Philadelphia
Philadelphia fields strong line-up for big meetings matches
WE VISIT A CITY WHERE CONVENTIONS ARE IN THE CITY’ S CONSITUTIONAL DNA
P hiladelphia, the city where
the US Constitution was ratified at a convention, has quite a history of hosting major events, including more recently this summer with eight FIFA Club World Cup matches at Lincoln Financial Field. The city welcomed 346,000 football fans from 50 states and 120 countries during that tournament, and downtown hotels saw an 18 % increase in occupancy and a15 % increase in average daily rate.
As well as big sporting competitions, Pennsylvania’ s largest city is on the ball for meetings and conventions and continues to be strong for the group segment, Maria Gasso, chief sales officer at the Philadephia Convention and Visitors Bureau( PHLCVB) tells CMW.“ We are seeing an increase in lead volume, requested rooms and attendance,” she says.
She admits that new political waves and tariff issues have had an effect on events business and planning, but emphasises that the PHLCVB continues“ to stay true to who we are. Our team is dedicated to promoting Philadelphia as a welcoming destination for all visitors – an inclusive, and culturally rich city.”
Certified welcome In fact, Philadelphia was named a Certified Welcoming city by Welcoming America. It was the largest city in the US to receive the designation and that is a reflection of Philadelphia’ s commitment
to making sure all people feel included through its policies, programmes, and values, says Gasso.
The PHLCVB outlook for meetings is strong, says Gasso, pointing to competitive bids on the events books well into the 2030s.“ We are actively leveraging the 2026 spotlight to keep our pipeline full. It remains critical that we strengthen partnerships, reinforce our welcoming reputation, and remain agile in effort to keep Philadelphia top of mind for global travellers and event organisers.” So what makes the city special? The CVB team is rightly proud of the city’ s connectivity for attendees, with Philadelphia International Airport – American Airlines’ top trans- Atlantic hub – providing more than 700 non-stop flights to over 120 destinations worldwide.
Philadelphia was also recently named‘ Most Walkable City to Visit’ for a third consecutive year by USA Today readers and experts.
Premier venue, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, is in the heart
Above: PHLCVB CSO Maria Gasso
Below: NAA Apartmentalize event at Philadelphia Museum of Art
Event at The Franklin Institute
of Philadelphia’ s downtown and within walking distance of more than 14,400 hotel rooms, including direct connectivity to the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. The Center has won praise for its progressive work rules and streamlined services that are deisgned to create a hassle-free customer service experience for event organisers.
Life sciences support The city ranks among the top US life sciences cities, according to CBRE’ s 2024 report, and is home to top medical, research, and higher education institutions. With support from PHL Life Sciences, a division of the CVB and the first of its kind, event organisers can get connected and plug into the region’ s extensive life sciences community.
“ Philadelphia is committed to sustainability,” Gasso says and notes that, last year, the city received a LEED for Cities and Communities certification at the highest Platinum level for its achievements in improving overall sustainability and quality of life for residents.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is a LEED Gold Certified facility and well placed to assist event organisers
40 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 138