About Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania, located at the confluence of several rivers. It is a vibrant, multicultural city with an incredible mix of cultures, traditions, and neighborhoods. The city has a temperate climate—warm summers and mild winters with occasional snowfall. Tourists get to enjoy seasonal activities such as boating on the Delaware River, ice skating on the Schuylkill River or just taking a stroll in Rittenhouse Square Park. The summer season brings music festivals and outdoor shopping along South Street and its surrounding areas.
The benefits of hosting private meetings in Philadelphia are numerous. Its location makes it convenient for regional gatherings while its attractions provide entertainment options during downtime. There are plenty of venues to choose from that range from classy ballrooms to contemporary meeting spaces, all equipped with modern amenities. Plus, there’s no shortage of restaurants featuring global dishes that will please any palate. With its mix of top-notch restaurants, renowned museums, and professional event venues, Philadelphia is an ideal destination for private meetings without compromising on quality or convenience.
Private Meeting Options in Philadelphia
- Photographers
Professional photographers in Philadelphia can capture special moments from private events, whether it's a corporate meeting or an intimate gathering. They will use their experience and skill to take photos that best showcase the event and its participants. A great many Philadelphia photographers typically provide a range of services such as on-site printing, digital image editing, archival media storage, and more.
- Catering Services
Numerous catering services in Philadelphia provide a range of options for creating delicious meals for private meetings. Experienced local caterers can work with clients to create custom menus that fit each individual's needs, from light snacks to formal dinners. Caterers also provide staff members who are knowledgeable about food preparation and presentation during private meetings, as well as serving and cleaning up after the event.
- Staffing Services
They provide experienced personnel such as greeters, bartenders, waitstaff, security guards, and cleaners who are knowledgeable about etiquette and protocol and will ensure that guests feel welcomed and comfortable during their visit. In addition, they may be able to arrange transportation or other amenities that guests may need during their stay.
Private Meeting Vendors in Philadelphia
- Oteri’s Italian Bakery
Oteri’s Italian Bakery has been a family-run business for four generations, delighting its customers since 1904. Specializing in custom-designed cakes and pastry trays for all occasions, they offer an array of treats to suit everyone’s taste. From ice cream-flavored confections to elegant wedding cakes, Oteri’s can do it all. They even have last-minute options like tempting assortments of cookies, pastries, and their most popular computerized photo cakes.
- Freedom AV
Freedom AV is your source for audio-visual solutions. With over 60 years of combined experience in the audio-visual industry, their team of professionals provides customer-focused A/V solutions in some of the main markets like Boston, MA, Philadelphia, PA, New York, NY, Washington DC, Anaheim CA, and many more. Regardless of size, they offer services for any kind of meetings or live events — from small 20-person breakout sessions to large conference general assemblies. Freedom AV integrates only the top quality equipment from major manufacturers such as Christie, Barco, Panasonic, and others with their dedicated production teams and a state-of-the-art inventory to bring your event alive wherever you may be in the world.
- Jerry’s Kitchen
Jerry's Kitchen is the award-winning, go-to catering company and a food truck for all of the East Coast. Serving from Pennsylvania to Florida, Jerry's Kitchen is known for its made-from-scratch recipes featuring modern American food with a twist on classic dishes. They've got no shortage of options for any and all cravings — from tacos and burgers to Philadelphia's favorite cheesesteak. From start to finish, Jerry knows how to keep everyone's palate happy with their rotating seasonal menu of delightful, unexpected treats.
Pros and Cons of Private Meeting Spaces in Philadelphia
Philadelphia provides numerous advantages for private meetings, however, it's also essential to weigh the potential drawbacks associated with hosting a meeting in this city:
Advantages
- Variety of Venues: There are many unique venues available throughout the city that are suitable for hosting private meetings such as hotels, conference centers, museums, and other unique locations.
- Central Location: The city is centrally located on the east coast making it easily accessible by car or public transportation from surrounding states as well as other major cities like New York or Washington D.C., providing great travel opportunities for guests attending private meetings here.
- The abundance of Activities & Attractions: Those attending private meetings here will have plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy before or after their event including restaurants, shops, historical sites, theaters, and more.
Disadvantages
- Traffic Congestion: The city experiences traffic congestion due to its dense population and nearby highways, making it difficult for guests to locate the venue or arrive on time for an event.
- Costs: Depending on the venue and services needed, hosting a private meeting in Philadelphia can be quite expensive. Venue rentals, catering costs, and staffing fees can add up quickly.
- Lack of Privacy: As the city is densely populated, private meetings may not feel as exclusive or intimate as desired. There may be noise from nearby attractions that can make it difficult to concentrate on the occasion.
Tips on How to Organize Private Meeting Spaces in Philadelphia
If you're looking to host a successful private meeting in Philadelphia, there's some important groundwork that needs to be done. To make sure your event runs smoothly and is enjoyable for all attendees, here are the top tips on how to plan an unforgettable gathering:
- Plan ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to find and book the perfect venue for your private meeting. Consider factors such as size, atmosphere, amenities, and location when making your decision. Doing this will ensure that you have the ideal space for your meeting.
- Utilize resources: Take advantage of the numerous resources available to make finding a venue easier. Make use of online tools such as websites and apps that can point you toward venues catering to private meetings in Philadelphia. Additionally, it can be helpful to leverage contacts in the area who know the city well and can provide tips on the best venues and deals.
- Think outside the box: There are many non-traditional spaces that could be great options for hosting your occasion. Look into local museums, public parks, community centers, breweries, or other interesting locations that could serve as a unique backdrop for meetings with clients or colleagues.
Famous Locations in Philadelphia
- Carpenters' Hall
Carpenters' Hall is renowned as the birthplace of Pennsylvania. The two-story brick meeting hall, which stands in Independence National Historical Park and is owned privately by the Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia County, encapsulates an integral part of America's history. Its illustrious past includes hosting the First Continental Congress in 1774 and serving as the meeting ground where notable acts such as the declaration of Pennsylvania's independence from Britain in 1776 took place. Traversing centuries, Carpenters' Hall stands strong in its legacy as a key landmark that contributed to the founding of American democracy.
- Wister Woods Park
Wister Woods Park is an oasis of natural beauty nestled among the modern hustle and bustle of Philadelphia. Thanks to the generosity of Frances Anne Wister, who donated her lovely estate to the city in 1911, visitors will discover a gorgeous forest with lush surroundings that appeal to nature and history fans alike. The original house on the grounds where Frances lived has since been demolished, but its legacy persists through the tall trees that stand proudly to this day. This awesome little park offers no amenities — only chirping birds and rustling leaves in every direction as far as the eye can see.
- Philadelphia Temple
The Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church) is a majestic, breathtaking sight. Completed in 2016, this incredible structure sits within the Logan Square neighborhood and is the first LDS temple between Washington D.C., and New York City—what a feat. Commissioned with the intention to make a contemporary temple, Perkins + Will chose a neoclassical design from architect FFKR as their choice of expression. Furthermore, they incorporated elements from notable Philadelphia buildings into their design such as Christ Church's tower and Independence Hall's interior. The exterior is Deer Island granite and has significant bearing in comparison to other pre-cast concrete temples featured elsewhere; adding an unprecedented level of class to an already impressive building.
