Guide to Meeting & Event Planning in Harrisburg, PA

Hotels	50
Total Sleeping Rooms	5,251
Committable Sleeping Rooms*	348
Committable Meeting Rooms*	32
Convention Center Space	1,000,000 Sq. Ft.
Largest Exhibit Space	172,000 Sq. Ft.
Largest Ballroom	54,000 Sq. Ft.
Average Hotel Room Rate	USD $110
Average Daily Meal Cost	USD $69
Average Weekly Car Rental	USD $158
*Maximum for a single hotel

Harrisburg, PA Meeting Planning Overview

The quaint Pennsylvanian city of Harrisburg may not be the first destination that comes to mind when considering meeting locales on the East Coast. However, with a convenient setting, first-class event facilities and a revitalized downtown – all at an affordable price tag – it certainly should be. Welcoming about 6.5 million visitors each year, the city is within a three-hour drive of Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York City and Washington, DC. For air travelers, the expansive Harrisburg International Airport, remodeled and expanded in 2004, provides non-stop service to over 100 locations throughout the United States and Canada.

Once inside the city, meeting planners are met with a wealth of spacious and flexible event spaces. The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center boasts an impressive 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space, including a new banquet hall serving 1,200 people. From the grand 172,000-square-foot Expo Hall to the 4,773-square-foot VIP lounge, the complex can accommodate any type or size of event.

Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art GIANT Center can host up to 12,500 guests in a variety of seating accommodations. As home to the Hershey Bears hockey team and first-class amenities such as in-house catering and luxury suites, the center is an exciting spot to host events big and small.

The city is certainly not short on unique meeting spaces, either. Rare automobiles and a soaring ceiling at the Antique Auto Museum in Hershey create a stimulating setting for cocktails and appetizers. Offer up to 150 guests a scenic respite from the city by hosting a dinner at the secluded Centennial Barn at the Fort Hunter Mansion & Park. Or, sweeten any event session by gathering attendees at the Hershey's Chocolate World in Hersheypark.

From theaters to museums, the plethora of Harrisburg event venues are kept fresh and inviting, just like its downtown. Over the past two decades, the city has made significant revival efforts to transform the area into a popular business and nightlife destination. New hotels such as the 15-story Hilton Harrisburg and retail areas such as Strawberry Square meet with recently-opened restaurants, classy nightclubs and popular bars in the renovated downtown area. Though such improvements are elevating the city to rival other East Coast metropolitans, its low cost remains unchanged. In fact, Harrisburg has been named one of the Top Ten Most Affordable U.S. meeting locations by GetThere.

Harrisburg has a thriving technology industry as well as a growing health service industry. A number of large national firms are located in or near the city, including Tyco Electronics Corporation, IBM, Hershey Foods, Harsco Corporation and Rite Aid.

About Harrisburg, PA / Additional Info

Harrisburg is the 10th largest city in Pennsylvania with about 49,528 residents. Located on the banks of the Susquehanna River, the city was a crossroads for Native American traders until European contact in 1608. Though the city was named the Pennsylvania state capital in 1812, it became truly eminent for its role in the American Civil War. Union soldiers used the city as training grounds, and several prominent battles took place in the region, including that of General Lee's attempt to overtake the city on his way to Philadelphia.

Today, Harrisburg invites guests to experience this colorful history at numerous historic attractions. Explore over 24,000 artifacts, manuscripts and more at the National Civil War Museum, or walk through its life-size diorama of the largest Union training camp. Across from the State Capitol, the State Museum of Pennsylvania encapsulates the Commonwealth's heritage, exploring topics from fine arts to technology.

Harrisburg's historic appeal extends to much more than battlegrounds and cemeteries. A short 15-minute drive away, Hershey, Pennsylvania, was the birthplace of Hershey's, one of the oldest chocolate companies in the United States. Attractions such as the Hershey Story/The Museum on Chocolate Avenue invite guests to explore the magnificent world of founder Milton S. Hershey, his company and the intriguing process of chocolate production. Of course, visitors can also enjoy some delicious samples along the way at Hershey's Chocolate World.

Indulging in sweet treats is guilt-free in Harrisburg, where plenty of outdoor activities await post-tasting. Hit the links at the championship Lykens Valley Golf Club or Golf Club at Felicita, a wooded course built on a mountainside. Or, when the weather is warm, visit the volleyball courts, batting cages, and miniature golf course at City Island. Opposite downtown Harrisburg on the Susquehanna River, City Island also boasts a carousel, miniature train and paddlewheel cruise boats.

After the fun and games, guests can kick back at one of several microbreweries or over 90 wineries that populate the region. Only about 14 miles away from downtown, the West Hanover Winery crafts over 30 different wines on its picturesque vineyard. Inventive brews such as DreamWeaver Wheat and Troegenator Double Bock await at the Troegs Craft Brewery in Harrisburg, while Purist Pale Ale and Mountain Lager from the city's Appalachian Brewing Company are sure to please any beer lover. From history to nature, chocolate to wine, Harrisburg is truly a delight for the senses.

