Amid encouraging signs of recovery, the meetings industry has faced unprecedented challenges over the past seven years. On the positive side, tough times invariably have the effect of inspiring—if not igniting—newfound innovation, creativity, commitment and resolve. Few destinations come as completely invested with these qualities than Philadelphia and Valley Forge.
Both centers of the nation’s founding days, this historic pair is synonymous with American drive and determination, making each a ready resource for meetings with purpose and positive outcomes.
Continuing its long tradition of attracting creative entrepreneurs and progressive thinkers, the entire Philadelphia region remains a force in the creative arts, technology, fashion, design and manufacturing. For planners and their clients seeking inspiration, change and renewal, this makes for an irresistible milieu, fostered by venues and experiences that stimulate and encourage the inventive, productive spirit.
PHILADELHIA
In America’s birthplace, meetings come painted, illuminated, cooked and otherwise created with a profound sense of possibility.
“Innovation and creativity have been at the heart of the Philadelphia story since Ben Franklin created the first university and began experimenting with electricity,” says Jack Ferguson, president and CEO of the Philadelphia CVB. “This creative spirit still exists today and can be seen at venues like the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which transformed the arts landscape in our city through its unique architectural design and artistic programming. Philadelphia has become the ‘now’ place where young artists collaborate to innovate everything from food to fashion, creating a renaissance environment.”
Speaking of Franklin, reenactors playing this iconic Philadelphian and other historic characters like Betsy Ross are available to serve as greeters and hosts for convention groups. (Resident Franklin and Ross reenactors actually married each other on the steps of Independence Hall July 3, 2008!)
In turn, meeting attendees can leave their own lasting mark on the Philadelphia experience via the Mural Arts Program.
Introduced in 1984 as part of an anti-graffiti campaign, this celebrated initiative, which turns 30 this year, is the driving force behind Philadelphia’s international renown as the “City of Murals.” More than 3,500 of these dramatic large-scale artworks decorate walls, buildings and other structures throughout Philadelphia. Along with private guided tours, groups can “Paint the Town” by joining in the actual mural-making process. Visiting delegates from the American Society of Human Genetics, for example, once painted and donated a mural to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. PageBreak
At Lightfair 2013, the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, attendees took tours focused on the lighting of Philadelphia landmarks. Similarly, delegates at last November’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, the world’s largest green building technologies show, went on architectural tours focused on sustainability.
Yet another product-related opportunity for groups is the Make & Take room at the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, where attendees are provided with materials and expert guidance to create a floral arrangement of their own design.
On the culinary front, groups can engage in everything from tours of the city’s breweries to team-building events. Programs include the interactive Wok ’N Walk Tour of Philadelphia’s Chinatown. With a fortune cookie factory, Chinese herbal medicine shop and live fish market among the stops, the chef-led tour also includes a four-course lunch followed by a Chinese vegetable carving lesson.
For a flavor of Philadelphia’s gourmet scene, City Food Tours offers an interactive tasting exploration of how chocolate, tea, wine, olive oil and other delicacies have shaped history.
With Kevin Bacon, Bill Cosby, Richard Gere, Bradley Cooper and Tina Fey among the stars who grew up here, the three-hour “Philadelphia in the Movies” tour includes clips, filming locations for blockbusters such as National Treasure and Trading Places, and of course a run up the famed Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Last September, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. announced various programs for visitors and groups tied to Philadelphia’s “thriving creative class” and legacy as a “workshop of the world.”
As “artisans and technophiles rev up the city’s post-industrial engines,” interactive opportunities include the Sculpture Gym in Philadelphia’s rekindled Fishtown neighborhood. Billed as a “gym for creative types,” the membership-based facility, which provides space, training and resources for sculptors and craftspeople, also offers group classes and monthly exhibitions, plus the option to assist with fabrication projects. PageBreak
VALLEY FORGE
In the winter of 1777-’78, some 12,000 exhausted but valiant American troops and their supporters under the command of Gen. George Washington encamped in Valley Forge, Pa., for the winter. With the Revolutionary War very much in the balance, the time spent here proved pivotal as the Continental Army regrouped, recharged and re-strategized for eventual victory.
“The drive to dig deep and arrive at extraordinary solutions and ideas is fundamental in this region, going back to Gen. Washington’s decision to use the winter of 1777-1778 as an opportunity to train, unify and motivate his troops,” says Bill Fitzgerald, president of the Valley Forge CVB. “Since then, we have seen the fruits of bold entrepreneurs, special-interest museum curators, imaginative chefs and groundbreaking artists, craftsmen, musicians and writers thrive in our area.”
Group leaders who choose the destination for their off-sites or corporate retreats, adds Fitzgerald, “come away with a renewed drive and a wellspring of ideas for addressing their business challenges.”
Commemorating the site of the encampment, the 3,500-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park is a stirring reminder of the valorous spirit that forged America. Year-round visitation options include a self-guided 10-mile driving tour and step-on tours (reserved in advance for a fee). Along with reenactments at various times of the year, dynamic experiences for individuals and groups range from free and paid programs to technology-based options.
Nearby, the American Treasure Tour is a vast indoor collection of Americana. Seen via a 90-minute tram ride, the jam-packed collection ranges from animated store window advertising to classic preserved automobiles.
John James Audubon’s legacy as an illustrator of birds is unequalled. Depicting 453 life-sized paintings of North American birds, his master work, Birds of America, is among the treasures on display at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This picturesque sanctuary, presently offering an outdoor pavilion and historic barn, is enhancing its group capabilities with a new event center, scheduled for completion by late 2015 or early 2016.
Creative interactivity is the name of the game at Arnold’s Family Fun Center in Oaks, Pa., where bowling and go-karting are among the activities at this “powerhouse of play.” With over 200,000 square feet, Arnold’s offers facility rental for 2,000 people, while also accommodating corporate groups from eight to 200 for team-building events, meetings, training seminars and more.
