My name is Sarah Turner, and I’m a 3rd year PhD candidate at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. I’m so excited that so many of you will be joining us here in the City of Brotherly Love for AOM this year!
Philadelphia is such a fun city to visit, and this year especially feels exciting because the city is preparing for the semiquincentennial of the United States. Since Philly is considered the birthplace of the nation, there’s a huge focus on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and you can really feel the history and energy throughout the city.
One of my favorite things about Philly is that it has a little bit of everything. History, culture, food, beautiful views, sports energy, art, and of course fictional boxers that somehow perfectly represent the grit and hustle of the city.
There are so many places worth exploring while you’re here, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Liberty Bell, National Constitution Center, Independence Hall, and so much more.
And yes, we absolutely have cheesesteaks. But Philly’s food scene goes way beyond that. One of the must-visit spots is Reading Terminal Market, which is a historic former railroad terminal that’s now 133 years old and packed with incredible food options. Along with the well-known Michelin-star restaurants, there are tons of hidden gems around the city too. My PhD cohort mate Suri Lee even put together a list of 250 restaurants to check out while you’re visiting!
In these photos, you’ll see a few classic Philly stops including Philadelphia City Hall, LOVE Park, the famous Rocky Statue, and of course our Pennsylvania Convention Center.
I’ll be back soon with more photos, recommendations, and Philly tips for AOM visitors. Can’t wait to welcome everyone to the city!
What does the AOM Annual Meeting mean to you?
I attended my first AOM conference in Chicago in 2024 and was so excited to return in 2025 for the meeting in Copenhagen. One of the things I enjoy most about the AOM conference is that there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to learn about the latest research, get feedback on your own work, or expand your network, you can walk away with a fresh perspective and new connections.
While I always enjoy attending the sessions, some of my favorite experiences have also come from getting involved beyond them. In 2024, I participated in the New Doctoral Student Consortium, where I received advice on navigating the PhD journey and building a strong foundation as a doctoral student.
In 2025, I attended both the “For the Love of Leadership Doctoral Student Consortium”, which exposed me to emerging topics in leadership research and provided opportunities to connect with leadership scholars and fellow doctoral students, and the “Qualitative Alchemy Professional Development Workshop”, where I received feedback on a qualitative project in a small-group setting. I also had the opportunity to serve as a facilitator for the Professional Development Workshop, Expanding DEI Horizons: Broader Approaches to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Management Research.
Beyond the formal events, what keeps me coming back to AOM is the people. Some of the most memorable conversations I’ve had happened while walking between sessions, grabbing coffee, exploring the city, or meeting up with colleagues at a social event. It is one of the few places where you can meet scholars whose work you’ve been reading, connect with peers who share similar experiences, and leave with new ideas and collaborators.
Each year I have walked away feeling inspired and motivated. If you’re an extrovert like me, you may also walk away without a voice.
