How Philadelphia’s Rich History Offers Unexpected Event Experiences
Date
May 9, 2024
Philadelphia, often celebrated for its historical significance and vibrant cultural scene, is rapidly becoming a hub for major international and domestic events and meetings.
With an event lineup that includes the recent WrestleMania 40 and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26 and PCMA Convening Leaders, it’s clear that Philly is not just a city to visit, but a place to experience.
The City of Brotherly Love is known for its standout meeting venues, like the centrally located, one-million-square-foot Pennsylvania Convention Center—but also for its unique attractions, public murals, and rich history attendees can enjoy after-hours.
After all, the Philadelphia CVB’s tagline is “Come for Philadelphia. Stay for Philly.” The city promises more than just a place for professional meetings; it offers an enriching experience that seamlessly combines work, history, art, and leisure.
Here’s a bit of what your event guests can look forward to…
For Work:
At the heart of the city’s event-hosting capabilities is the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Offering one million square feet of exhibition space, this venue is a masterpiece of design and functionality, ideally suited for both large-scale events and intimate gatherings. The facility offers more than 679,000 square feet of exhibit hall space with seven halls and 82 meeting rooms—plus the largest ballroom in the Northeast.
When the day is done, though, attendees will appreciate why the Convention Center was recently ranked #1 by The Wall Street Journal for walkability. In Philadelphia, event attendees rarely have to budget time for cab rides when getting to their sessions, and the Center’s central location makes it the perfect launch pad to head off site for a lunch meeting, after-hours networking event, or teambuilding trip. An added bonus? There are more than 14,400 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Pennsylvania Convention Center
For Play:
After business wraps up, attendees can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Philly’s history and arts. In fact, directly across the street from the Center is Reading Terminal Market, one of the largest and oldest public markets in the U.S. Today, it boasts more than 80 merchants, including dozens of restaurants.
And just a short walk or ride from the Convention Center, historic Philadelphia awaits with treasures like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. There’s also a slew of unexpected attractions that attendees will love to experience, like grabbing a pic in front of the iconic LOVE statue or going to artistic attractions like Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, the community art center known for housing the largest work created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
More highlights for art enthusiasts? The city offers more than 4,000 murals and public art installations, a testament to its nickname, “City of Murals.” Consider joining a tour with Mural Arts Philadelphia to take in the city’s one-of-a-kind street art scene, or visit Philly’s world-class art museums—which not only serve as cultural landmarks but also function as unique venues for events, adding an element of sophistication and creativity to any gathering.
As Philadelphia continues to draw significant global events, it’s establishing itself not only as a prime destination for business but as a cultural and historical epicenter that invites exploration and enjoyment. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, an international conference, or a cultural exposition, Philadelphia offers the perfect backdrop, blending professional amenities with rich, cultural experiences.
Come for Philadelphia. Stay for Philly—and get more information on meetings and events at discoverPHL.com/meet.
