YO! What city is home to the oldest law firm in the U.S.? Where were ice cream, licorice and bubble gum invented? Where was the first U.S. law library? What city held the first Thanksgiving Day parade? In what city was the first subscription library opened? Where was the first ballroom and dancing academy located in the U.S.? What city is host to the 2000 AALL Annual Meeting? The answer? PHILADELPHIA! Otherwise known as Philly!

AALL President Margie Axtmann and Annual Meeting Program Selection Committee Chair Anne Matthewman have chosen a theme, Gateways to Leadership, guaranteed to provide the basis for thought-provoking and informative educational programs.

And the Annual Meeting Local Advisory Committee has planned local events for you and your guests guaranteed to help you discover the charm and hidden treasures of Philadelphia and the region. We've planned excursions sure to entice and to provide a convenient way to visit regional sites.

It's all here…Gustatorial Philly, Family Philly, Cultural Philly, Shopping Philly.

Gustatorial Philly: Starting with the Opening Reception, Philadelphia cuisine awaits your palate. The Opening Reception, generously sponsored by Lexis Publishing, will provide a taste of Philadelphia and a glimpse into its diverse background as you sample the cuisine of the city's ethnic neighborhoods, and tap your toes to the world-famous Philadelphia Mummers. A wonderful way to begin your stay in Philly!

If this only whets your appetite, dining opportunities await you at every turn in the city. World-class restaurants, cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, Chinatown, Italian food of South Philly… Philly offers gustatorial splendor in all price ranges.

Cultural Philly: Whether it's art, dance, theater, music, or clubbing, Philly offers a variety of cultural experiences. From the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the galleries of Olde City; from the masters to the rising stars of the art world... you'll find it in Philly. From Fabian to Mario Lanza to Boyz II Men to the Philadelphia Orchestra… Philadelphia's musical history is rich in styles and performers. Experience the sounds of Philly at the Association Luncheon.

Philly is also home to many libraries. Be sure to leave time to sample the Library Tours which will include academic, law firm, corporate, public and private libraries.

Family Philly: Bring the family! Philly is a family-friendly city, with many sites within walking distance of the Convention Center, and public transportation that makes it a city easy to travel. The nearby historical area brings the country's history to life at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Carpenter Hall, and the Betsy Ross house. Or take the kids to the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia's premiere interactive science museum; the Academy of Natural Science, with its dinosaur skeletons, or the country's first zoo.

A special Guests and Kids Tour on Tuesday lets you attend your meetings and programs while your family heads to Great Adventure and Safari park for a day of fun and memories.

Shopping Philly: Whether it's designer boutiques or the funky and unusual, Philly has it. Department stores, malls, specialty shops, bookstores… a surprise on every street. And best of all… NO SALES TAX ON CLOTHING!

Check out the Local Advisory Committee's web page at http://www.aallnet.org/events/local00/. You'll find links to local and regional sites and activities, information about the city, favorites of the locals, and other valuable information.

We're getting the city ready, and we look forward to hosting you in Philly at the 2000 AALL Annual Meeting!

Merle J. Slyhoff
University of Pennsylvania
Chair, AALL 2000 Local Advisory Committee Chair