Harrisburg, PA Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)
Convention Center(s):

Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center

Hotel at Convention Center? No
Sleeping Rooms 1 Mile from Convention Center: 1,000

Airport(s):

Harrisburg International Airport

Destination Type(s):

Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants
Historic Destination

Special Event Venues
20
Population
49,081
Restaurants
6
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
6.00%
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-20%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Harrisburg, PA

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Philadelphia, PA	107 mi	1 hr 53 min	40 min	USD $412+
Washington, DC	120 mi	3 hr	50 min	USD $396+
New York, NY	172 mi	3 hr 25 min	2 hr 35 min	USD $250+
Pittsburgh, PA	203 mi	3 hr 26 min	3 hr 10 min	USD $345+

Harrisburg, PA Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	37	40	50	62	73	81	86	84	76	65	53	41
Avg. Low (°F)	23	24	32	42	51	61	66	64	56	45	36	26
Rec. High (°F)	73	75	84	93	95	100	107	100	102	90	84	75
Rec. Low (°F)	-9	-5	5	19	31	40	50	45	30	23	13	-8
Rainfall (in)	2.8	2.8	3.3	3.2	4.1	3.5	3.5	3.3	3.2	2.8	3.3	3.2

Harrisburg experiences four mild seasons, and temperatures rarely venture into extremes. Winter temperatures are comparatively mild for the region, with average highs in January of 38°F and lows of 23°F. About three feet of snow falls during the winter.

Summers in Harrisburg are quite humid. July is the hottest month with average highs of 86°F and lows of 68°F. May is the rainiest month, with just under five inches. With cooler, less humid temperatures, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit the city.

Harrisburg, PA Airport Information

Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)

Approximate taxi fare: $31 USD

Harrisburg International Airport is a one-terminal facility located in the southeast portion of the city in Middletown. Remodeled and expanded in 2004, the airport is the United States' first multi-modal airport terminal complex to have been conceived and built since September 11, 2001. As Pennsylvania's 3rd busiest airport, it provides non-stop service to over 100 domestic locations and cities in Canada. One-stop service is offered to a number of cities across the globe.

While waiting for flights, passengers can enjoy wide range of food and beverage services. Casual options at the second-floor food court include McDonald's and Hershey's Ice Cream, while the Varsity Grill & Sports Bar offers a full-service option. For those interested in last-minute gifts, the Perfectly Pennsylvania gift store is located just beyond security. Additionally, members of the frequent flier Susquehanna Club can relax in a private lounge in Concourse A, complete with televisions, computers and a fax machine. Free wireless Internet access and Internet kiosks are located throughout the terminal.

Perhaps the airport's most impressive amenity is the four-story Multi-Modal Transportation facility, which handles all ground transportation. Passengers can access it through the comfortable, climate-controlled Skybridge that connects passengers to the terminal. The top three levels of this facility have room for more than 2,500 cars, and the first level is for limos, taxis, hotel shuttles, buses and a rental car lot. A daily parking garage and a long-term lot are available. Daily maximums are $15 for short-term parking and $5 for long-term parking with a $30 weekly maximum.

Airline carriers serving Harrisburg International Airport

US Airways
United Airlines
Delta Air Lines

Northwest Airlines
American Eagle Airlines
Continental Airlines

Air Canada
Air Tran

Harrisburg, PA Train Information

Amtrak Station

Harrisburg's Amtrak station is located downtown. Two different Amtrak routes run through Harrisburg, both of which have New York City as a final destination. The Keystone route starts in Harrisburg, and the Pennsylvanian route starts in Pittsburgh. A regional rail system is expected to be developed in Harrisburg by 2020.

Harrisburg, PA Ground Transportation

Capital Area Transit (CAT) Bus Lines

Harrisburg's buses have 23 different routes serving all parts of the city, including stops at local attractions and the airport. Buses operate daily year-round, with hours and schedules varying based on route. Regular adult fare is $1.65 and student fare is $1.15.

Rental Cars

Located on the first floor of the Multi-Modal Transportation facility, directly adjacent to the terminal, rental car agencies offer quick and efficient bookings at Harrisburg International Airport. Companies represented at the airport are Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty.

Taxis

Taxis are available on the first floor of the parking garage at Harrisburg International Airport, just behind the rental car counter. The trip to downtown takes about 15 minutes and should cost less than $31.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Philadelphia, PA	107 mi	1 hr 53 min	40 min	USD $412+
Washington, DC	120 mi	3 hr	50 min	USD $396+
New York, NY	172 mi	3 hr 25 min	2 hr 35 min	USD $250+
Pittsburgh, PA	203 mi	3 hr 26 min	3 hr 10 min	USD $345+