Training

Panel and speaker sessions will focus on current trends and upcoming initiatives involving tourism, the state of Philadelphia today, development and revitalization, arts and culture, the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations, and the food scene. The event will be held at the First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut Street). It seems appropriate for tour guides to learn about Philadelphia’s current initiatives in a building designed by Frank Furness who would have certainly thought he was meeting the needs of the rising industrial city – and the event falls on his birthday! Click here for the official event flyer: Philly Forward Flyer.

The following panels and speakers are confirmed:

MORNING

Keynote: “Tourism Post-Covid”
Angela Val, President and CEO of Visit Philly

Development & Revitalization
Joseph A. Forkin, President of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Sandra Dungee Glenn, Founding Partner, The Growth Collective
Alan Greenberger, Vice President of Real Estate & Facilities at Drexel University

“Beyond Old City: Philly Arts Outside of Downtown”
Peter Crimmins, WHYY Arts and Culture Reporter

AFTERNOON

The Nation’s 250th Birthday Celebrations
Michael Norris, Executive Director of Carpenters’ Hall
Rep. Jared G. Solomon, 202nd District/ Philadelphia County
Danielle DiLeo Kim, Executive Director of Philadelphia 250
Cynthia MacLeod, Superintendent, Independence National Historical Park; Leslie Obleschuk, Head of Interpretation and Education, Independence National Historical Park;

Philly Food Scene
Marilyn Johnson, Founder of Philly Grub;
Vance Lehmkuhl, Director of the American Vegan Center

CLOSING RECEPTION

Other highlights include a lunchtime peek at the First Unitarian Church’s sanctuary; book sales and signings with APT authors; raffle of a basket from Reading Terminal Market which includes a $100 gift card; opportunities to network while sampling savory and sweet treats at the closing reception; and Frank Furness birthday cake complete with sponsor logos and a photo of Ben Franklin!

As the birthplace of America, Philadelphia has no equal among historical attractions in the United States. Yet the city has retained its appeal beyond history, as demonstrated by its winning National Geographic’s Best City to Visit in 2020, one of two American sites on the magazine’s best trips list. Philadelphia has been paving the way for new ideas and practices even before the country’s founding. As the world emerges from covid isolation, how is Philly poised to move forward? As has always been its modus operandi, how is it carrying a torch into tomorrow? Join us to find out!

The event runs from 9 am – 5:30 pm. Tickets are available for full and half-day attendance at APT member (individual and corporate) and non-member rates. Livestream Zoom tickets are also available.

Pricing

Full day: $50 member/ $60 non-member/ $80 corporate member (2 members can attend)

Half day: $30 member/ $35 non-member. (Either before lunch, 9 am – 1 pm, or after lunch 2-5 pm). Attendees must email to indicate which time slot they will be attending as space is limited. There is no half day option for corporate members. Single person tour companies who are corporate members can register as an individual member. 

Zoom: full day access ($25 member/ $30 non-member). Zoom is only available for full day accessibility. 

Purchase tickets in the APT Store. In-person space is limited so register today!

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) is extremely grateful to all of its sponsors!

GOLD level:
* Jim Murphy, author of Real Philly History, Real Fast – published by Temple University Press
* Jim Houliston author of Big3MMD: History’s Ambidextrous and the Benefits of Mirror Movement Development
* Mitchell Kramer, Philadelphia’s Premier Benjamin Franklin Impersonator

SILVER level:
* Global Philadelphia Association
* WeVenture Philadelphia Tours

BRONZE level:
* Mike Teti
* PA State Representative Mary Isaacson, 175th District/ Philadelphia County
* First Person Tours with Ned Drinker
* Toni Levitt
* Carla Stine, Art and Design
* Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
* Philadelphia Historic Architecture Tours, phillyPHAT.com, with Reid Addis
* Nick Cvetkovic Tours, tourguidenick.com
* PA State Representative Jared G. Solomon, 202nd District/ Philadelphia County
* Reading Terminal Market

Click here for a list of the sponsors: Philly Forward Sponsors

Sponsor the Symposium and get the word about your products, services, or sites out to the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT), the premier organization of guides, docents, and those interested in all things Philly. Visitors to the city trust APT guides for the best, most up to date information on what to do, see, eat, and try. APT’s nationally recognized certification program and continuing education sessions ensure its members represent the city and its character in a truthful and enthusiastic light. Help APT advance its mission while making an impression on those who can carry your message to thousands of people. We are very loyal to our supporters!

Sign up for a sponsorship level in the APT Store. For a printable format of sponsorship levels click here: Philly Forward Sponsorship Levels. Sponsorship opportunities will close on October 10.

Donations may be cash, the equivalent in food donations, or a mix of both. Please be advised that as APT is a 501(c)(6), donations are NOT tax deductible.