The Philadelphia Visitor Center’s 2025 Philly Opener

On Monday, May 12, 2025, the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (PVCC) will host its second annual award-winning Philly Opener celebration and fundraiser at the Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106). This highly anticipated event caps off National Travel and Tourism Week, bringing together industry leaders, community partners, and passionate Philadelphians to highlight the significant impact of tourism on Philadelphia and beyond.

Upon arrival, guests will be invited to celebrate the city and state’s iconic destinations with fun activations and photo moments from the Visitor Center and Visit PA. The culinary experience at the event will showcase the best of Philadelphia’s diverse food scene, including a Taste of Reading Terminal Market, a Taste of the Historic District, and a tasting station from James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces featuring Buena Onda in collaboration with Mijenta Tequila. The evening will include live entertainment, and the program will feature remarks from leadership at PVCC, Visit Philadelphia, and select government officials.

A key highlight of the event will be the presentation of the Most Valuable Philadelphian (MVP) Award, recognizing an individual who has made a significant impact on the city. This year’s honoree is Howie Roseman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, whose leadership has not only brought the team to three Super Bowl appearances and two victories in the past eight years, but also elevated Philadelphia’s profile on the global stage.