Philadelphia. Come for the Convention. Stay for the Unconventional.
You may know Philadelphia for the Liberty Bell and cheesesteaks, but the city has so much more to offer. Visitors come for the familiar, but they stay for the fascinating, the unexpected, and the surprising experiences they will remember for years to come.
And the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the East Coast’s premier venue, is in the heart of it all, providing attendees with easy access to Philadelphia’s attractions, hotels, and restaurants. In fact, The Wall Street Journal recently ranked the Center #1 in the United States for walkability.
Flexibility and Innovation
Always innovating, the Pennsylvania Convention Center has made $78.8 million in capital investments in the facility over the last few years. A longstanding proponent of environmental conservation and a reliable support to its customers, the Center’s Green Team offers a wealth of expertise in successfully hosting green events and helping customers achieve their own sustainability goals. With over 679,000 square feet of exhibit hall space and one of the largest ballrooms in the Northeast, the one million-square-foot Pennsylvania Convention Center is steps from Philly’s cultural fusion of history, art, and entertainment. Here, flexibility and innovation rule and creating event appeal is effortless both inside and outside the exhibit halls.
Room for Everyone
With more than 14,400 hotel rooms within a walk of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia has an extensive assortment of hotel brands — from posh, top-of-the-line properties to economy-minded options — offering a wide variety of event venues. Connected to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown recently underwent major enhancements with updated technology features, including workstations in public spaces, expanded Wi-Fi access points, bandwidth, security, and infrastructure systems.
Easy to Get To. Easy to Get Around.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), American Airlines’ top hub trans-Atlantic flights, serves the Philadelphia region with 28 airlines offering over 700 nonstop flights to and from over 120 destinations in the U.S. and around the world. Visitors who opt to travel by plane will enjoy convenient travel options and access via Philadelphia International Airport, which is just a short 25-minute drive, cab ride, or train ride from Philadelphia’s downtown and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Philadelphia is just a two-hour drive from both New York City and Baltimore and a three-hour drive from Washington, D.C. Visitors traveling by train will arrive at Amtrak’s 30th Street Station, located in the heart of Philadelphia’s downtown and just a short walk from hotels and meeting venues.
Walking in Philadelphia is a way of life. The city’s grid street plan allows visitors to effortlessly navigate while appreciating the abundant green spaces, public parks, and countless block-to-block experiences just footsteps away from each other. The Center’s central location makes it the perfect launch pad to explore Philadelphia’s outdoor art, historic sites, and, most importantly, great food – ensuring the exploration is easy and affordable.
Between the Meetings
We know that what happens between meetings is important when selecting a destination. Philadelphia is home to must-see museums and a vibrant dining scene. Become immersed in Philadelphia's iconic attractions by snapping a selfie with the iconic LOVE Statue in LOVE Park. Then, enjoy a classic cheesesteak from Reading Terminal Market, a historic landmark dating back to 1893. Housing over 80 merchants, including numerous restaurants, this National Historic Landmark is a must-visit destination for anyone eager to experience the vibrant flavors of Philadelphia's culinary scene. Catch the performing arts at Ensemble Arts Philly, home of The Philadelphia Orchestra, who recently completed a Canadian tour of Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.
What’s next for Philadelphia?
All eyes will be on Philadelphia in 2026. The year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Philadelphia will celebrate all year. The city will also be the proud host of PCMA Convening Leaders, the MLB All-Star Game and six matches of the FIFA World Cup. Add your next event to this incredible list!
Connect with the team at Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau