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

8:00 AM | Registration

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM | PRLA Educational Foundation Board of Directors Meeting

11:00 AM - 1:30 PM | PRLA Board of Directors Meeting & Lunch

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM | New DMO Executive Roundtable — This session is intended for interested newer DMO leaders (less than 3 years in) to discuss common questions, concerns, and also resources PRLA might consider developing to support new DMO executives. 

1:30 PM - 5:30 PM | DMO Retreat — A collaborative working session exploring statewide tourism trends, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen Pennsylvania's destination landscape. 

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | PABBI Council Retreat

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM | State & Chapter Leaders Strategy Retreat — A strategic forum for building the 2026 leadership pipeline, planning local events, growing membership, and fundraising.

5:30 PM - 6:15 PM | Student Welcome with BOD & Chapter Leaders

6:00 PM | Travel Accommodation Provided from Hershey Lodge to PRLAEF Fundraising Dinner at Chocolatier in Hershey

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | The PRLAEF Dinner at The Chocolatier

PRLAEF: Educating Todays Professionals. Developing Tomorrow's Leaders. 

The PRLAEF Dinner | Powering the Future of Hospitality

Join us for an unforgettable evening at The Chocolatier in Hershey, where exceptional food, craft cocktails, and a one-of-a-kind setting meet a powerful purpose: Supporting the future of Pennsylvania's hospitality workforce. 

This is more than a dinner—it's the signature annual gathering where industry leaders come together to invest in the next generation of hospitality professionals. Don't miss your chance to be part of this inspiring event. Every plate served and every conversation shared helps ensure the industry has skilled, motivated professionals ready to lead tomorrow.

$150 per person | Limited to 125 attendees

Day 2: PA ProStart Student Invitational

Investing in Tomorrow's Hospitality Leaders

7:45 AM - 2:00 PM | PA ProStart Invitational

8:30 AM | PRLA Leaders Breakfast

2:00 PM | PA ProStart Awards Luncheon

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.