Where Leadership Meets the Next Generation

Join us at the Hershey Lodge for two days of strategic planning, statewide collaboration, and a celebration of Pennsylvania's rising hospitality talent. 

Event Overview
February 23–24, 2026 | Hershey Lodge

The PRLA Winter Meeting brings together hospitality leaders, destination partners, and industry advocates for a full day of business meetings and strategic retreats—followed by the 12th annual PA ProStart Student Invitational, where the next generation of hospitality professionals showcase their skills. 

Day 1: Leadership & Industry Strategy

Strengthening Today's Professionals

Morning Business Sessions

Day 1 kicks off with the PRLA Educational Foundation Board of Directors Meeting at 9 a.m., immediately followed by the PRLA Board of Directors Meeting & Lunch.

Afternoon Leadership Sessions

DMO Retreat — A collaborative working session exploring statewide tourism trends, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen Pennsylvania's destination landscape. 

State & Chapter Leaders Strategy Retreat — A strategic forum for building the 2026 leadership pipeline, planning local events, growing membership, and fundraising.

PRLAEF Fundraising Dinner
Educating Todays Professionals. Developing Tomorrow's Leaders. 

Join us for a special offsite fundraising dinner supporting the PRLA Educational Foundation. Your participation fuels workforce development, industry-recognized credentials, scholarships, and hands-on training programs—strengthening the hospitality workforce of today and tomorrow.  Full dinner details will be announced soon. 

$150 per person | Limited to 125 attendees

Day 2: PA ProStart Student Invitational

Investing in Tomorrow's Hospitality Leaders

High school students from around Pennsylvania will compete in the 12th annual PA ProStart Student Invitational. With culinary, management, and cake decorating divisions, this competition is designed to build confidence, ignite passion, and prepare them for successful careers in hospitality.

Relive the excitement—watch last year's highlight reel to see the energy, creativity, and talent these students bring to the competition. 

Join us at the Awards Luncheon ($40/person) as we celebrate the winning teams and recognize the outstanding achievements of Pennsylvania's future hospitality professionals. 

REGISTER

Registration is required for all attendees. Included at no cost:

Optional Add-Ons:

ACCOMMODATIONS

Make the most of your experience by staying at the Hershey Lodge, the official host hotel of the PRLA Winter Meeting and 12th annual PA ProStart Student Invitational. 

Book by January 23 to take advantage of the special rate of $169+tax per night. Call (855) 729-3108 to book your room.  

SUPPORT PROSTART

All attendees are welcome to watch the competition at no charge. 

Your involvement helps create pathways for the next generation. Ways you can support ProStart students include:

Your Participation Matters

Your partnership strengthens PRLA's advocacy efforts while fueling education and workforce development programs that secure the future of hospitality in Pennsylvania. By showing up, mentoring students, and supporting the PRLAEF, you help build a stronger, more vibrant industry for years to come.