Plan Your Visit

Getting To WABF33.

Everything you need for November 6โ€“7, 2026 at Jon Huntsman Hall, University of Pennsylvania: where to stay, how to get here, and answers to the questions we hear most.

VENUELODGINGTRANSPORTFAQ

01 ยท Venue

Conference Venue

Join us at Jon Huntsman Hall, the heart of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. This state-of-the-art facility will host key discussions and presentations during the New Venture Competition, creating an inspiring space for innovators and business leaders to come together.

Jon Huntsman Hall
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Phone: +1 (215) 569-8300

Gala Venue

To be announced soon.

Afterparty Venue

Mr. Ivy
459 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: +1 (267) 551-6613
Age: 21+

02 ยท Lodging

Where To Stay

We've secured discounted room blocks at two hotels near the venue for conference attendees.

Hotel Block Deadline
October 6, 2026

W Philadelphia

๐Ÿ“ 1439 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

ยท Phone: +1 (215) 709-8000 ยท Available dates: Nov 07โ€“09, 2026

W Philadelphia hotel
Deal

Element Philadelphia Downtown

๐Ÿ“ 1441 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

ยท Phone: +1 (215) 709-9000 ยท Available dates: Nov 07โ€“09, 2026

Element Philadelphia Downtown hotel

03 ยท Transport

TRAVEL

Philadelphia offers a variety of travel options to make your journey seamless. Whether you arrive by train, bus, or air, you'll find easy connections to the conference venue at Wharton.

Road
Air
Train
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Direct flights are available from most major cities. The airport is approximately 20 minutes from the Wharton campus.
Airport Train (SEPTA Airport Line)
From PHL, take the SEPTA Airport Line to 30th Street Station. Fare: $6.75 (one way).

04 ยท FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? We've got answers on everything from event logistics to travel and tickets.

When and Where Is WABF33?

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WABF33 takes place November 6โ€“7, 2026 at Jon M. Huntsman Hall, University of Pennsylvania. Tickets, the full schedule, and speaker lineup are on the Agenda and Speakers pages. For sponsorship, NVC applications, or anything else, reach out at wabf-info@wharton.upenn.edu.

Who can attend WABF?

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WABF is open to students, professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and anyone interested in Africa's business landscape and future. We welcome attendees from all backgrounds who are eager to engage in meaningful dialogue and connect with leaders shaping Africa's next chapter.

What is included with my Full Package ticket?

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Full Package Ticket: Includes access to the full WABF experience, including Friday programming, Saturday conference programming (keynotes, panels, fireside chats), Saturday lunch, the Gala, and the official After Party.

What is included with my Single Day ticket?

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Single-Day Tickets: Include access to all programming scheduled for the selected day (Friday or Saturday) only.

Is food included?

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Lunch on Saturday is included for attendees who purchase either a Full Package Ticket or a Saturday Single-Day Ticket.

Is the After Party included?

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Yes. Admission to the official After Party is included with the Full Package Ticket, Saturday Single-Day Ticket, and After Party Only Ticket.

What should I wear?

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For the conference, we recommend business professional attire or formal African attire. For the Friday evening Gala, attendees are encouraged to wear cocktail attire or elevated formal African attire.

What public transportation options are available for reaching 30th Street Station?

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Philadelphia offers various public transportation options, including SEPTA buses, trolleys, and regional rail services. Most notably, SEPTA's regional rail lines provide convenient access to 30th Street Station.

Is there parking available at or near 30th Street Station?

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Yes, there are parking facilities near 30th Street Station. The station itself has a parking garage, and there are also nearby lots and garages where you can park your vehicle.

Are there discounted rates available for conference attendees at nearby hotels?

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Some hotels near the Wharton School may offer discounted rates for conference attendees. To find out about any special rates, please check with the conference organizers or directly with the hotels.

How do I get to 30th Street Station from the Wharton School's campus?

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You can easily walk to 30th Street Station from the Wharton School's main campus. It's just a short, approximately 15-minute walk. Exit the campus and head east on Walnut Street toward 30th Street, and you'll find the station.

Where can I park near Huntsman Hall?

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Parking can be found in the garage located at the northeastern corner of 38th and Walnut Streets, across the street from Huntsman Hall.

Can I rent a car at the airport for transportation to the Wharton School?

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Yes, Philadelphia International Airport has several car rental agencies located on-site. Renting a car is a convenient option if you prefer to have your own vehicle for transportation.

What's the best route to the Wharton School from major highways in the area?

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The Wharton School is easily accessible from major highways. If you're coming from I-76, I-95, or I-676, follow signs to University City or Center City Philadelphia, which will lead you to the University of Pennsylvania's campus where the Wharton School is located.

Are there any direct flights to Philadelphia International Airport from major cities in the U.S?

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Philadelphia International Airport is a major airport with direct flights from many major cities in the United States. You can easily find direct flights to PHL from various locations, making it a convenient choice for air travel.

Which is the nearest airport to the Wharton School, and how do I get there from the airport?

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The nearest airport is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). You can reach the Wharton School from PHL by various transportation options, including taxis, rideshares, and SEPTA regional rail services.

Are there any visitor drop-off areas near the Wharton School?

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Yes, there are designated drop-off areas near the Wharton School's buildings. Look for "Loading Zones" or "Drop-off Zones" for easy access to campus facilities.

Can I access Amtrak services from 30th Street Station to travel to other cities?

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Absolutely. 30th Street Station is a major Amtrak transportation hub, offering intercity train services to various destinations in the United States. It's an excellent choice if you plan to travel to other cities by train.

Is it advisable to book my accommodation in advance, and what's the cancellation policy?

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It's generally a good idea to book your accommodation in advance, especially for popular conferences. The cancellation policy can vary by hotel, so it's essential to review the terms and conditions when making a reservation.

Is there an airport shuttle service available to and from the campus?

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While there isn't a specific airport shuttle service provided by the Wharton School, you can check with nearby hotels, as some offer shuttle services to and from PHL. Additionally, there are airport shuttle companies that serve the Philadelphia area.

How do I reach the Wharton School by car from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)?

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To get to the Wharton School from PHL, follow signs for I-95 North. Take I-95 North to the I-676 West exit, then merge onto I-676 West. Exit onto South St. toward Central Phila. and follow South St. to the University of Pennsylvania's campus.

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WABF33 ยท November 6โ€“7, 2026 ยท Huntsman Hall, Philadelphia

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