Celebrating 250 Years of Historic Meetings

Celebrating 250 Years of Historic Meetings

Get ready because the next few years in Philadelphia are going to be nothing short of legendary!

In 2026, Philadelphia will roll out the red carpet for major meetings and events while celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. After all, where else should it be celebrated? That historic document was signed right here in Philadelphia back in 1776. But long before the Founders were putting pen to paper, Philadelphia was already the place to be for meetings. In fact, Philly hosted the first-ever citywide convention in the U.S. in 1774, when the First Continental Congress gathered at Carpenters’ Hall. Picture it: 56 delegates, 12 colonies, and 51 days of non-stop debate. Talk about a marathon meeting!

As we gear up to celebrate 250 years of groundbreaking meetings and conventions, we couldn’t help but wonder—what’s changed, and what’s stayed the same? To find out, we put together a quick video journey through the ages. Spoiler alert: whether it’s boarding houses or five-star hotels, one thing has remained the same—Philadelphia is still the place for innovation, growth, and making history. So why not make your next meeting the next big thing in Philly?

Today, you can embrace the Philadelphia spirit by stepping back into 1774 and channeling your inner revolutionary as you explore the city. Whether you’re exploring America’s “most historic square mile” or raising a glass at one of the city’s many breweries, there’s no better place to capture the feeling of the times—while having a little fun along the way.

Historic Hotels

Delegates traveling to Philadelphia for the First Continental Congress stayed in local inns and the residences of sympathizers to the plights of colonies.

While none of the current hotels date back to 1774, Philadelphia is home to many historic hotels. Built in 1787 and once home to the Morris family for over 120 years, The Morris House Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in Philadelphia. It features colonial architecture, a romantic garden, and an on-site gourmet restaurant. The Guild House offers a luxurious, community-driven boutique hotel experience in a restored 1855 National Historic Landmark, featuring modern amenities crafted by minority-owned businesses.

The Guild House

Revolutionary Venues

250 years later, you can still host meetings and events at Carpenters’ Hall — in the same rooms the delegates discussed independence. Hold an event at Independence Visitor Center’s Liberty View to fully immerse yourself in historical Philadelphia. The outdoor terrace offers unparalleled views of America’s “most historic square mile,” including the sight of another turning point in the Revolution — Independence Hall.

Other historic venues in Philadelphia include the Water Works, the first municipal water system in the United States, which overlooks the Schuylkill River. The Academy of Music, built in 1857, offers a majestic opera house setting with crystal chandeliers and ornate décor, perfect for intimate events.

Independence Visitor Center

Iconic Attractions

The First Continental Congress’s delegates enjoyed their time in Philadelphia outside of the convention. Today’s attendees can also immerse themselves in the spirit and experiences of 1774. Carpenters’ Hall, the site of the First Continental Congress, is free to visit, and where guests can get a tour and learn about the historic delegation.

In addition to Carpenters’ Hall, Independence National Historical Park is home to other American milestone sites, such as Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed in 1776. Visitors can also tour the Betsy Ross House, where the seamstress who reportedly sewed the first American flag lived in 1777.

Independence National Historical Park

Philadelphia Markets

In 18th-century Philadelphia, open-air markets were popular spots where residents and visitors could buy fresh produce and connect with the local community. Today, markets are still popular in Philadelphia. Housed in a National Historic Landmark, Reading Terminal Market is one of the country’s largest and oldest public markets, with over 80 local merchants offering a wide range of global cuisine. South Philadelphia’s Italian Market carries on the open-market traditions of colonial Philadelphia, with generations-old family businesses and new vendors selling authentic food and goods from around the world.

The Italian Market

Breweries in Philadelphia

When not delegating over the colonies’ independence, America’s Founders would socialize in Philadelphia’s taverns. 250 years later, Philadelphia still boasts a proud craft brewing culture. Popular breweries include Human Robot and Love City. Yards Brewing Company even makes beers from George Washington and Benjamin Franklin’s original

Yards Brewing Company

Visit our meet page to discover how to make history with your next event in Philadelphia.