Philly Forward: A Tourism Symposium

Panel and speaker sessions will focus on current trends and upcoming initiatives involving tourism, the state of Philadelphia today, development and revitalization, arts and culture, the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations, and the food scene. The event will be held at the First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut Street). It seems appropriate for tour guides to learn about Philadelphia’s current initiatives in a building designed by Frank Furness who would have certainly thought he was meeting the needs of the rising industrial city – and the event falls on his birthday! Click here for the official event flyer: Philly Forward Flyer.

Confirmed speakers are Angela Val, President and CEO of Visit Philly; Alan Greenberger, Vice President of Real Estate & Facilities at Drexel University; Joseph A. Forkin, President of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation; Sandra Dungee Glenn, Founding Partner, The Growth Collective; Peter Crimmins, WHYY Arts and Culture Reporter; Michael Norris, Executive Director of Carpenters’ Hall; Rep. Jared G. Solomon, 202nd District/ Philadelphia County; Danielle DiLeo Kim, Executive Director of Philadelphia 250; Cynthia MacLeod, Superintendent, Independence National Historical Park; Leslie Obleschuk, Head of Interpretation and Education, Independence National Historical Park; Marilyn Johnson, Founder of Philly Grub; and Vance Lehmkuhl, Director of the American Vegan Center. More to come!

As the birthplace of America, Philadelphia has no equal among historical attractions in the United States. Yet the city has retained its appeal beyond history, as demonstrated by its winning National Geographic’s Best City to Visit in 2020, one of two American sites on the magazine’s best trips list. Philadelphia has been paving the way for new ideas and practices even before the country’s founding. As the world emerges from covid isolation, how is Philly poised to move forward? As has always been its modus operandi, how is it carrying a torch into tomorrow? Join us to find out!

The event runs from 9 am – 5 pm. Tickets are available for full and half-day attendance at APT member (individual and corporate) and non-member rates. Livestream Zoom tickets are also available.

Pricing:

Full day: $50 member/ $60 non-member/ $80 corporate member (2 members can attend)

Half day: $30 member/ $35 non-member. (Either before lunch, 9 am – 1 pm, or after lunch 2-5 pm). Attendees must email  to indicate which time slot they will be attending as space is limited. There is no half day option for corporate members. Single person tour companies who are corporate members can register as an individual member. 

Zoom: full day access ($25 member/ $30 non-member). Zoom is only available for full day accessibility. 

Purchase tickets in the APT Store. In-person space is limited so register today!

Sponsorship Opportunities:

“Philly Forward: A Tourism Symposium” has its first sponsor, Jim Murphy, author of Real Philly History, Real Fast – published by Temple University Press. And joining him is APT Board Director-at-Large Mike Teti. Thank you, Jim and Mike!