By: Stacy M. Brown, NNPA

For 124 years, Jehovah’s Witnesses have had a history of large conventions in Philadelphia. This year, 3,300 delegates from 28 countries will join local residents for a large three-day event with the theme “Declare the Good News!” to be held Aug. 2–4, 2024.

Beginning with 400 attendees at St. George’s Hall in 1900, the Christian organization has hosted hundreds of thousands of attendees at various convention venues in Philadelphia, including Connie Mack Stadium, Veterans Stadium, and The Liacouras Center at Temple University.

“Generations of Philadelphians have benefited from these conventions,” said Perry Allen, regional spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “The City of Brotherly Love will long be remembered by Jehovah’s Witnesses for hosting these programs of Bible-based instruction and for being the site where we have forged lasting friendships. This year, thousands of local Jehovah’s Witnesses are inviting our neighbors to the convention and welcoming international delegates too.”

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New Jersey resident Calvin Miller recalled the lasting impact the 1971 convention had on his family.

“We hosted a family from York, Pennsylvania, in our home,” he said. “Even though we didn’t know them when the convention started, we became lifelong friends. I’m thrilled that my children and grandchildren get the chance to benefit from attending and extending hospitality to visitors once again in Philadelphia.”

As one of the largest convention organizations in the world, Jehovah’s Witnesses welcomed nearly 13 million to 6,000 conventions worldwide in 2023. In a world where bad news endlessly streams on social media, TV and radio, the free event will provide a program of comfort and encouragement. In Philadelphia, the program is expected to draw up to 20,000 attendees, fueling the city’s economy with local spending at stores, hotels and restaurants.

The “Declare the Good News!” convention will present Bible-based videos, discourses and interviews on topics such as:

  • Why Do We Need Good News?
  • Use Good News to Defeat Bad News
  • Why We Don’t Fear Bad News

Saturday features a baptism of candidates from surrounding communities, while a two-part video feature will captivate the audience on Friday and Saturday mornings. Prior to the convention, local congregations are engaging in a campaign to invite community members to this free event.

To learn more about this free convention or to find the location of other conventions near you, please visit jw.org > About Us > Conventions.

Calendar or event listing submission

What: “Declare the Good News!” 2024 convention series presented by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

When: Aug. 2–4, 2024

Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 South Broad St., Philadelphia. Parking is free.

Who: All in the community are invited to attend.

Details: The event is free to attend.

  • Friday from 9:20 a.m. to 4:55 p.m.
  • Saturday from 9:20 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Sunday from 9:40 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

Each day has a one-hour and 20-minute lunch break. Bible-based talks, interviews and video presentations will be featured. Topics include:

  • Why Do We Need Good News?
  • Use Good News to Defeat Bad News
  • Why We Don’t Fear Bad News

More information: For more information, please visit jw.org > About Us > Conventions.