The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) hosted its largest-ever annual luncheon in the organization’s 50-year history with more than 450 attendees, including hospitality industry partners and elected officials. The luncheon’s “Experiential” theme celebrated the VFTCB’s 500-plus members and all the ways visitors and locals alike can experience Montgomery County, according to a release by the tourism board.

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Keynote speaker Ron Jaworski tied the luncheon’s theme into his remarks when he discussed how his experience as a professional athlete helped him in the business world. Jaworski donated his speaking fee to breast cancer awareness and encouraged attendees to wear pink in support of the cause.

He also drove home a simple, yet powerful axiom.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” Jaworski said, multiple times. The former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback then came down from the stage and into the audience to emphasis the importance of making face-to-face, sincere connections with those you come in contact with throughout your day, your business life and your personal life.

Tourism board chairman Rick Odorisio took the stage to tout the growth of the industry during the previous year.

“In 2016, tourism spending in Montco reached $1.5 billion and grew by more than 3% from the prior year. It also supported more than 4% of all jobs in Montgomery County, employing close to 20,000 people,” said Odorisio,  “Montgomery County’s hotel sector outperformed Pennsylvania’s in 2016 and Montco ranked first among the Philadelphia region’s suburban counties – Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware – with a 41% share of the $3.7 billion in total visitor spending.”

Ed Harris, chief marketing officer for the tourism board had several major announcements to make, including a new brand, ArtsMontco, and its first coup, bringing Cirque du Soliel to Montgomery County.

“We’re thrilled that Cirque du Soleil has identified the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center as a preferred location in the area. This was a result of a team effort by the entire VFTCB team that started a year ago. Additional details will be forthcoming,” said Mike Bowman, president & CEO, VFTCB.

Harris also announced an initiative with public transportation giant, SEPTA.

“Today, we’re proud to announce our new partnership with SEPTA as part of the SEPTA Perks program,” said Harris. “The new ISEPTAMONTCO program will offer discounted perks to the more six million visitors who disembark at the one of county’s 49 train stations. These perks include discounts at our restaurants, theatres, shops and museums.”

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