Are you heading to Philadelphia the second week of January for PCMA Convening Leaders 70th Anniversary? We talked to the movers behind the scenes about what is new, what to expect and how this annual gathering can set you up for a thriving 2026.
PCMA’s first conference (an annual by another name) was held in the Cradle of Liberty and it has been 20 years since the gathering was last in Philly. The correlation of the event and America’s 250th anniversary is being billed as “a call-to-action to reshape what’s possible for the next generation of the global business events community.”
What PCMA President Sherrif Karamat Is Really Excited About Sharing
As always, Convening Leaders will host superstar celebrities on the main stage. Think author Adam Grant on unlocking your hidden potential, Emmy award-winning actress Tabitha Brown on using the power of heart to build brands people love and comedian Trevor Noah on deciding what comes next in an AI world.
Harvard Professor Deepak Malhotra will lead a full-day executive-only intensive on advanced negotiation strategies on Sunday, Jan. 11.
PCMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat is particularly interested in the insights Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor-in-chief of The Economist will be sharing. “We are in an interesting time where our economic systems are shifting with new trade paradigms and that session will answer questions I didn’t even know I had,” he said.
Planned entertaining moments include Irish Dance TikTok sensations the Gardiner Brothers and DJ Jazzy Jeff opening for the rapper Pitbull.
“We have had many high-profile speakers in the past, but we have never invested as much in content,” Karamat said.
Nods to the historic roots of the event will come on the main stage where all of the remaining PCMA chairs able to attend from over the years will gather for the Always a Leader ceremony. That celebration of 27 legends will transition to the 20 in Their Twenties awards as a pivot to the future. A PCMA Museum in The District will feature historical artifacts, photos and memorabilia from the last 70 years. Of course, a museum store will offer merch with the new PCMA logo, including quarter-zips and reusable water bottles to support PCMA Foundation grants and scholarships. “It is a new day and we have integrated CEMA and expanded membership and it is time to tell that story,” Karamat said.
Look for a new Blood Drive with the American Red Cross on Tuesday, Jan. 13 in recognition of Philadelphia’s medical accolades.
“We are an inclusive and a caring organization,” said Karamat. “We want to show that we care about you and what fits for the destination.”
New in Philadelphia
Led by dynamic Mayor Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia is rolling out the red carpet for meeting professionals. Maria Grasso, chief sales officer with Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, suggests getting out of Pennsylvania Convention Center at some point to check out all that is new and engaging.
New hotels and reimagined favorite stays are poised to welcome thousands of meeting professionals in January. Back in action is the “Grande Dame of Broad Street,” The Bellevue Hotel, part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, which reopened in 2025 after an extensive revitalization. The classic features of the Renaissance Revival 1904 building, including the marble lobby’s ornate ceiling molding and custom Venetian chandeliers, were preserved while the 30,000 sq. ft. of event space and 184 guest rooms were modernized.
New to Philadelphia’s hotel offerings is health-focused Element Philadelphia Downtown and its sister property, pet-friendly W Philadelphia, which share over 45,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space. Element Philadelphia is the largest Element Hotel property in the world with 460 guest rooms. The W Philadelphia is home to 295 rooms and a 7,000-square-foot outdoor terrace with a year-round heated pool, bar, and incredible city views. “For a truly VIP experience, the W has a secret bar hiding in its lobby with space for up to 15 people and a customizable menu,” Grasso confided.
All three hotel properties are only a short walk away from the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the heart of Philadelphia’s downtown, adding to the city’s walkable hotel package.
City of Culinary Love
“The city is known for its vibrant food scene, but this past fall, Philadelphia restaurants received 35 total accolades from MICHELIN, taking our culinary offerings to the next level,” Grasso said. MICHELIN honors included restaurants that serve exceptional food at great value, like local favorites Angelo’s classic cheesesteak, and El Chingon’s reimagined Mexican cuisine.
La Colombe Coffee Roasters, headquartered in Philadelphia, has several locations in the city’s downtown and offers a cool backdrop to any meeting, with freshly brewed coffee and pastries.
Those looking for a more elevated meeting experience will find many options in the Rittenhouse neighborhood of Philadelphia’s downtown. Stephen Starr’s French bistro, Parc, overlooks Rittenhouse Square and is an excellent option for alfresco dining and people watching.
To make a big impression, Grasso says you need look no further than SkyHigh at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center. Located on the 60th floor of the Comcast Center, Philadelphia’s tallest building, the Jean-Georges restaurant offers impressive views of the city alongside a fresh seasonal menu and high-end cocktails.
If you have attended any of the last 70 gatherings, you know it is never to early to check the app for who will be attending and get your reservation for an off-site catch-up. Reservations go fast.
Prepare for Surprise and Delight
“Philadelphia is way more than cheesesteaks and Rocky,” says Grasso. Planners may be surprised to find a vibrant and walkable downtown surrounded by a city of neighborhoods, each with their own unique identity
Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Museum District is the address for world-renowned cultural institutions such as Philadelphia Art Museum and The Barnes Foundation.
Old City is home to what is known as “America’s most historic square mile” and some of the country’s most significant sites, including Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross House.
South Philly is known for its iconic and historic Italian Market and multicultural eats along with The South Philadelphia Sports Complex, where you will find the NFL Eagles, NHL Flyers, MLB Phillies and NBA 76ers.
