The Welcome Table | Hospitality Networking Event at King Mansion
On June 3, C&J Catering & Events proudly hosted our first-ever Welcome Table, a hospitality networking event designed to bring together professionals across the hospitality, tourism, and event planning industries. Held at the beautiful and historic King Mansion in Harrisburg, this evening was designed not just to network, but to spark deeper conversations about where our industry is headed and how we continue to grow, adapt, and connect in a post-pandemic world.
Why We Created The Welcome Table
The inspiration behind The Welcome Table came from a desire to gather industry peers — hoteliers, restaurant owners, innkeepers, wedding planners, florists, designers, and everyone in between — in a space that felt fresh, thoughtful, and meaningful. We didn’t want the event to feel like just another happy hour. Instead, we envisioned a hospitality networking event that would spark real conversations and meaningful industry-wide connections. More than drinks and business cards, we aimed to create a moment of true community for our industry. We chose the name “The Welcome Table” to reflect this mission: a place where everyone in hospitality could pull up a seat and join the conversation.
We chose to theme the event around Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel, a subtle but clever nod to the hotel and service industry that kept the evening visually bright, creative, and just whimsical enough to spark curiosity.
Inside the Hospitality Networking Event: Highlights and Timeline
From the moment guests stepped through the doors, the energy was high. Industry professionals from across Central Pennsylvania arrived ready to mingle, learn, and collaborate. The timeline was structured to give everyone time to network, enjoy the space, and hear directly from voices leading the industry forward.
🕓 4:30 – 5:30 PM: Welcome Reception
Guests enjoyed signature cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres in the entryway and out on the lawn. The King Mansion team led tours of the venue, offering attendees a glimpse into one of the region’s most elegant event spaces.
🕔 5:30 – 6:30 PM: Panel & Discussion
We invited guests into the ballroom, where Ross Productions had transformed the space with a full stage and screen setup, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and professional for our panel.
Our panel focused on how hospitality professionals are adapting in a post-pandemic world, featuring insights from:
– Bradley Stetler – Director of Operations, C&J Catering
– Alyssa Kurtz-Price – CEO & Lead Planner, Miss Lyss Planning
– Sharon Myers – President & CEO, Visit Hershey & Harrisburg
– Leigh-Ann Reitze – Manager of Events & Community Relations, UPMC Central PA
Hosts and Sponsors:
– J. Marc Kurowski – President & CEO of K&W Engineers + Owner of King Mansion
– Tyler Ross – Founder & President of Ross Productions
– Leah Luna – Co-owner of Luna Creations (who also styled our balloon décor)
This dynamic group covered everything from hiring and staffing challenges, to innovation in event design, to what it takes to create memorable guest experiences in today’s climate. The Q&A session allowed for organic conversation and sparked even more post-panel discussion throughout the evening.
🕡 6:45 – 7:00 PM: Sweet Send-Off
To close out the evening, guests enjoyed a final round of desserts and last-minute conversations. It was the kind of event where people didn’t rush to leave — they lingered, swapped info, and made real connections.
Our C&J Showcase
As hosts, we made sure to give attendees a look into what we do. One of the rooms featured a series of booths representing the many facets of C&J, from our bakery and floral department to our wedding services, micro market options, and, of course, full-service catering. We’re proud to be more than just a caterer. We’re a partner in creating standout experiences, and this event gave us a chance to show that.
Looking Ahead
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We heard from guests who said it was a great industry event for both conversation and overall experience. The response affirmed our belief that the industry needs more thoughtful hospitality networking events like this, and we’re already dreaming up what next year’s gathering could look like.
We absolutely plan to make The Welcome Table an annual event, with future panels exploring new challenges, trends, and innovations within the hospitality world. Each one will carry the same goal: to bring people together with purpose, creativity, and connection at the center of it all.
Want to Join Us Next Time?
Be the first to hear about future events by following us on Instagram and Facebook — and sign up for our email list here. We’d love to welcome you to the table.
