FEATURED SPEAKERS + TOPICS

A CANDID CONVERSATION WITH STEPHEN STARR

STEPHEN STARR

An urban planning genius, a real estate visionary, and an alchemist of ambience, Stephen Starr has made Center City what it is today.

KICKING OUT CANCER

CARL H. JUNE, M.D.

Graduate of the Naval Academy-turned the Director of Translational Research at the University of Pennsylvania, June's gene therapy may cure your loved one's cancer someday.

GRASS ROOTS CHANGE AND REMAKING PHILADELPHIA'S NEIGHBORHOODS

ANDREW DALZELL

As Programs Coordinator at SOSNA, South Philly savior Dalzell is improving quality of life from the south side of South Street to the north side of Washington Avenue.

ORI FEIBUSH

It's his approachable, workaholic attitude that self-made real estate mogul Feibush has to thank for his real estate empire, OCF Realty.

MATT BERGHEISER

As Executive Director of University City District, Bergheiser's passion is cities. And thankfully for us, his passion is creating opportunities for all Philadelphians.

Moderator: Patrick Kerkstra, Journalist

BUILDING THE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM IN PHILADELPHIA

WAYNE KIMMEL

Co-Founder of Artists & Instigators, Kimmel talks about the potential for innovation in Philadelphia, and which elements we need to make our tech sector thrive.

THE NEW SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA

IVAN BARIAS

This Grammy-nominated producer of duo Carvin & Ivan, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), cultural ambassador, and the president of Philly's Recording Academy chapter has brought a new wave of energy to Philadelphia.

JOSH DUBIN

One of Philly's greatest proponents of the arts, Dubin—Special Projects Coordinator for the City of Philadelphia's Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy—weaves art into the fabric of the economic and social scene of our city.

MARK CHRISTMAN

Founder of Ars Nova Workshop and dubbed a "local hero," Christman inspires Philadelphians with experimental music.

Moderator: Jonathan Valania, Music Journalist, founder of Phawker

HOW TO PREDICT THE NEXT FINANCIAL CRISIS

RICHARD VAGUE

Entrepreneur and Economic Crusader, Vague is many things: Texas-transplant, financial heavy hitter, credit-card mogul, energy honcho, major patron of Philadelphia arts, creator of the eclectic blog delanceyplace.com, and venture capitalist. His research into consumer debt will change how you think about the global economy.

THE TWITTER REVOLUTION HAS JUST BEGUN

JIM GARDNER

A conversation with Philly's most iconic TV anchor on how social media has changed the way he and other journalists cover the news and stay connected to their audiences.

PHILLY'S IMPACT ON THE WORLD'S BEER SCENE

BILL COVALESKI, TOM KEHOE and KEVIN FINN

The founders and owners of Victory, Yards, and Iron Hill Brewing Companies, respectively, these beer guys have played a major part in turning Philadelphia's beer scene into something international.

Moderator: Don Russell, Beer Writer

WHAT'S NEXT FOR CENTER CITY

PAUL R. LEVY, Ph.D.

President & CEO of Center City District, Levy has been here forever; yet he's somehow still the guy behind everything new and cool. (See: Dilworth Plaza; Sister Cities Park.)

BEING A PHILADELPHIAN

CHRIS STIGALL

Stigall brings opinion—along with some humor—to our mornings on Talk Radio 1210, WPHT and our very own Philly Post as a guest writer.

THE FUTURE OF PHILADELPHIA'S FOOD SCENE

MICHAEL SOLOMONOV

He turned an Israeli place that serves duck hearts into a national draw, brought Texas barbecue to South Street, and merged Korean fried chicken and "world-class" doughnuts into a worshipped duo.

BRAD SPENCE

Currently Chef at Amis, Spence's culinary leadership turned Vetri into one of the top Italian restaurants in the country.

MARCIE TURNEY

Through her food, restaurants, and boutiques, this Doyenne of 13th Street had single handedly changed an entire neighborhood.

AIMEE OLEXY

Venturist behind Talula's Table—one of the hardest spots to get reservations.

Moderator: Jason Sheehan, Food Editor, Philadelphia magazine