A grand entrance

First and foremost: Condolences to all you Phillies fans. There’s always next year, right?

And since we’re on the topic of great, longtime American traditions, let me be the first to welcome you to the 137th APHA Annual Meeting. It’s the third Philadelphia meeting for this blogger, so walking through the doors of the Pennsylvania Convention Center felt like slipping on an old glove (though I’d almost rather be slipping on new gloves at the Lord & Taylor down the street. Did I say that?)

So what’s where in this giant convention center? Let’s start with a topic everyone cares about: food. There are a handful of places to grab a bite and a drink inside the convention center, such as the Overlook Café & Bar on the third level and the EcoGrounds coffee shop on the second level. Of course, there’s the enormous and historic Reading Terminal Market right across the street from the convention center, filled with every kind of yumminess you could imagine. (Check back later for a posting on the market’s aromatic attractions.)

If you’re looking for a place to take that lunch break, rest those weary feet or simply do a little public health people watching, grab a seat in the Mix & Mingle Lounge on the second level. There’s Wi-Fi in the lounge too. Adjacent to the Mix & Mingle Lounge is the Activity Posting Center, where you can view or post updates on scientific sessions and social events.

And if you’re feeling a little lost, look for the clearly marked information booths in the convention center’s Grand Hall (which is way cool looking), outside room 309 on the third floor of the Marriott Hotel, which is attached to the convention center, or outside Commonwealth Hall in the Loews Hotel, which is across from the convention center on Market Street.

Also, don’t forget to use the many recycling bins placed eco-strategically around the convention center. Let’s leave Philly as we phound it.

— K.K.

Above: The Grand Hall of the Pennsylvania Convention Center