As the USG Special Events director for the 2008 session of UPMUNC, my job is to make sure you all have one heck of a time. The conference is amazing, partly because I am a USG, but there are also a lot of things to do in the city as well. I have made a simple list of the couple things that really make Philadelphia, and UPMUNC unique.

Probably the most accessible place for delegates is Rittenhouse Square. Rittenhouse Square, during the 19th century, was originally a game-field popularized for its mallard ducks. The "square," no pun intended, and its surrounding houses, restaurants and shops have evolved into one of Philadelphia's coolest neighborhoods. Shops include H&M, Burberry, Express, etc. Rittenhouse Square is located between 18th and 19th streets at the Walnut and Locust intersection.

Very close to Rittenhouse Square are the shops at Liberty Place. The Shops at Liberty Place are upscale specialty shops, such as Godiva Chocolatier, Caviar Assouline and Crabtree & Evelyn, in a fancy two-story Center City building. There is also a food court located in the center of the building. Open Monday-Saturday 9:30 am-7 pm, and Sunday noon-6 pm. The shops at Liberty Place are located on Chestnut Street between 16th and 17th streets.

While you can shop till you drop, Philadelphia is also known for its historical side. City Hall was built at the geographical heart of Philadelphia; this building was nothing short of a masterpiece when it was completed in 1901. From the six-story spiral staircases and the big old chandeliers that light up the floors, it remains the largest city hall in the country, with close to 700 rooms. The exterior is also covered with a plethora of sculptures, including the monumental statue of William Penn that stands on top. An elevator carries tourists to the top of the tower every 15 minutes Monday-Friday 9:30 am-4:15 pm. Tours of the interior are available Monday-Friday at 12:30 pm. Tours are free, but donations are accepted. City Hall is located on Broad and Market streets.

City Hall is beautiful, but what could be more fun than seeing the United States Constitution, the very paper that protects every American citizen. At the National Constitution Center, start your trip in the circular theater to see Freedom Rising- a show that summarizes US history and is played every 15 minutes. Afterwards, head over to the exhibit hall where you can step into voting booths to vote for your favorite American president, take the Presidential Oath of Office, try on a Supreme Court robe (my favorite), and see, but not touch, a pair of Franklin D. Roosevelt's leg braces. Open Monday-Friday 9:30 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm. The National Constitution Center is located between 5th and 6th streets.

Finally, if you just want to chill, and simply have for some fun, then go to my favorite place, South Street. South Street is an east-west street in Center City Philadelphia. The stretch of South Street between Front Street and Seventh Street is known for its "bohemian" atmosphere and has a wide variety of shops and places to eat of many different styles. The street is comparable to a large outdoor mall, with an occasional bar and club providing live music. It is one of Philadelphia's largest tourist attractions.

So those were five of the greatest attractions in Philadelphia. Obviously there are more if you dare to venture out, but I highly doubt you want to miss the fun at UPMUNC, especially at our DelegateFest! If you have any questions about other things in Philadelphia before or during conference, please don't hesitate to contact me. I look forward to seeing you all at UPMUNC XLII!