The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce ushered in its annual International Business and Leadership Conference with a welcome reception at Reading Terminal Market hosted by the Independence Business Alliance.
More than 1,000 guests from around the world filled one of the city’s most popular landmarks Tuesday night to wrap up the first day of NGLCC’s four-day conference. The reception was hosted by the NGLCC’s Philadelphia Chamber, the Independence Business Alliance.
Guests explored the city’s oldest public market, housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building, grabbing complimentary drinks and food samples catered by some of the Terminal’s merchant stands such as Hershel’s East Side Deli, Molly Malloy’s and Dinic’s Pork and Beef. Attendees introduced themselves to fellow conference guests or greeted friends they may not have seen since the last conference. The reception’s presenting sponsor was TD Bank. Trung Tieu, associate manager of supplier diversity at PepsiCo, has attended 10 NGLCC conferences and said he was excited to see familiar faces and learn new things.
“The conference does a great job with keeping things fresh every year,” Tieu said.
Connie Stacey, founder of the Canadian-based eco-friendly company Growing Greener Innovations, asked local attendees for recommendations on where to get the best Philly cheesesteak.
“Whenever I travel to a new place, I like to ask the locals where to find its best staple food. It’s a great way to break the ice,” she said. Stacey ended up at Max’s Steaks.
The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, a jazz ensemble, provided entertainment, and brief welcoming remarks rounded out the evening.