The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) staff and President & CEO, Mike Bowman, will share its optimistic outlook for tourism in Montgomery County when its leadership and staff welcome 450 attendees to the organization’s first in-person annual luncheon event in three years.

The event takes place tomorrow, Oct. 28, at the Sheraton Valley Forge.

With a theme of “Forge Ahead,” the VFTCB will release its 2022 annual report, highlighting the positive economic impact of the hospitality industry in Montco.

The organization cites that those levels are now close to pre-pandemic performance. The VFTCB’s award-winning professionals devoted solely to bringing competitive events of all varieties to the county will, for example, announce another record-breaking year.

“We’re gaining back ground in the right direction, and seeing positive momentum,” said Bowman.

“I’m so proud of how the VFTCB staff has overcome obstacles to support our hoteliers and our entire tourism industry in Montco. Their commitment to creativity is amazing, and that’s one of the many reasons why Montgomery County continues to lead and outperform the region,” he commented.

Guest speaker and two-time Olympic gold medalist soccer star Carli Lloyd will address her own experiences of “forging ahead.” She is set to recount her history of:

• Overcoming obstacles on and off the field
• Being a woman in the world of sports
• Advising youth as they begin to make their mark in sports on their own

The VFTCB’s marketing and communications team will share data-driven marketing plans, including:

• Continued support for restaurants and arts
• Social media and public relations growth
• A new way to enjoy the county’s breweries, wineries, and distilleries

The program will also include a special announcement about a local college scholarship for tourism and hospitality students.

Members, partners, key stakeholders, and county and town officials are expected to attend the event at the Sheraton, which recently underwent the first of several planned guest room renovations.