreation. - The Hilton Scranton & Conference Center sits at 100 Adams Avenue in downtown Scranton.

The details: - The Hilton Scranton & Conference Center has 22,706 square feet of total event space. - The property includes 11 meeting rooms. - The hotel combines guest accommodations, meeting facilities, dining and business amenities in one location. - Attendees staying downtown can reach Steamtown National Historic Site, the Electric City Trolley Museum, the Scranton Cultural Center and local restaurants. - The hotel is also near downtown dining and entertainment options. - Nearby Montage Mountain adds access to recreational activities. - P.J.’s 1910 Pub at the hotel offers casual dining and cocktails. - The pub includes a notable bourbon collection and an extensive tequila selection.

Between the lines: - The market is moving away from treating meeting space as a standalone purchase. - Planners now appear to value destinations that make networking and downtime part of the event design. - Downtown hotels with walkable access to attractions can reduce friction for organizers while widening the attendee experience.

What's next: - Meeting planners will likely continue favoring destinations that can deliver both efficient business programming and easy access to leisure activities. - Properties that can package rooms, meeting space and local experiences in one itinerary may stand out in group sales. - Scranton’s downtown footprint suggests the city could compete more effectively for events that want a central base with multiple attendee options.