Visit Hershey & Harrisburg

Thank you Joe Massaro and the entire team at the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association for an annual conference filled with education and inspiration for the hospitality and tourism industry. Just a few of the highlights from a busy conference: Our team was proud to kick off the week supporting Spirit of Hospitality Award nominees and recipients, especially nominee and VHH board member Jamie Berger. Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine reminded us how important “the little things” are to the art and craft of hospitality. PA Office of Tourism Deputy Secretary Anne Ryan and Exective Director Kaitie Burger delivered insights and excitement as we celebrate recent campaigns and successes and prepare for the huge year ahead for our state. Keynote and session speaker Josiah Brown presented a powerful clinic on advocacy and mastering the art of effective public speaking. VHH President & CEO Sharon S. Myers shared thoughts during a panel discussion about collaboration, driving overnight stays, creative itineraries, common challenges, and more. The teams at this year’s host location including the Lancaster Marriott, Discover Lancaster and Visit Lancaster City are part of a beautiful destination in Lancaster County! We enjoyed exploring the city! Congratulations to Fritz Smith of the The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, who begins his term as the new PRLA Chairperson. We’ll see you next year in State College!

What a year it’s been for the Brew Baron! Friday night’s appearance at the 15th annual Autos & Ales craft beer festival at America's Transportation Experience, AACA Museum was the perfect way to cap a year full of attendance and support of special events where we highlight the variety of craft breweries on the Hershey Harrisburg Brew Barons Beer Trail. Thank you to Jeffrey Bliemeister and his team at AACA for hosting this annual event at the region's must-visit automotive museum, and to all the fantastic guests, regional craft brewers, entertainers, and vendors who made the evening one to remember. Guests had a chance to stop by the VHH table, where VHH Experience Development Director Jason Meckes was on hand to greet guests who wanted to learn more about the Beer Trail and other exciting things to do across our destination. The Brew Barons Beer Trail was the first experience to launch in the VHH Trails & Experiences program and celebrated its 5th Anniversary in 2025. Other experiences include the Harrisburg Arts District, Hershey Harrisburg Adventure Trail, and Sweet Treat Trail. We look forward to sharing more about these trails plus new experiences in our destination soon! Visit the museum: https://atexpa.org/ Discover VHH Trails & Experiences: https://lnkd.in/eFKJftuC

Our team had the opportunity to tour the Hershey History Center this week with volunteer curator Susan Mittan. The history center is dedicated to preserving and promoting the town’s rich history. When Milton Hershey broke ground for his factory in the region known as as Derry Church in 1903, the area was largely farmland. Mr. Hershey built not just a chocolate factory, but also utilities and services to support the growth of a thriving community: a trolley system, electric, water and telephone services, a laundry, a lumber yard, a bank, and more. Mr. Hershey contributed money to build the area’s 1st consolidated school as the community outgrew the old one-room school models. This early investment in public education was in addition to Mr. Hershey’s more well-known founding of the Milton Hershey School serving underprivileged youth. The Hershey History Center may be tucked away from the main road (behind the Tanger Outlets at Hershey), but it should be front and center on your itinerary to learn about the history of one of the most unique towns in America.

New class photo! We've welcomed some new faces to our tourism team recently so we wanted to take a moment to (re)introduce our growing staff representing VHH, Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority, and ExploreHBG. We're honored to work together to drive tourism in Dauphin and Perry counties! Top row (R-L): Cortney Ranck-Cameron (HHSE/VHH Manager of Event Strategies & Marketing Projects), Steve Cruz (VHH Director of Strategic Partnerships), Sharon S. Myers (VHH President & CEO), Allison Rohrbaugh (VHH Director of Communications & Content), Jenny McConnell (VHH Sales Manager) Front row (R-L): Jason Brown (VHH Director of Marketing), Corinne Flemming (VHH Strategic Support Specialist), Syeda Tayyeba (ExploreHBG Director of Marketing & Communications), Heather Novack (VHH Senior Support Specialist), Gregg M. Cook, CSEE (HHSE Executive Director), Danielle Vincenti (HHSE Director of Business Development), Audrey Bialas (VHH Director of Sales), Jason Meckes (VHH Experience Development Director).

Meetings are sweeter in the Hershey Harrisburg Region, and National Chocolate Day is sweeter here too! The VHH Sales Team celebrated the sweet occasion by bringing meeting planners and partners together for a mix & mingle event at Hershey Lodge. Smiles, sweet treats, delicious food, awesome door prizes, and powerful connections filled the room. Contact VHH Sales Manager Jenny McConnell to help you find your next meeting space or to help you connect with your next meeting clients!

A sweet new option for accommodations in the Hershey Harrisburg Region is now accepting reservations ahead of its spring 2026 opening. Hershey Inn & Suites will be Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company's first select service property as part of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark, joining The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort. The 130-room property at 1300 West End Avenue (Hummelstown) will include seven suites, a lobby bar, arcade, a fitness center, indoor pool and other amenities. More details >> https://lnkd.in/dHvjaxPN

It was a beautiful day to celebrate tourism's impact in the Hershey Harrisburg Region. On behalf of VHH President & CEO Sharon S. Myers, thank you to the partners and community leaders who joined us today to review the VHH FY24-25 Annual Report and to every partner in tourism who helps to make our work a success. Special thanks to King Mansion for being an amazing host, and to sponsors C&J Catering and Ross Productions. Our team is immensely proud to work every day on behalf of small businesses, hotels, attractions and special events venues throughout Dauphin and Perry counties. The annual report may cover business data like room nights, impressions, and economic impact, but what it truly represents is our dedication to telling our destination's story. All of us at VHH, Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority, and ExploreHBG look forward to continuing this work in FY25-26! You can find the full report via the link in the comments.

VHH recently had the pleasure of working with World Affairs Council of Harrisburg to host participants of The Asia Foundation's Young Asian Diplomats program. From an opening reception at the stunning PA State Capitol building to tours and tastes of our region, we were able to share highlights of our destination's history, culture, and character. Thank you Joyce Davis, David L. Kim and so many others who helped to guide a weekend of discovery and connections! Find the story link and additional photos in the comments.

Please join us in welcoming Corinne Flemming back to the tourism team. Corinne will support destination marketing, sales, and overall operations as our new Strategic Support Specialist. Corinne brings more than 25 years of experience in the tourism industry to her role, primarily in hotel sales and most recently as a corporate travel consultant. Corinne spent time with VHH prior to the pandemic and we are thrilled that she’s rejoined the staff. Corinne can be reached at corinne@hersheyharrisburg.org. ExploreHBG, Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority

It was a great day at Senstoberfest! The Brew Baron is always happy to hang out with our local craft breweries and supporting the efforts of Harrisburg River Rescue makes the day that much better. Cheers to good friends, great beer, and goood causes. 🍻 Thank you to the Harrisburg Senators for organizing another great event on City Island!