I am pleased to announce that I am one of the featured speakers at “Philly Forward: A Tourism Symposium” coming up in November held by the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides. I will be talking about how Philly’s food scene is a BIG DEAL for Philly tourism. More on the press release below.

PHILADELPHIA – To help improve visitors’ overall travel experience in the city, the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) is holding a special travel industry program. “Philly Forward: A Tourism Symposium” takes place Saturday, November 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, 2125 Chestnut Street.

Attendance is limited to 70 people at the event, and 100 on Zoom. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Marianne Ruane, vice president of APT and a certified tour guide since 2016, says the program is designed to jump-start Philadelphia tourism after Covid and help create a better overall travel experience for tourists.

“We want people to realize all that Philadelphia has to offer, and make sure our own tourist industry is far exceeding tourist expectations,” Ruane says.

Rather than focus on past history as much of APT’s training usually does, she says, this symposium concentrates on current issues, new trends and upcoming initiatives. “As Philadelphia comes out of COVID, we’re looking at new ideas and new ways to attract and delight tourists.”

Speakers and panelists will discuss the state of Philadelphia today, plans for the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations, plus what’s happening in arts, culture, food, and more in today’s fast-changing Philadelphia.

VIP Speakers and panelists already confirmed include:

Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philly; Alan Greenberger, vice president of real estate and facilities, Drexel University; Joseph A. Forkin, president, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation; Sandra Dungee Glenn, founding partner, The Growth Collective; Peter Crimmins, WHYY arts and culture reporter; Michael Norris, executive director of Carpenters’ Hall; 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; Marilyn Johnson, founder of Philly Grub; and Vance Lehmkuhl, director of the American Vegan Center. More industry leaders are being added daily.

Costs: Full day: $50 for APT members, $60 for non-members; Half day: $30 for members, $35 for non-members; Full-day Zoom: $25 for members, $30 for non-members.

Learn more here!

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