Frequently Asked Questions
The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau's (PCVB) award-winning Convention Services Department works to make your Philadelphia meeting a success. The following are some answers to common questions that can assist you in your planning.
Q: How can I get giveaways?
A: Corporate gifts and inexpensive giveaways can be purchased at the gift shop at the Independence Visitor Center (800.537.7676), the gift shop at the Pennsylvania Convention Center or from one of our member organizations listed in the Convention Services search on www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel. The PCVB does not provide giveaways.
Q: How can my attendees obtain copies of the Philadelphia Official Visitors Guide?
Convention attendees can find out what's hot, what's happening, and what not to miss in the City of Brotherly Love by checking out the Philadelphia Official Visitors Guide. This guide can be found in hotel rooms, at concierge desks or by asking local hotels' services departments for a small complimentary supply. If larger quantities are needed, please call the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB) at 215-636-3321 to request to pick up guides from our offices. The PCVB can also use your company's UPS/FED EX account numbers to ship guides to you. To view up-to-date information about attractions, tours, shopping and restaurants, request an individual hard copy of the Philadelphia Official Visitors Guide or view an electronic version or iPad App of the guide, visit www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel/ovg3ways. You can also download our free Philadelphia Official Visitors Guide iPad app from the iTunes store.
Q: How can I obtain photos for presentation and/or print material?
A: You can access free, high-resolution photos online at www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel/photos (call 215.636.4402 to obtain the password) or e-mail a request for our Photo CD to Conv-Services@pcvb.org.
Q: Can you suggest or provide me with off-site venues?
A: Visit our website for a comprehensive list of special event venues and contact information. Go to www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel/dsk, click on City Logistics (on the left), and scroll down the page to the Special Event Venues.
Q: How can I learn more about multicultural Philadelphia?
A: Through the Multicultural Affairs congress. Visit their Web site at www.PhiladelphiaMAC.org.
Q: How can I obtain a video for my presentation?
A: Philadelphia promotional videos are available in Secam, PAL and CD formats. Contact marketing@pcvb.org for your complimentary copy.
Q: Where can I find a calendar of events for Philadelphia?
A: This information can be found online at www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel by clicking on "Events."
Q: How do I organize a “fun run” for my organization?
A: You can download the appropriate forms online at www.phila.gov/forms/pdfs/special_events_policy_request.pdf or contact Joseph Callan:
4301 Parkside Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
215.685.0060
Q: How do I download Philadelphia promotional articles that will enhance my attendance, download new Convention Services information, and order a copy of the Meeting Planners Guide?
A: All of these things can be done online at www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel/dsk.
Q: How do I get quick access to a complete list of meeting resources?
A: This can be done online at www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel/dsk.
Q: Do you offer a website with Philadelphia information for our attendees that we can link to on our meeting website?
A: You can use our microsite: www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel/explore as a link on your meeting Web site.
Q: Do you have any discounts for convention delegates?
A: Yes, we offer the Show Us Your Room Key or Badge Delegate Discount Pass program. All promotions offered through the Show Us Your Room Key or Badge Delegate Discount Pass program are featured on www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel/showus and promoted through tailored Web sites and electronic communications to attendees.
Q: Where can I find information on airport transportation and shuttles?
A: Click here to learn more about transportation in Philadelphia.
Q: How do I obtain a letter from the Mayor or Governor welcoming my attendees to Philadelphia?
A: Organizations or associations that request welcome letters from the Governor or Mayor must contact the following offices with their requests. Please include the following information and allow at least four to six weeks to process:
- Brief description of the group and its meeting purpose
- Deadline date
- Address where the letter is to be sent and to whom
If you would like to invite the Governor or Mayor to speak at a session, please include the time and place of the event and the number of people expected to be in attendance.
All requests must be on the organization’s official letterhead.
Office of the Governor
Proclamations and Greetings
225 Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Tel: 717-787-5825
All requests for the Mayor must include the scheduling form. Click here to download the Mayor's scheduling form.
The Office of the Mayor
Room 215, City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tel: 215-686-2181
Fax: 215-686-2180
