The city of Philadelphia boasts spectacu- lar beauty at several parks,whichmount a natural green stage for meetings and events.Dilworth Park,within a short stroll of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, themajor office district andAvenue of the Arts,offers flexibility for planners.Features include The Fountain at Dilworth, PNC Terrace and The Great
Lawn.There is even Rothman Ice Rink for winter breakouts.
Sister Cities Park is strategically positioned near the Four Seasons Hotel, Embassy Suites, The Franklin Institute, The Barnes Foundation, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. At the park there is a Children’s Discovery Garden and
a fountain representing
Philadelphia’s 10 sister
cities.Green grass, tall trees and uncommon views give receptions and team building challenges both rewarding and successful results.
John
F.Collins Park is convenient to sever- al hotels, including Westin, Sofitel and Palomar. Nestled in Philadelphia’s busi- ness district, it is a hidden bit of paradise replete with wrought iron gateway,minia- ture fountains, stone benches and flower gardens. This little piece of heaven pro- vides an intimate mood for cocktail hours,networking and receptions.
Center City District Parks’ venue sales spe- cialist, Sarah Anello, invites planners to think outside the box and take full advan- tage of all that the parks have to offer.“Our parks are perfect for team building and scavenger
hunts.There are so many chal- lenges to imagine. Groups promoting employee fitness find any number of options for activities. Many organizations are weaving green initiatives into meet- ings and events.What better place to stress this theme than a park? People like to be outdoors,even if it is in a tent. It is exhila- rating to get away from a classroom or computer screen.”
Anello reports that the parks frequently attract convention center business. “Sometimes trade show sponsors rent a food truck, bring attendees to one of the parks and entertain
them.Not long ago, a furniture company held a reception in Dilworth Park. They placed furniture around trees and knolls to capture guests’ attention."
“We provide a blank slate,” she continues. “We will make an area of any of the parks exclusive to a group for lunch breaks, cocktail hours,dinnermeeting kick-offs or other events.We direct them to vendors for tents, heaters, fire pits, restrooms and accessories to enhance the space. Meeting in an urban oasis prompts inter- active engagement. It’s playful, yet calm- ing.”
Not far from these scenic parks is Perelman Quadrangle at the University of Pennsylvania, where two sites are designed for all things outdoor. College Green, located in the heart of Penn’s cam- pus, is dotted with green hills,brick path- ways and collections of eclectic art. It is ideal for ceremonies,parties,promotions, recruiting events and more.
Wynn Commons joins the buildings of the Perelman Quadrangle through a series of staircases, ramps and bordering walls, which double as seating. Planners select this distinctive setting for both formal and informal events.
“Dinners, picnics, weddings, team build- ing, receptions – opportunities are end- less,” exclaims Veronica Kraft,manager of event sales for the Perelman Quadrangle. “Planners don’t have to choose indoor space just because everyone else does. Meeting outside kicks creativity up a notch. A youth group with a gardening theme planted trees in tiny
pots.Another group built a bicycle and donated it. Others have tug-of-war competitions to
rejuvenate their teams.We host outdoor lunches, cigar tents - you name it,we can do it.Have a picnic in lieu of a traditional lunch. In winter months, bring in a portable ice skating rink,set up hot choco- late stands and wrap up warm scarves as gifts.”
Kraft is a member of the board of direc- tors for the Philadelphia Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES), an added advantage for meeting planners considering the Perelman Quadrangle. “This membership gives me numerous amazing connections.When all traditional sources for portable heaters were tied up with an appearance by Michelle Obama, I found another vendor for one of our events.We can help with whatever planners need, from audio-visu- al equipment to tents to heaters to lighting to s’
mores.Maybe even a chewy bone! At a recent therapy dog conference, the ani- mals came outside and demonstrated their parade skills,” she concludes with a chuckle.
For large groups, HeadHouse Plaza at Lincoln Financial Field is a site alive with excitement. With more than 100,000- square feet to offer, the area is perfect for one major-scale event or several smaller meetings.“We have held picnics for more than 3,000 people and can accommodate up to 6,000,” says Lynnette Thomas, senior salesmanager for Lincoln Financial Field, home of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles. “The space comfortably holds as many as six tents, which can be branded for our corporate partners. Small outdoor recep- tions or networking programs also can be booked at the Eagles Nest on the top level of the stadium,where guests have views of the field and center city Philadelphia.”
Thomas points out that food trucks are welcome to drive into the plaza.“Set up tables and spice up an event with special appearances by players, such as Brent
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 35
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