The Pennsylvania Society is an annual weekend retreat for Pennsylvania's politicians and business leaders held in New York City. It began during the late 19th century as a meeting of Pennsylvanians living in New York City who gathered annually beginning in 1899 to discuss events in their home state. As the first few meetings developed into an annual event, it morphed into weekend-long retreat where political networking and fundraising took place in New York's finest clubs, restaurants, and hotels. The main event of the weekend is the "Pennsylvania Society Dinner," which is sponsored by "The Pennsylvania Society," a nonprofit corporation. In recent years the receptions hosted by lobbyists, political committees, and corporations have taken on increased importance.
It has been criticized because of its image as a stereotypical "smoke-filled room" where lobby groups gain access to government officials, a few of whom have been known to use taxpayer funds to pay their way to New York. Other observers criticize the retreat for being held in New York instead of within Pennsylvania.
Read more about The Pennsylvania Society: Origins and Organization, Events and Receptions, Criticism and Counter Event, Location
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