Meeting focus on: Philadelphia

Philadelphia has never been a stranger to meetings.

Founded in 1682 by William Penn, it has one of the oldest records of attracting meetings of any US destination.

Its central location midway between north and south made it an early capital of the United States from 1790-1800. Before this it was the major meeting place of the various Continental Congresses and it was in Philadelphia where the greatest of American documents were penned and put into law: the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution.

But like many long-established MICE settings, it never sits still when it comes to finding new attractions for meeting-goers.

"We’ve got a new story to tell," said Jack Ferguson, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

It’s central location continues to attract meeting-goers from major areas such as New York and Washington, DC, where Amtrak offers quick travel seven days a week.

Vintage historical buildings  —  even more than its lone-time rival, Boston  —  are among after-hours attractions. It’s said that Philly has even more historical structures than Boston.

Historical sites include the Liberty Bell Center and the even the statute to Rocky of movie’s prize fighting fame. There’s also the famous authentic cheesesteaks available just about everywhere.

Earlier this year, officials cut the ribbon for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center, which now has more than one million square feet of salable space.

"For the first time ever, we can host two large events simultaneously," Ferguson told Association Meetings.

The larger space has attracted many conventions that would or could not come here in the past.

New cultural attractions include the city’s Barnes Foundation Museum, which has a critically-acclaimed collection of impressionist art.

The 1,408-room Marriott attached to the convention center has been joined in recent times by the Le Meridien and Palomar Hotels.

City Hall’s Dilworth Plaza is within easy walking distance of the convention center. It’s being transformed into an attractive park where private functions of up to 4,000 participants can be accommodated.

The area’s CVB is partnering with other organizations such as the chamber of commerce to draw more attendees, concentrating on international groups

By David Wilkening