In this IPW 2025 episode, recorded live from the conference floor in Chicago, Visit Philadelphia president and CEO Angela Val shares her hope that "everybody sees each other as human beings first." And she explains how Philadelphia's core value as the City of Brotherly Love means that no matter your lifestyle, religion, race, or ethnicity, "in this place you will be able to be yourself, feel a sense of belonging and be welcomed."

Val sits down with Afar deputy editor Michelle Baran to discuss Philadelphia's "In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union" initiative, the groundbreaking TED Democracy event launching in June, and how the birthplace of democracy is hosting six FIFA World Cup matches, the MLB All-Star Game, and a supersized July 4th concert as part of America's 250th celebration.

What You’ll Learn

Philadelphia has James Beard Award winning- and Michelin-starred restaurants 

TED Democracy and Visit Philadelphia have partnered for a three-year series of TED talks on the impacts of democracy.

How to get off the tourist trail in Philadelphia

Where Angela takes her friends and family when they visit

Visit Philly and Angela’s hopes for the next 10 years in Philadelphia

Key Moments

[07:04] Visit Philadelphia signed a three-year partnership with TED Democracy for a series of talks about the impact of democracy.

[09:23] Philadelphia is a walkable, green city easy to reach from New York and Washington, D.C.

[15:50]  Philadelphia is celebrating 52 things that happened in Philadelphia and changed the world, like democracy.

[17:30]: Angela would like to see Philadelphia able to put more into its artists, the people who actually produce art.

Featured Topics

Philadelphia is a welcoming place for everyone

The city as the birthplace of democracy and the epicenter of America 250 celebrations

Major upcoming events include the PGA championship, six World Cup matches, and the MLB All-Star Game

Exploring lesser-visited parts of the city

Resources

Read the transcript of this episodeListen to Visit Philadelphia x TED Democracy 

Visit Philadelphia’s site

Find Visit Philadelphia on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube

How to explore Philadelphia like a local

🇺🇸 America 250 Update: Big upcoming events for Philadelphia in 2026 include the MLB All-Star Game, the PGA Championships, and six World Cup matches.

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This IPW 2025 special series was recorded live in Chicago. View From Afar is a production of Afar Media and a part of Airwave Media’s podcast network (email [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast). The podcast is produced by Aislyn Greene and Nikki Galteland, with assistance from Michelle Baran and Billie Cohen. Music composition from Epidemic Sound.