NEWS
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Murphy, Cell: 610-506-3024, Email: murfman1@comcast.net
Tour guides, docents, travel companies & key vendors to meet at job fair, Friday, Jan. 23
Event runs 11 am – 2 pm at Free Library
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 24, 2025 – To help prepare Philly for tourists celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence here in 2026, the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) is holding its 2nd-ever “Tour Guide and Docent Job Fair.”
The event takes place Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, 11 am to 2 pm at the Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street.
Job fair is for both current and future guides
Among those likely to attend are tour guides, current and future guides, docents, historical institutions, tour operators, museum personnel and other members of the travel and hospitality industry.
More than 100 people and 24 vendors attended APT’s first job fair in February 2024.
Well-known organizations like the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, Independence Historical Trust, and the National Park Service have already committed to returning as vendors this year.
Vendor Registrations:
Non-member corporations will pay a table fee.
Cost: For tour companies, $150; for nonprofits, $50. For APT’s corporate members, tables are free.
Note: Space is limited. To reserve a vendor table email: http://treasurer@phillyguides.org
Job Applicant Registrations:
Admission is free for applicants; but RSVP is required by end-of-day Wednesday, Jan. 21.
Reasons to come: To explore seasonal, year-round, paid and volunteer positions and expand your industry contacts & job sources. Many guides first learn their Philly history by volunteering at historic sites.
If you love history, arts & culture, food – anything that says Philly – come check it out. You might find that ‘tour guide’ is the perfect job for you.
Get ready for the Semiquincentennial (U.S.’s 250th birthday)
Marianne Ruane, APT’s president, says, “We’re grateful to the Free Library for donating this space and helping people network and find jobs. The timing is just perfect.”
She adds: “With the big anniversaries and sporting events coming up in 2026, now is a great time to get ready to welcome all the visitors who will be coming to our city. “
APT, founded in 2008, is the only organization that certifies Philadelphia city guides. APT’s 2025 membership totals 199, including 41 corporate members and 158 individual members.
