Philadelphia, PA

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Culinary choices displayed at the Center Bar in the heart of Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia

OVERVIEW

One of only eight other destinations in the world to be included in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2021 Gold List, the city is home to inspiring venues, attractions and experiences.

WHAT’S NEW

Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia recently celebrated the opening of its new Live! Event Center, a 15,000square foot meeting, event and convention space poised to become one of the most sought-after event and entertainment venues in the Northeastern U.S. It offers groups of all sizes customizable event space, including a 10,000-square foot main ballroom, two breakout rooms, expansive pre-function options, and three executive boardrooms combined with the services and amenities of a luxury hotel and world-class casino.

Lobby of the newly opened W Philadelphia Hotel The Live! Event Center’s Market Ballroom features a high-tech performance stage and an 18foot ceiling with modern light fixtures and a maximum capacity of 1,000. The Liberty Room for up to 100 guests offers a distraction free setting for breakout sessions and smaller meetings. The Rittenhouse Room pairs easy access with high-tech amenities for 100 people. Three additional high-tech spaces include the Franklin Boardroom, Roosevelt Boardroom, and Whitman Boardman.

Meetings also can be taken sky high, with rooftop event rentals atop the property’s parking structure for one-of-a-kind outdoor gatherings that provide amazing views of the city skyline and the surrounding Stadium District.

“From the moment you step into our facility, you are officially a part of the Live! family,” said Kelley Maddox, vice president of sales for Live! Philadelphia. “Live! is committed to providing guests with a best-in-class entertainment experience, led by a best-in-class team in one of the most unique and exciting locations in Philadelphia – the Stadium District. We are dedicated to making your experience unforgettable, and to the highest safety standards, from the moment you step onto

PLAN YOUR NEXT MEETING AT PHILLY'S NEWEST EVENT DESTINATION

FULLY EQUIPPED MEETING SPACES | LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS | ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT

LIVEPHILLYMEETINGS.COM

ENJOY WORLD-CLASS DINING & PRIVATE ROOMS AT OUR AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANTS THE PRIME RIB · LUK FU · SPORTS & SOCIAL PHILADELPHIA · 10TH STREET MARKET

photo courtesy: PHL CVB; credit: Julia Lehman

DELICIOUS. DECADENT. INSPIRED.

Private Dining Rooms, The Library, Piano Bar + Lounge or Full Restaurant Booking Located at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia

PrimeRibPhilly.com

900 Packer Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19148 215-682-7500

our property to the moment you leave. We are setting a new standard for all meetings and events.”

In addition to the meeting space in the Live! Event Center, guests hosting an event will have access to the many amenities that make Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia a truly all-inclusive and versatile meeting destination. The property features the 208-room luxury Live! Hotel, ample on-site, covered parking, gaming and nightly entertainment. The property also features 11 dining destinations, including the Zagat-rated #1 steakhouse, The Prime Rib, as well as customized catering.

Live! Philadelphia also can offer an assortment of team building opportunities, including learning table games such as blackjack, taking an art walk in the building, participating in chef tastings and more.

Six new hotels have opened with features inspired by Philadelphia’s arts and culture scene. These new hotel properties opened within the last year - during the pandemic - a testament to the city’s perseverance.

The luxurious W Philadelphia features artistic touches inspired by Philadelphia’s rich history, dynamic galleries, and eclectic music scene, including two large scale murals at the hotel’s entrance. Sharing a building with the W, the Element Philadelphia’s focus on sustainability and well-being drives its wellness amenities, including a “Bikes-to-Borrow” program that allows guests to stay active as they explore the city.

Canopy by Hilton’s design is inspired by Philadelphia’s modern street art, while the Hyatt Centric near Rittenhouse Square features artwork inspired by Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and traditions.

The boutique Guild House hotel occupies the former home of one of the nation’s oldest women’s empowerment organizations and has partnered with local, women-owned businesses for their amenities.

Several new museum experiences also have opened in the city. The Neon Museum of Philadelphia displays over 120 neon signs and artworks that explore the history behind some of Philadelphia’s most storied businesses.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art recently unveiled expansive new and reimagined spaces, including new galleries for Modern and Contemporary art and Early American art, marking its largest installation of new exhibition space since the iconic building opened in 1928.

The Faith and Liberty Discovery Center opened on Independence Mall and is dedicated to examining how faith helped to foster some of the nation’s core values.

Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City; photo courtesy: PHL CVB; credit: J. Soefer

WORKING TOGETHER

PHLCVB developed an initiative that focuses on health and safety as a result of COVID-19, a program aimed at ensuring a safe return to travel and meetings by aligning expertise and guidance from key tourism and hospitality leaders while also tapping into Philadelphia’s renowned medical and scientific community.

By leveraging long held relationships through its PHL Life Sciences division, the PHLCVB named a Chief Health Advisor, Dr. David Nash, and PHL Life Sciences Executive Director, Bonnie Grant, and established a 20-member subcommittee of the PHL Life Sciences Board, the PHL Health Advisors.

