I always look forward to Convention, but this is especially interesting because of the host city—Philadelphia. Last year I applied to a several graduate programs in urban planning, urban design, and historic preservation. Among my primary criteria was the opportunity to live in a city that could serve as an interesting urban lab, one that was experiencing a great cultural renaissance and recognized the value of art and culture within their urban infrastructure. It’s no surprise that I spent a good portion of the year highly considering life in Philadelphia.

Although I’ve decided to attend school in Massachusetts, American Evolution, the theme of this year’s convention, reminds me of the all the reasons why Philly rocks. Not only does Philadelphia maintain an important role in American history and culture, it also serves as a national urban model for urban revitalization through the arts. Fun facts—Philadelphia leads the United States at the mural capital of the world (being from LA myself, it’s hard to admit we’ve been de-throned!) Additionally, Philadelphia was also the first city to establish a public art ordinance. Say it with me G-O P-H-I-L-L-Y!

This year I’ve decided not to select a specific Convention track. With so many great options to choose from, the Libra in me finally decided to focus on Economic Development, Leadership, and Public Art. A big fan of civic pride myself, I look forward to sessions like “Burden of History: Preserving and Interpreting our Past” and “Philadelphia Firsts.” I’m also super interested in learning more about the creative economy, sessions within the Preserving Diverse Cultures Track, and checking out some of the Career 360 Sessions, another great addition to this year’s convention program! I’m actually facilitating one of the Career 360 panels myself (if you're interested in Multicultural Internship Programs, stop by on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.).

Food! Although awesome in its own right, dare I say that Philly’s culinary options go well beyond a good Philly Cheesesteak? If you curious, see you at the Opening Reception, Taste of Philadelphia, at the architecturally stunning Kimmel Center.

Not unlike my native Los Angeles, I’ve always found Philly to be an underdog city. These days I feel it’s the underdog cities that are leading the arts agenda, both in policy and planning (check out Cleveland, Tacoma, Oakland, LA, Baltimore, and Philly!). Whatever has brought you to Philly—fundraising, federal updates, fun, or friends—I’m really glad Philly has a turn to share their awesome city with us.