Pa. Society weekend, the political gabfest in NYC, stages its return
Gainey, Ward slated to speak at seminar
Pennsylvania’s politically powerful — and those who aspire to be — are packing their bags and heading to New York City this weekend for the annual event where talking politics is encouraged and hard to avoid.
It’s the 2022 Pennsylvania Society weekend, the annual schmooze-fest that brings those who move in political, business, civic and nonprofit circles throughout the commonwealth together to socialize in a fun and festive place to gather during the holiday season.
Two prominent local politicians are scheduled to speak at a seminar on Saturday. Democratic Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Hempfield, are listed among the speakers.
After several years of declining attendance, made worse by the pandemic, and fewer receptions, many see 2022 as the comeback year for a tradition that dates to the 19th century.
“I think the event is starting to make a comeback from COVID and whatever because I’m seeing in the last couple of weeks an uptick in the number of invitations and some groups who traditionally do parties were waiting to see if people would attend so we’re seeing that uptick,” said Larry
Ceisler, a Philadelphiabased public affairs executive who is among the Society regulars.
More than two dozen soirees, including several fundraisers, are planned around Manhattan with the focal point of the long weekend the 124th annual dinner of The Pennsylvania Society at the New York Hilton Midtown.
The honoree at this year’s $ 600- a- plate affair is the Broadhurst family, owners of the Pittsburgh-headquartered Eat’n Park Hospitality Group.
Among those expected to attend and offer remarks at the dinner is Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro, according to his campaign spokesman. Gov. Tom Wolf does not plan to attend and neither does U.S. Sen.- elect/ Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, according to their spokeswomen.
Another sign of the PA Society’s resurgence is an event planned at the Waldorf Astoria.
This hotel served as the traditional site for the Society dinner from its founding in 1899 by the coal, steel and railroad barons who made their fortunes in Pennsylvania but maintained homes and headquarters in New York. It was the annual gathering place until the hotel’s ballroom closed in early 2017 for major renovations. A sold-out reception set for Friday afternoon at what is now
called The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria will offer attendees a sneak peek at the renovated facility.
Elizabeth Preate Havey, president of The Pennsylvania Society, said the reception is intended to serve as a reminder to Society members that the dinner will permanently return to the Waldorf once renovations are completed, possibly as soon as next year when the Society celebrates its 125th year.
While some are critical of this gathering taking place outside the commonwealth, Society regulars see that as part of its charm. To attend, everyone must travel a distance to a place where they greet familiar faces in the city’s bustling crowds with a smile rather than an angry word.
“The real beauty of PA Society weekend is that civil and respectful conversation isn’t just commonplace — it is expected,” Ms. Preate Havey said in a recent op-ed.
“It is the one time where those with opposing political points of view — oftentimes diametrically opposed — can find a common purpose and appreciate the things we all have in common rather than highlight our differences.”
Mr. Ceisler said he couldn’t agree more. He said Society weekend leads to people finding “they have much more in common than they would think.”
New this year is the Society’s effort to grow its next generation of members and leaders.
The eight-member Keystone Council was formed to draw in individuals under 35 as “emerging leader” members by lowering the costs that kept some from joining and attending functions during Society weekend.
“We felt like the organization didn’t have that next tier of people that we could look to continue it and help it grow and stay alive,” Ms. Preate Havey said.
Events being hosted throughout the weekend reflect more diversity in the organization too. Among them, are events sponsored by the PA Chamber for Black Owned Business, ¡Juntos! The Latin Reception
of PA Society, the Consulate General of Ireland and a host of corporations, law firms and lobbying outfits.
The long-running Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association annual Saturday morning seminar and luncheon at the Metropolitan Club is a highlight, usually attended by a who’s who list of Pennsylvania politicians past, present and future.
This year’s lineup of speakers at the seminar includes Democrats such as Mr. Gainey, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, and Republicans like Ms. Ward, U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, Auditor General Tim DeFoor and retiring U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey.
“The point of this exercise is recognizing we are one commonwealth even though we’re 67 counties and 12,800,000 individuals that this is the hand that history has dealt us,” said David Taylor, president & CEO of the manufacturers’ association.
“As leaders of the commonwealth, we’re going to disagree and the point is how do we disagree constructively. The way that you start is making sure that we listen to one another.”
His organization’s forum provides that opportunity, he said.
Other gatherings are more about networking, hobnobbing, and socializing over some eats and cocktails, while buzzing about Pennsylvania’s political scene.
Who will Mr. Shapiro tap to serve in his Cabinet and executive staff? Will there be Republicans in that mix? What about the disarray in the state House of Representatives? Republicans and Democrats each hold 101 seats with one vacancy created by the death of Rep. Tony DeLuca, of Penn Hills. What will happen there? Which member(s) might switch parties? What party will ultimately end up with the majority?
Then there’s the Philadelphia mayoral race, Allegheny County executive post and the state Supreme Court seat up for election next year. Who will run for those offices?