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[rev_slider thinkfest2017]

Come hear what the 100 Most Influential Philadelphians have to say about our city.

Networking Opportunities

Philadelphia magazine’s ThinkFest 2017 will feature interactive lounges, a networking brunch, and the opportunity to rub elbows with the most influential people and businesses in the city.

Networking Brunch | 10:30 am

Speaker Sessions

Through Q&A’s, discussions and debates, those with cultural, business, artistic and political clout will share their personal journeys, discuss their big ideas, and delve into the future of an ever-evolving Philadelphia.

Programming Begins | 12 pm

Cocktail Reception

Raise a glass to toast the day’s speakers and honor the list of “100 Most Influential Philadelphians”. This post-event reception will feature those who are leaving their innovative mark on our city.

Networking Reception | 5:30 pm


Jim Kenney

Jim Kenney
Mayor of Philadelphia

Wil Reynolds

Wil Reynolds
founder, Seer Interactive

Steven Star

Stephen Starr
founder, Starr Restaurants

Todd Carmichael

Todd Carmichael
co-Founder, la colombe

Feminista Jones

Feminista Jones
social worker,
writer, activist

John Fry

John Fry
President, Drexel University

Jordan Harris

Jordan Harris
PA State Representative

Jerry Sweeney

Jerry Sweeney
President & CEO, Brandywine Realty Trust

Richard Vague

Richard Vague
Managing Partner, Gabriel Investments

Meryl Levitz

Meryl Levitz
president & CEO,
Visit Philadelphia

Michael Nolan

Michael Nolan
Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Optum, UnitedHealth Group

Neil Shah

Neil H. Shah
President & COO, Hersha Hospitality Trust

Jim Dever

Jim Dever
Philadelphia Market
President, Bank of America

Michael Smerconish

Michael Smerconish
radio host, CNN host

David Bookspan

David Bookspan
founder, Amino Payments

Shani Akila

Shani Akilah
Co-founder, Black and
Brown Workers Collective

Abdul-Aliy Muhammad

Abdul-Aliy Muhammad
Co-founder, Black and
Brown Workers Collective

Cecil Baker

Cecil Baker
founder, Cecil
Baker + Partners

Steve Klasko

Steve Klasko
President and CEO, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health

Jane Slusser

Jane Slusser
Chief of Staff,
City of Philadelphia

Rebecca Rhynhart

Rebecca Rhynhart
Democratic Nominee for
Philadelphia City Controller

Sara Lomax-Reese

Sara Lomax-Reese
President & CEO,
WURD Radio

Ali Perelman

Ali Perelman
executive director,
Philadelphia 3.0

Thom Collins

Thom Collins
Executive Director & President, The Barnes Foundation

Nick Stuccio

Nick Stuccio
founder, FringeArts

James Ijames

James Ijames
PLAYWRIGHT and Performer

Michael Coard

Michael Coard
Attorney, Academic, African, Activist, Agitator

Bruce Katzr

Bruce Katz
Centennial Scholar,
Brookings Institution

Josh Gerber

Josh Gerber
Sr. Director of Product Management for XFINITY Mobile

Matt O’Donnell

Matt O’Donnell
Anchor, 6ABC

Check back often for updates and additions to this year’s line-up of speakers.


12:00
Changing Skyline, Changing City

Cecil Baker and Jerry Sweeney
moderated by Neil Shah


12:40
The View from Tech

Wil Reynolds and David Bookspan
moderated by Richard Vague


1:05
Philly and the Age of Activism

Shani Akilah, Abdul-Aliy Muhammad and Feminista Jones
moderated by Michael Coard


1:30
Corporate Culture: How Curiosity Creates Innovation

Michael Nolan


1:40
The State of Culture and Cool in 2017

Stephen Starr and Todd Carmichael
moderated by Tom McGrath


2:10
BREAK

2:30
Philly Politics: The Next Generation

Jordan Harris and Rebecca Rhynhart
moderated by Ali Perelman


2:55
Philly’s Creative Capital

James Ijames and Thom Collins
moderated by Nick Stuccio


3:15
Does Philly Need a Culture Change?

John Fry, Stephen Klasko and Bruce Katz


3:45
Women in Power: Where Philly Stands

Meryl Levitz, Sara Lomax-Reese and Jane Slusser


4:10
Philly (and America) in the Age of Trump

Jim Kenney and Josh Shapiro
moderated by Matt O’Donnell


4:50
Divided We Stand

Michael Smerconish



Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

University of Pennsylvania


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UnitedHealthcare Bank of America Verizon Clark Hill Holman Brandywine Comcast DiBruno Bros. Image Map

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@phillymagevents | #thinkfest | phillymag.com/events


For event sponsorship and advertising opportunities, please email Jessica Malone at jmalone@phillymag.com for rates, custom packages and more information.

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