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City Snapshot

Philadelphia

Each month we pick one of our favorite #DynamoDestinations that should be on your map for hosting conferences, meetings & events. Plus, we’ll reveal our top venue picks in the same 5 corporate event categories for each destination so that when you’re in a pinch and need to find the very best picks right now in a given city, you’ve got the Dynamo-approved go-to’s.

Philadelphia – Our July 2021 Feature

After celebrating Independence Day earlier this month, we couldn’t pass up July’s City Snapshot without giving a warm shout-out to the city that started it all, Philadelphia! Home of the Declaration of Independence and the notorious meeting place of our Founding Fathers, we’re dedicating this month’s post to a city filled with astounding art, culture, cuisine, and history. And, quite frankly, any city with this much life is bound to be the perfect event destination. 

With literally everything you could possibly want from a major metropolitan city, Philadelphia still maintains its small-town feel and ranks among the top 4 walkable cities in the United States. So, whether you’re hosting a hybrid or an entirely in-person event, everyone physically attending will be able to effortlessly explore the surrounding neighborhoods, attractions, and restaurants. Something, we’ve all been dying to start doing again now that COVID is slowly weaning. 

This brings us to our next point! If you’re wondering about Philly’s status, it’s officially open. The city has ended all Safer at Home restrictions, including capacity and density limits, physical distancing guidelines, as well as all indoor and outdoor mask requirements. As always, the non-vaccinated are still encouraged to wear masks, per CDC recommendations.

Finally, as if the city couldn’t get any better, the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves the region with 25 airlines and 450 daily nonstop departures to 138 destinations in the U.S. and around the world. For those arriving by air, it’s a brief 20-minute ride to the center of town. 

Enough hyping up this scenic destination, here’s the sought-after list of our five fave corporate event venues in Philadelphia!

User Conference

Loews Philadelphia

Chain: Loews Hotels
Brand: Loews Hotels
Total meeting space: 47,000 sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 581
Nearest airport: Philadelphia International Airport (22 min. drive)

Why we love it:

We all know that the success of any event hinges on several factors, but it all starts with an ideal setting. For a User Conference, Loews Philadelphia honestly checks all of our boxes!

Aside from much-appreciated amenities and a uniquely local restaurant, Loews Philadelphia is located in the heart of Center City, across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and minutes away from historical attractions. It’s equipped with 47,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, with 22 different venues and 3 ballrooms. And, finally, has earned the accolades of being a AAA Four Diamond and TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice.  

But, if you’re still looking for that oomph factor, let’s not forget to mention that it’s nestled in the nation’s first skyscraper! That’s right, in 1929, the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society commissioned the construction of a 36-story skyscraper, now home to the Loews hotel. The architects, George Howe and William Lescaze made sure every detail of this building is perfect, from the Cartier clocks on every floor to the marble and granite sourced from 32 different countries. We recommend the Millennium Hall for general sessions – we love its 30 ft. ceilings and natural daylight. For VIP dinners, Bunk & Bourbon will surely impress any guest.

Sales Kickoff

W Philadelphia

Chain: Marriott International Hotels
Brand: W Hotels
Total meeting space: 46,129 sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 755
Nearest airport: Philadelphia International Airport (23 min. drive)

Why we love it:

With a provocative design that defies expectations, we love W Philadelphia for its energy, bold attitude… and oh, brand new status. There’s just the right amount of hype and enthusiasm around this new venue, making it perfect for any Sales Kickoff. 

We recommend hosting your Kickoff’s General Sessions and Breakouts using their 22 dynamic meeting rooms. They all come fully equipped with adaptable, cutting-edge telecommunications and multimedia technology. 

For a cocktail, we recommend their Living Room! It’s a Center City hot spot, serving creative drinks in an eclectic atmosphere. The Wet Deck Bar terrace also serves as the perfect setting for any fun networking event. 

For guests still looking to dive into the local culture, W Philadelphia offers rich history, dynamic art galleries, and a vibrant music scene, steps from its doors. Aka, it’s located moments away from Independence Hall and the Avenue of the Arts.

Executive Summit

Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia

Chain: Marriott International Hotels
Brand: The Ritz-Carlton
Total meeting space: 28,106 sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 301
Nearest airport: Philadelphia International Airport (23 min. drive)

Why we love it:

The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is one of the most sought-after event spaces in the city! It’s housed within the walls of a stunning neoclassical bank building that dates back to 1908. I don’t know about you, but this historic landmark will impress just about any Executive-level audience we know, which just about makes it perfect for your next Executive Summit in the area. 

We don’t compromise elegance or location with this beautiful hotel. Its historic architectural elements carry throughout the property while also being a hop, skip, and a jump, away from the Convention Center. 

We recommend scoping out the meeting room with the bank building’s former vault, taking advantage of the Grand Ballroom’s three large screens, and utilizing the space on the Arden/Mellon Balcony – it overlooks the hotel’s beautiful rotunda.

Road Show

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

Chain: IHG
Brand: Kimpton Hotels
Total meeting space: 13,000 sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 268
Nearest airport: Philadelphia International Airport (21 min. drive)

Why we love it:

Named “#5 Best Hotels In Philadelphia, 2021” by U.S. News & World Report and “Top Hotels in Philadelphia, 2018” by Travel + Leisure, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia is our go-to for Road Shows for a handful of reasons (…and not just because it’s located directly across the street from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall). 

We genuinely love how well they’ve mastered creatively-curated spaces, with 15-foot ceilings, on-site tech assistance, and A/V support. We recommend using the 3,300 sq. ft. Lafayette Ballroom for meetings. It’s super easy for Road Show attendees to start on the lobby level and make their way up to the Mist Pavilion on the Rooftop for a lunch or networking happy hour.

Incentive

Four Seasons Philadelphia

Chain: Four Seasons
Brand: Four Seasons
Total meeting space: 15,718 sq. ft.
Guest rooms: 219
Nearest airport: Philadelphia International Airport (22 min. drive)

Why we love it:

Also known as Philadelphia’s first and only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel, the Four Seasons Philadelphia has to be our number one pick for Incentives. The unparalleled views, world-class spa, and fine dining by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten are simply unbeatable. 

Located in the tallest tower on the Philadelphia skyline, every sophisticated guest room and venue in this 60-story, landmark building offers unobstructed city views and abundant natural light. 

With Four Seasons hallmarks, like custom beds and oversized bathrooms, a getaway here guarantees the highest level of excitement and anticipation for your next incentive program.

Need help venue sourcing?

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Start a Request for Proposal today, and we’ll have options for you next week.






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