Connecting Cultures: How Philadelphia Embraces International Meeting Attendees

How Philadelphia Embraces International Meeting Attendees

If your organization is aiming to attract an audience from around the world, Philadelphia is the place to make it happen.

When international meeting attendees touch down at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), they won’t have the anxiety of feeling lost in a new country. That’s because PHL uses GLOBO, a phone system that allows any traveler to quickly connect with a specialized interpreter who speaks their native language. They may not even have to pick up the phone, either, thanks to a diverse staff that includes employees who speak Spanish, Russian, German, French, Arabic and Italian

“PHL proudly welcomes passengers from around the world to Philadelphia,” Leah Douglas, director of guest experience at the airport, said when the new tool was announced, “and we want them to feel at home and have a great experience while they are here.”

While Philadelphia has been making plenty of headlines for the kind of experience guests will have during the World Cup — which happens to be during the same timeframe as the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary — the city is no stranger to welcoming big crowds from outside the U.S. The Alzheimer’s Association, the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution, and the International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders are all hosting their annual gatherings in the City of Brotherly Love this year.

A Certified Welcoming City — With a Global Culinary Scene

To get a sense of how visitors will feel right at home when they arrive in Philadelphia, consider how well the city has rolled out the red carpet for new permanent residents from outside the U.S. The city recently earned an official designation as a Certified Welcoming city by Welcoming America — a designation that recognizes places that have created policies and programs reflecting a commitment to immigrant inclusion.

In addition to the policy support from local leaders, the stars of the city’s food scene have made Philadelphia a melting pot for every kind of flavor. Sample the streets of Asia at Sampan in Washington Square West, taste Thai food from Chutatip “Nok” Suntarnon — James Beard’s Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic — at Kalaya and raise a global toast at Rittenhouse Square’s Spice Finch featuring a Mediterranean menu inspired by herbs and spices of the nations bordering the sea. And of course, for attendees who want to immerse themselves in local culture, a cheesesteak is never too far away.

A sampling from Spice Finch.

Looking Ahead: More Travel Options for International Attendees

Getting to Philadelphia has always been easy; each day flights depart Philadelphia International Airport to more than 120 destinations, including 31 international cities. That list is growing even longer: American Airlines launched three new international routes this summer to Nice, France; Naples, Italy and Copenhagen, Denmark. And as the aviation industry continues to work toward a full recovery from the pandemic, it’s safe to bet on Philadelphia adding even more service. The airport is in the midst of an update that calls for up to 20 new gates by 2040.

As more attendees arrive in Philadelphia, the city’s hotel community is keeping pace. Recent hotel openings near the Pennsylvania Convention Center include the 295-room W Philadelphia and the 460-room Element Hotel (the biggest Element in the world) and a 236-room Canopy by Hilton. The development is continuing, too. Preview of some of the new properties that will open their doors in the coming years and use our venue and services search tool to find the perfect place for your attendees.

A room at the Element Philadelphia.

Elevate your next international meeting—submit your RFP to host it in Philadelphia!