A public health veteran and Dean Emeritus of the Jefferson College of Population Health, Dr. Nash served as a valuable resource to customers as they planned a return to in-person events in 2021. The PHL Health Advisors, representing a wide range of expertise in fields like public health, infectious disease, medical research and mental health, provided detailed information on medical advances, vaccine development and public health best practices.

In order to actively keep customers informed, the PHLCVB hosts semi-regular webinars with Dr. Nash and Dr. Leonard Friedland, a vaccine expert in Philadelphia. Dr. Friedland is a member of the PHL Life Sciences Advisory Board and serves on the National Vaccine Advisory Committee of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Ultimately, the expert guidance by resident scientists, along with being flexible and innovative about having to change at a moment’s notice to adapt to protocols and the needs of each individual customer, is the key to planning a safe meeting.

Steak 48

Offers Premier Private Dining Options for Gatherings and Celebrations of all Forms

Situated along Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, the city’s designated arts and cultural center,

Steak 48 takes center stage amongst the abundance of theatres and artistic institutions it surrounds. Since it’s opening in 2020, the restaurant has become the preeminent destination for premier dining and a favorite amongst VIPs and celebrities alike.

The restaurant is also a welcome host to some of the city’s most notable events, which can range in size and offerings. Steak 48’s team has proven themselves as experts, with the ability to create a custom experience based on the guest list and preferred event format, from cocktail receptions to formal sit-down dinners outfitted with wine pairings by Steak 48’s in-house sommelier, and everything in between.

As one of the largest restaurants in Philadelphia, Steak 48 houses a total of eight private and semi-private areas perfectly suited for events both large and small. Events hosted at the bi-level restaurant can also lay claim to a private bar, and several spaces offer flat screen television and AV capabilities. From the semi-private Mezzanine and Mezzanine bar areas, to the Chef’s Dining Room and the Library, Steak 48’s various spaces provide flexibility to host everything from professional networking and intimate parties, to red carpet galas and beyond.

visit www.steak48.com or call 215.552.4848

Neon Museum of Philadelphia; photo courtesy: PHL CVB; credit: K. Huff

LOOKING AHEAD

“Philadelphia has an impressive vaccination rate - higher than both state and national averages. We got here through the genuine effort and collaboration of our health department, scientific community, and hospitality partners," asserts Maria Grasso, Senior Vice President, Convention Division. "Over the last 8 months, we have proven that we can host successful events and are well positioned as our industry returns to host face-to-face meetings.”

Philadelphia recently hosted its largest convention in 18 months, Natural Products Expo East, and the city continues to book events and conventions into the future. The PHLCVB sales team’s booking pace in future years currently is 70 percent over 2019 levels, indicating that people want to meet, and meetings and events can be hosted safely at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The convention center has a strong protocol in place with its partners, and the city has shown a big commitment to health and safety. In addition, with the borders opening to overseas travelers, PHLCVB expects to see an uptick in overseas visitors early in 2022, too.

Faith and Liberty Discovery Center in Philadelphia, PA; photo courtesy: PHL CVB; credit: K. Huff

"Philadelphia has always been a special destination. Even as the city develops and evolves over time, it always maintains its special charm,” observes Britni Lettsome, director of rental sales and events for The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center. “Whether it’s a family traveling across the U.S. or from distant shores, or a corporate gathering to build new relationships or strengthen existing ones, Philadelphia offers something for everyone. Every visit is memorable.”

With an active downtown, great shopping, one-of-a-kind food scene, historic and cultural attractions, a scenic green infrastructure, ample accommodations, and unique events, the city truly offers something for everyone.

"As the city welcomes back meeting goers and tourists, Philadelphia’s moniker as the ‘City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection’ has never been more evident,” asserts Lettsome. “Philadelphia is prepared to do what it takes to keep visitors safe, and to go above and beyond to make everyone feel at home, and activate new procedures for the health and wellbeing of all."

Indoor/outdoor event space available at the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia

Historic Meets Hip

AT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER

BOOK YOUR EVENT TODAY!

Call 215.409.6653 or email facilityrental@constitutioncenter.org Visit constitutioncenter.org/facility-rentals

Gran Caffe L’Aquila in Philadelphia has been consistently promoting and planning a variety of programs for groups. Over the last year-plus, they have created space within the restaurant to showcase an Italian Market and also have increased their online Italian orders.

Known for their creativity, Gran Caffe L’Aquila offers very popular Regional Wine Dinners along with Gastronomic Gelato Tastings and other guest experiences that keep groups coming back for more.

