Nearly 900 regional hospitality and business professionals gathered at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 26 November, for the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) Annual Luncheon. The bureau previewed the slate of major events set to take place in Philadelphia in 2026 and announced it has secured business representing more than $1bn in projected economic impact for Philadelphia for the years 2027 through 2030, in a long-range preview of the events industry.
“While the PHLCVB has been instrumental in attracting and booking major events taking place in 2026, a banner year for Philadelphia, our team has also been working diligently to make sure our city’s success endures far into the future,” said Gregg Caren, PHLCVB president and CEO. “We are proud to share a preview of what’s ahead for meetings, conventions and events that will continue to support the more than 100,000 hospitality professionals in Philadelphia.”
This year’s theme, ‘United for 2026’ mirrored how Philadelphia is preparing for a year unlike any other. Together, the tourism and hospitality industry, business community and city leaders will welcome FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches, America’s 250th anniversary, MLB All-Star Game™, PGA Championship, NCAA March Madness and more.
The PHLCVB Annual Luncheon benefits the PHLCVB Foundation, which supports the Philadelphia tourism community through education, economic development, community improvement and outreach efforts and by providing hospitality sector support. Each year the PHLCVB Foundation recognises a local college student studying hospitality with the Marie Baker Brown Scholarship.
This year, the Foundation awarded Shrita Brown, a senior at Temple University. Shrita also serves as president of the Temple chapter of the National Society for Minorities in Hospitality and works as a visitor experience associate for the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation. She was recognised for her commitment to equity and sustainable travel.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center, this year’s Luncheon venue, also provided an update on their ongoing digital signage project, which, when completed will be the most extensive array of digital assets within any convention centre in the United States. The more than 150 digital screens will offer customers cost effective signage options and branding opportunities.
Photo courtesy of the PHLCVB