3UNION

In the year our country celebrates the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Red Crossers are gathering in the historic district of Philadelphia where culture and charm make it the perfect place to come together.

For the first time, ARCOA, ARCAN and ARCAN Affinity Group, the Disaster Reunion Group, will be meeting at the same time and place. Each group has its own agenda and meeting times. We will collaborate on events that bring Red Crossers together across lines of service: sharing stories, reuniting with colleagues and friends, making new connections, honoring those who served with the SAF Legacy recognition, remembering those who have passed away, and preserving our history.

ARCAN registration

ARCAN Members – $50

plus $40 per non-Red Cross guest

ARCAN Non Member - $75

includes a one-year membership with ARCAN

Deadline for registration is August 24, 2026

3UNION Registration fee includes:

Welcome reception with appetizers/snacks and self-pay bar

Saturday ARCAN lunch and tour at American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania facility
Access to select ARCOA events

Negotiated special hotel and parking rate at Wyndham Historic District

Daily breakfast voucher for Wyndham guests

Shared attendee list for connecting with friends

If you are interested in attending the ARCOA banquet on Saturday night, you can make your reservation with your general registration. The cost is $67 per person and includes tax and gratuity. There will be a cash bar, and guests may select one of three entrée options:

9th Street Chicken with pesto-encrusted chicken breast and white wine cream sauce
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with artisan apple cider demi-glaze
Roasted Vegetable Pasta with basil pesto and creamy Boursin cheese

Registration and payment for both the conference and the banquet can be made by clicking the REGISTER bar. See information and links below for hotel reservations with the 3UNION rate, travel recommendations and more help making the best of your visit!

“The ARCOA banquet is a highlight. It's a wonderful opportunity to network over a lovely dinner with an inspiring speaker and celebrate those who have made significant contributions to the mission over the past many months.”

- Sue Richter

“I'm looking forward to Saturday when the local Red Cross will host ARCAN. It's the largest Red Cross facility in the country! We'll have lunch, tour their chapter and biomedical center, and see the special museum-like 'Wall of History.' I'm also hoping to catch a Phillies game!"

- Becky McCorry

“Our hotel sits right in the heart of the Historic District — we're a short walk from the Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, the Liberty Bell, and a dozen other landmarks. If you can get there a day or two early and just walk around, do it."

- Al Panico

Working agenda and official events

ARCAN is working to finalize agenda details and activities with a focus of bringing people together to catch up with and enjoy one another. Our group will join ARCOA for some events and is welcome to attend many of their planned activities. Watch for updates as we confirm the plans!

FRIDAY, 9/25

Welcome!

11 am - 9 pm

ARCAN Check-in

Afternoon

ARCOA storytelling (ARCAN welcome to join) - Wyndham conference room

Evening

5-7 pm – Wyndham Lounge

ARCAN Welcome gathering - Enjoy Time Reconnecting

Dinner

Enjoy one of Philadelphia's great restaurants with friends. See ideas in Where to eat below.

SATURDAY, 9/26

Morning

Breakfast (voucher included in hotel rate)

ARCAN - Free until Lunch. See ideas in Things to see and do below.

ARCOA - Revolutionary War Museum tour - (ARCAN groups welcome to arrange to go)

Afternoon

12 pm – American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania - Transportation TBD

Lunch and Welcome New ARCAN affinity group

1-4 pm

Tour of Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross facility - largest in the U.S. at 245k sq feet
Tour of Northeast Philadelphia Blood Donation Center
Wall of History - Red Cross local, national and international
Updates from lines of service

Evening

6 pm - ARCOA Banquet - Wyndham Conference Room - for Registered ARCAN and ARCOA guests

or Dinner and evening on your own - See recommendations in Where to eat below.

SUNDAY, 9/27

Breakfast (voucher included in hotel rate)

Take time to enjoy friends and Philly

Safe travels. We're so glad you came!!!

PRINTABLE AGENDA

Travel

Hotel

Arriving by air: Philadelphia is served by Philadelphia International Airport (PHL Philadelphia International Airport | PHL.org). and Amtrak.

The hotel is 12 miles from the airport if you plan to rent a car.

The hotel does not provide shuttle service.

From the airport to the hotel, there is a flat-rate fare for one (1) passenger of $32.00 one-way. For more information, see Taxis, Limousines and Shuttle Services | PHL.org.

Arriving by train: Amtrak’s 30^th Street Station is 1.75 miles from the hotel, a short taxi/Uber/Lyft ride. If you are in or near the I-95 corridor, consider taking Amtrak (Train Tickets, Schedules & Routes | Amtrak) for comfort, cost, and convenience.

