Philadelphia
Philly’ s moreish meetings menu: History, connectivity and the appliance of science
L ocated in the middle of the
United States’ Northeast Corridor, Philadelphia connects international attendees via air access at Philadelphia International Airport which provides more than 700 non-stop flights to 120 destinations.
The city’ s premier venue, the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the heart of Downtown, is within walking distance of many of the city’ s most popular attractions and 14,000 hotel rooms, including direct connectivity to the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, the city’ s largest hotel.
With $ 78.8m in capital investments over the past four years, the Center boasts progressive work rules and adaptable space for trade shows, conventions and more. And its central location makes it a great launch pad to explore Philadelphia’ s outdoor art, historic sites, and cuisine.
Attendee experience Steps from the Center is Reading Terminal Market, a go-to for regional bites( like a cheesesteak or traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare) and featuring 80 locally owned merchants.
Also nearby is LOVE Park, which features Robert Indianna’ s iconic LOVE statue.
Attendees searching for more arts and culture can head to the Ben Franklin Parkway for notable museums, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and well-known‘ Rocky Steps’ or the new Calder Gardens, an indoor-outdoor art institution.
For a dose of American history, attendees should head to the city’ s historic district. In Old City visitors
can explore Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Betsy Ross House, plus museums like the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Philadelphia’ s chef-driven dining last year saw three Philadelphia restaurants awarded the city’ s first MICHELIN Stars and delegates are bound to find food inspiration during their stay.
Venues, meetings and conventions The city is also home to one-of-a-kind venues catering to a variety of needs and budgets. Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia’ s FIFA World Cup 26™ venue and home to the Philadelphia Eagles, is equipped with 11,000 solar panels to generate clean energy and the
Left: Pennsylvania Convention Center Grand Hall
Left: LOVE Park
National Constitution Center, located in the city’ s historic district, overlooks Independence Hall and what is known as‘ America’ s most historic square mile’.
This summer, Philadelphia welcomed a new museum and venue space in the First Bank of the United States, open to the public for the first time in 50 years following a $ 43m rehabilitation.
Philadelphia hotels continue to upgrade their rooms and venue spaces, notably at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel which has renovated its 33rd floor meeting spaces sweeping skyline views.
The city is wrapping up on a major season of events, after hosting the PGA Championship, six matches of the FIFA World Cup and celebrations of the nation’ s 250th anniversary. Philadelphia also hosted two major citywide conventions, Drug Information Association Annual National Convention and National Athletic Trainers Association Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, illustrating how Philadelphia can provide seamless experiences for overlapping events at venues across the city.
Looking ahead, Philadelphia will welcome the BIO International Convention 2027, the largest event for biotechnology, to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. BIO will have access to the city’ s life sciences community through the PHLCVB’ s business division, PHL Life Sciences, which works to connect customers with the region’ s top medical, biotech, and research institutions, for speakers and resources for planners and attendees.
Maria Grasso, chief sales officer, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, says:“ What really distinguishes our city is that the destination becomes part of the meeting experience, giving attendees an authentic sense of Philadelphia while providing planners with the access, flexibility, and resources they need to create an exceptional event.” n
n Photos: courtesy of the PHLCVB
32 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 144