Anna M. Florio, owner La Cucina at the Market

Food appreciation has become a big part of popular culture. Being in a kitchen environment naturally enhances one’s desire to learn and produce. Working as a team to cook creates bonding, inspires competition, creates a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Throughout our rich, 15-year history, we've offered interactive culinary events to bring groups from 10 to 40 people together in the kitchen. Our instructors facilitate a flow of kitchen hustle that culminates in sitting down to enjoy the meal you’ve created. We offer lunch and dinner activities that feature seasonal foods and have something for everyone.

The pandemic increased interest in home cooking and dining, in turn fueling the desire for kitchen creativity. Culinary is here to stay, and culinary experiences are ALL we do. From beginning to end, we incorporate facets that make it a fantastic experience for our guests. It's a 100 percent handon experience.

The pandemic increased interest in home cooking and dining, in turn fueling the desire for kitchen creativity. Culinary is here to stay, and culinary experiences are ALL that we do. From beginning to end, we incorporate facets that make it a fantastic experience for our guests. It's a 100 percent hands-on experience.

Interactive Cooking Classes Team Building Events Private Lunches and Dinners lacucinaatthemarket.com 215-922-1170 1206 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107

Thomas Crymes, director of marketing and communications The Drexelbrook

During the holidays, you can find a bottle of Limoncello in the home of any Italian family. Domenick Savino CPCE, CEO of The Drexelbrook is no stranger to this tradition. After a trip to Italy with his family, he was inspired to make Limoncello at home with fruit from his lemon tree. In 2020, he brought this tradition to the Drexelbrook by conducting a Limoncello Making Class.

The event quickly gained popularity as a fun holiday event for small groups and couples. Domenick taught the class in the newly remodeled restaurant, STREETLIGHT Kitchen and Bar. The event included a demonstration on making Limoncello, wood-fired tapas, beer and wine. Each table was set up with all the required tools and materials and baskets full of lemons.

Throughout the class, Domenick included trivia about Italy and the Limoncello making process. With fine attention to detail, he walked the class through the first step of the Limoncello making process. While they couldn't taste their own Limoncello yet, everyone sampled STREETLIGHT's Signature Limoncello Martini. The martini was a personal addition from Domenick and is a crowd-favorite at the restaurant.

After the class, participants took their jars of Limoncello mix home, as it requires 30 days to ferment. On day 30, Domenick followed up with a reminder that it was time to blend the mixture. Another 30 days later, the Limoncello was finally ready for tasting.

Right before Christmas, Domenick and the class attendees joined in a video call to toast and taste their final product. With so much popularity from the first class, he is hosting another class for the 2021 holiday season, and hopefully more seasons to come. "Cin cin" (Italian for "Cheers!”) to The Drexelbrook's new Limoncello tradition. Beyond the Plate

Leah Donnelly, director of marketing Di Bruno Bros.

Di Bruno Bros. After Hours is a private, after dark, tasting, learning, and shopping experience that takes place in our shops. It's a behind-the-scenes, two-hour experience, where our cheesemongers regale you with wondrous facts and tales of life behind the cheese counter, bite after bite.

Each event includes an abundant antipasto, six perfect cheese pairing dishes, and the ability to sample just about anything your heart desires in the store. And attendees have the opportunity to shop at a 20 percent discount, as well!

Celebrate even more by selecting a curated wine package for your party, or shop our Bottle Shop stores before the event. After Hours is a fun and unforgettable sampling of the Di Bruno Bros. legacy.

Beyond The Plate and The Princeton Tour Company

In Jersey City, NJ, Beyond the Plate Food Tours was founded to foster community and connection through food by highlighting New Jersey’s diverse and delicious food scene in a fun and exciting way.

Personalized tours, offered across the state in the towns of Red Bank, Jersey City and Somerville, each include 4-5 local culinary favorites. Groups are able to chat directly with chefs, proprietors and other culinary industry experts while bonding over food. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and are invited to hear stories that will provide new insights into the local food scene.

Several distinctive stops make up the tour, including: Jon Bon Jovi’s community restaurant JBJ Food Kitchen in Red Bank; Luna in Jersey City; and Project P.U.B. in Somerville. All VIP group tours are customizable with curated tastings, pairings and interactions, and can be adjusted to any dietary need or allergy.

The Princeton Tour Company also features a plethora safe and physically distanced private group tours, corporate events and team building, in addition to their famed walking tour options for every type of interest from history to ghost tours to pub crawls.

Their most popular walking tour features a guided two-hour stroll through Princeton University’s famed campus. The Genius Pub and Grub Crawl combines highlights of the walking tour with strategic libation and foodie spots along scenic routes on campus and the surrounding streets. Entertaining and interactive scavenger hunts also can be arranged and are widely used as a team building event with participants racing through downtown to complete the course.

PLAN YOUR CORPORATE HOLIDAY PARTY

Celebrate the season with a warm and inviting festive experience catered by Di Bruno Bros. Our menu features epic stations designed around our cozy winter favorites.

BOOKING NOW

CATERING@DIBRUNO.COM DIBRUNOCATERING.COM 215-665-1659