Arriving by car and parking: The hotel offers 363 parking spaces with in and out privileges in a six-story parking garage attached to and with direct access to the hotel for $20 per day plus tax.

Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District Hotel

400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

The hotel is located in the center of the city and is convenient to Amtrak’s 30th Street Station and public transportation and is comfortable walking distance to the historic area, restaurants, shopping, and museums.

BOOK WITH ARCAN GROUP RATE

Or call reservations at 877-999-3223 and Identify yourself as a member of the group 2026 ARCAN Annual Meeting.

Room rates: Including current taxes and fees are $197 single occupancy, $208 double occupancy, $220 triple occupancy, and $232 quad occupancy. Rates include breakfast vouchers. Cancellations: 48 hours prior to arrival.

Reservation Deadline: August 24, 2026, 11:59 PM ET. Any reservations made after that date are subject to hotel availability and may not receive the ARCAN rate.

Philadelphia Phillies Tickets - Friday, Saturday or Sunday

Where to eat

Getting around the city

OLD CITY RESTAURANTS AND CAFES

Print the Full List with addresses

Old City Coffee

Campos Cheesesteaks

The Angelo Pizza

Evergreen Deli

Red Owl Tavern

Tu Rinconcito (Mexican)

Tomo Sushi and Ramen

La Scala's Fire

Buddakan (Asian Fusion)

Malooga (Yemen)

Moshulu Steak and Seafood

There is so much to see and do around Philly. It’s known as a walking city and is also one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country.

Bikes: Indego, is an easy-to-use bike share program that maintains hundreds of self-serve stations across the city.

Philadelphia PHLASH Bus: It’s easy with stops in Philadelphia including stops near Penn’s Landing, the Barnes Foundation, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary, The Franklin Institute, the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Reading Terminal Market, and the Museum of the American Revolution. It’s inexpensive at only $2 per person per ride, $5 for a one-day pass and $12 for a family pass. A two-day pass is also available. Children 4 and under and seniors are FREE.

Sightseeing Tours: For several days of sightseeing, consider a Go City multipass. It offers reduced rates at venues.

Things to see and do

MUSEUMS, EVENTS AND SITES

Print the full list with detailed info

Reading Terminal Market is a historic, indoor public market known for its vast selection of local produce, specialty foods, and diverse eateries, featuring over 80 merchants, including Pennsylvania Dutch vendors, fresh seafood, baked goods, and iconic Philly cheesesteaks. It's a major tourist destination and a local favorite, offering everything from artisanal crafts and gifts to prepared meals, all within a bustling, historic setting. Tour is $25 per person; 45 minutes in duration.

Historic

We will be there during our nation’s 250^th anniversary celebration. This site shares Top Picks for Things to Do in Philadelphia and includes a section specific to the 250^th. Many historical sights are within walking distance of the hotel. Consider a stop at the Independence Visitors Center Philadelphia Visitor Center | Plan Your Trip to Philly, just .2 miles from our hotel.

If you want to be immersed in the living history of a 250-year pursuit toward a more perfect union, see the Declaration’s Journey at the Museum of the American Revolution (ARCOA gets a special rate) and the opening of two brand-new galleries at the National Constitution Center.

Be sure to ask about senior rates!

Excursions beyond the city

The Brandywine Museum of Art is a museum of regional and American art located on U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania on the banks of the Brandywine Creek. The museum showcases the work of Andrew Wyeth, a major American realist painter, his father, N.C Wyeth and son Jamie Wyeth.

Longwood Gardens is recognized as the best and most extensive botanical garden in the US. Longwood features formal gardens both inside the conservatory and outside, natural meadows with native plants, spectacular Bonsai, waterlily, and orchid collections, idea gardens for those contemplating their own interesting gardens and spectacular orchestrated water fountain displays.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is located on the Henry Francis duPont estate in the Brandywine Valley in Delaware about 36 miles from Philadelphia. The museum is known for its collections of decorative and fine arts displayed in the mansion. There are 25 miles (not a typo!) of lush gardens and walking trails to explore, which visitors may do on foot or on a narrated tram ride.

You should plan a full day if you wish to visit multiple sites. Venues have convenient hours and places to dine. Contact the venues for group rates and rent a car or van to share expenses.

BECOME A MEMBER

ARCAN is independent from the American Red Cross but it is our Red Cross experiences that connect us. Our vision is to unite around the ideals, the humanitarian mission and all the other things we value most about being a part of the Red Cross: the service, the global perspective, the learning and most of all, the people. Membership is open to former and current American Red Cross employees and volunteers.

Join Renew

NAVIGATE

CONTACT

info@redcrossalumni.org

202-303-8779

PO Box 21004

Washington, DC 20009