Locals know that The Desmond in Malvern is the premier location for weddings. The Desmond is also the perfect spot for all of your business meetings. Whether it’s for a small or a large group, the knowledgeable meeting planners can help you design the perfect business meeting or conference that will impress all of your colleagues.
Available Space
The Desmond, certified by the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), features 26,000 square feet of conference space, including 16 dedicated meeting rooms that can accommodate groups from 5 to 125. Many of the rooms feature natural light, and larger rooms can be arranged to feel more intimate. During the warmer months, groups can also meet or dine outdoors at the Sunset Grille deck.
State-of-the-Art Amenities
The Desmond offers high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property as well as state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. The Desmond even provides one hour of complimentary assistance from its AV specialist.
There are 16 microphones installed in the tiered ceiling and a new digital, 8-channel wireless microphone system. These are used for audio conferencing and can pick up speech from anyone in the room. The wireless microphone system, consisting of six table mics and two handhelds, provides an easy way to do question-and-answer sessions and allows everyone in the room to hear and be heard.
Additionally, presenters can power on the simple audiovisual touch system, select a source and begin presenting. The touch panel is wireless, giving a presenter freedom to be untethered without losing control of the presentation.
Team-Building Opportunities
When the work is done, engage your conference participants with camaraderie-building exercises. The Desmond’s expert staff can assist in planning fun activities that will delight conference attendees, like game show-style trivia games (think Jeopardy!) with professional audiovisual and effects. Some of these activities can be done without leaving the hotel, and all programs are customized to meet your goals in a time frame that works best for your group.
The Desmond specializes in a variety of formats built around food preparation. The events are designed to encourage creative thinking to build a basis for positive group dynamics and communication skills for meeting attendees. Each event includes a private room and professional chef to facilitate. Some popular options include chili cook-offs, Chopped-style mystery basket preparation, creating your own cocktail party fare and a chef-run kitchen workshop in which participants gain valuable culinary tips.
Food, Glorious Food!
The Day Meeting Package at The Desmond allows guests to enjoy all that the culinary staff has to offer. Dining accommodations are available for 2 to 300 participants. All conferences include a hot breakfast plus morning and afternoon breaks and an abundant buffet lunch. A Complete Meeting Package is also available for those who wish to incorporate dinner and overnight guest rooms. If your attendees need to have a meal on their own, there are many options. The Desmond features three award-winning restaurants on-site, all of which provide first-class restaurant quality food, locally sourced when appropriate and prepared for your group—up to even 300 people! Each attendee is sure to leave feeling like The Desmond’s chef prepared that meal just for them.
Accommodations
Reserve a block of rooms so that your conference guests can take the elevator home. With 194 recently refurbished guest rooms, guests can sample The Desmond’s fresh take on traditional décor in the guestrooms and you’ll feel comfortable knowing that your conference attendees will get a good night’s sleep. Renovations completed in 2015 included new carpeting, bed linens, drapery sheers, wall coverings, lamps, charging stations, thermostats, upgraded wireless bandwidth and more. The Desmond also has a complimentary 24-hour business center. Guests even get free parking—you won’t find that at Philadelphia hotels!
Resort Atmosphere
All work and no play is no fun! The Desmond has many recreation options including an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, walking/jogging trail, basketball, tennis and pickleball courts and a putting green located on site, as well as easy access to the Chester County Trail, county parks and Valley Forge parks. The best part is there is no resort fee to use any of these facilities! Golf outings at many nearby public courses and bike rentals can be arranged for additional fees.
The Desmond also provides a complimentary shuttle for transportation within a six-mile radius of the hotel and to the King of Prussia Mall.
Perks for Planners
The Planner Rewards Program is a unique membership offering incentives to planners who place reservations at The Desmond. Rewards include incentives like gift cards, overnight stays and more!
Kim Mullen, marketing and public relations associate at The Desmond, captures the complete convenience of hosting your conference at The Desmond. She shares, “Besides being so conveniently located as a meeting destination spot, all attendees are in comfortable, state-of-the-art surroundings. Everyone is treated like family while they are here. Conference attendees have many options to explore during off-times, as well as opportunities to have fun in a learning environment.”
She continues, “Our staff truly does care that their experience with us, whether it be one day or one week, is productive and enjoyable. A meeting paired with Culinary Team Building helps to inspire and connect the attendees and is a true win-win combination. The guests are relaxed, well-fed and rested. Relaxed means focused. Who can pass that up?”
Ready to plan your conference at The Desmond? Check out the meeting planner brochure and request a custom proposal for your next event.
Find The Desmond at 1 Liberty Blvd. in Malvern; phone: (800) 575-1776.
- Photos: The Desmond
