The PHLCVB Annual Luncheon is a popular networking bringing together the tourism and hospitality community to celebrate the year’s successes and recognize its strong positive impact on the city. The event happens every year on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and has been held at the convention center, the Linc, and the art museum. This year it was held at the Franklin Institute.
Gregg Caren PHLCVB President and Larry Dubinski, President and CEO, The Franklin Institute were our hosts for the event. Mayor Cherelle Parker kicked of the luncheon with a spirited chat about the state of Philly tourism, as well as the future plans underway for Philly’s celebration of America 250th anniversary in 2026, in the auditorium. Followed by speeches by Greg, Larry
and Karen Dougherty Buchholz, PHLCVB Board Chair and Executive Vice President of Administration for Comcast Corporation.
Nearly 1000 hospitality leaders gathered at the annual event held at the Franklin Institute
Angela Val, President & CEO of Visit Philadelphia and Jazelle Jones, City Representative and Director of Special Events
Alba Martinez, Commerce Director of the City of Philadelphia, Crystal Brewe, Ensemble Arts Philly, guest and Ryan Fleur, Ensemble Arts Philly
Photo bombing Job Itzkowitz (l) – Director of Old City District is getting ready for his neighborhoods tree lighting on December 4th, at the Betsy Ross Home in Old City. It’s always a fun time with sugar plum fairies dancing in the street, a visit from Santa and finally the tree lighting about 630pm.
Prema Katari Gupta, Center City District CEO (I had a change to check out the new CCD offices at Chestnut and Broad Street. Beautiful, and the perfect location for them. There’s also a Police substation there as well) and Jasmine Armstrong – Senior Director of Hospitality & Events Visit PhiladelphiaThe Franklin Institute’s giant walk-through heart has been closed as the science museum developed a new, permanent exhibition around it. “Body Odyssey” opens last month with state-of-the-art museum technology showcasing the human body, from gut microbiomes to bionic prosthetics.Gabbi Townsend, Fashion District, Ryan Williams, Fashion District and Farah Farag, Visit Philadelphia
In November The Light The World Giving Machine was installed at the Fashion District. The “giving machines” are popular vending machines that work in reverse, giving you the chance to donate a variety of much-needed items to local and global charities. Donation items range in price from $5 to $500. This year, the donations go to six charities, including Philabundance, Interfaith Philabundance/Zones of Peace, Mount Airy Church of God in Christ, Ministry of Caring, Days for Girls and Mentors International.
The Giving Machines will remain in the Fashion District through Dec. 4 during regular mall hours, which run Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m.
John New, Kate Winters both of CYTO/PHL, Gabrielle Wallace, Try Hungry, and Betsy Barber, Temple UniversityTaylor Lumpkin, En Route, Summer Freeman and Tracy Bulholz all of En RouteMichael Norris, Carpenters’ Hall, Allegra Burnette, Museum of American Revolution and Jonathan Burton. Director of Development, Independence Historic TrustThe Legacy Award Gala is coming up on December 12, honoring Kathryn Ott Lovell,Philadelphia Visitor Center, Andrew Lovell, Temple University and Sudha Suryadevara, Philadelphia Visitor Center
Philadelphia Visitor Center and Visit Philadelphia are celebrating Rocky Week in Philadelphia. RockyFest 2024 celebrates the iconic Rocky film franchise — and Philly’s underdog spirit — with an action-packed week of festivities.
Sharing holiday recipes Michelle Leff, 12th Street Catering, Anthony Lehman, Feast Your Eyes Catering, Nancy Rawson, Monell Chemical Senses Center and Maggie Bond, Live Nation, Brooklyn BowlRoland Bui, Laura Smyth and Daniel Davies all of Visit PhiladelphiaGreat job Lindsay Erickson and Diane DiCicco and the Carmichael Lynch team.
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors.
