GPLEX 2026
We’re thrilled to share that GPLEX 2026 will bring us back home to Philadelphia!
Save the date! Taking place October 14th–17th, 2026, this year’s GPLEX will build on the powerful conversations sparked in Chicago - turning our focus inward to explore Greater Philadelphia’s own stories, strengths, and opportunities for collaboration across lines of difference.
Apply for GPLEX 2026 Now!
GPLEX 2026 Day-by-Day
Draft Schedule
*subject to adjustment*
Wednesday, October 14th
| LOCATION: THE CREFELD SCHOOL (8836 Crefeld St, Philadelphia, PA 19118) | |
|---|---|
| 4:30 PM | Transition into GPLEX 2026 with an optional 2 mile guided Wissahickon Trail walk led by the team at the Crefeld School |
| 5:30 PM | Registration opens |
| 6:00 PM | Welcome Reception at the Crefeld School (dinner and drinks) |
Thursday, October 15th
| LOCATION: GIRARD COLLEGE FOUNDER'S HALL (2101 S College Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121) | |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Registration and Breakfast |
| 8:30 AM | Welcome Remarks |
| 9:15 AM | Keynote Presentation: No Lines, No Limits: A New Vision for Regional Partnership |
| 10:15 AM | Workshops: deep structured dialogues with your colleagues to help process the GPLEX experience |
| 11:55 AM | Lunch (Girard College Museum open for exploration) |
| 12:30 PM | Panel Conversation: Scaling Cellicon Valley & Beyond: How Philadelphia’s Entrepreneurship Engine Powers High-Growth Startups |
| 2:00 PM | Regional Explorations: get out into the field to experience some of our region's most innovative and impactful collaborations. |
| 5:30 PM | Dinearounds: break bread with your colleagues at our region's best restaurants |
Friday, October 16th
| LOCATION: GIRARD COLLEGE FOUNDER'S HALL (2101 S College Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121) | |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Literary Salon: Take a deep dive into our region's history with Professors Howard Gillette & Carolyn Adams, editors of The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia |
| 9:00 AM | Breakfast and networking |
| 9:45 AM | Panel Conversation: The Opportunity Gap: Growth, Mobility, and the Future of Our Region |
| 10:45 AM | Workshops: deep structured dialogues with your colleagues to help process the GPLEX experience |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch and networking (Girard College walking tours available) |
| 2:00 PM | Regional Explorations: get out into the field to experience some of our region's most innovative and impactful collaborations |
| 6:00 PM | Closing Reception at Ministry of Awe (27 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106) |
| 9:00 PM | After-party TBD |
Saturday, October 17th
| LOCATION: COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA WINNET STUDENT LIFE BUILDING (1700 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19130) | |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:45 AM | Panel Conversation: Staying Power: How Do We Retain Talent in Greater Philadelphia? |
| 10:00 AM | Breakout Conversations:
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| 11:00 AM | Closing Remarks |
| 11:30 AM | OPTIONAL (for GPLEX Forward registrants): GPLEX Forward brainstorm (powered by FIFTEEN X-Change) |
GPLEX 2026 Co-Chairs
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Revisit GPLEX 2025!
Remember the power of GPLEX 2025 Chicago and watch the Keynote Discussion between WURD's Sara Lomax-Reese and former Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot!
