IBM unveils free app for Papal activities

As Philadelphia prepares to host the 2015 World Meeting of Families and the Papal visit, the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 and IBM announced on Wednesday, July 22, that a new mobile app – "Go Philadelphia!" – will help hundreds of thousands of visitors and residents navigate the city.

The app will provide information about the region's cultural institutions and family-friendly events taking place between Sept. 18 and Sept. 29 to accommodate visitors who will arrive early or stay after the Papal visit, an archdiocesan press release said.

With more than 20 categories clustered for easy retrieval, the "Go Philadelphia!" app curates and displays events and attractions on an interactive online map. Visitors have instant access and detailed information about institutions, exhibits, events and attractions, translation services, frequently asked questions, schedules, maps, and more.

The free app will also give users access to real-time translation and captioning services in eight languages during portions of the Papal Mass being held on Sunday, Sept. 27. The app can be downloaded for Android devices and Apple devices.

"Smartphones have transformed the way we live our lives, especially when attending major events," Donna Crilley Farrell, executive director, World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015, said in the release. "We are grateful to have IBM, a global leader in technology, as a valued and talented partner in creating the superb Go Philadelphia!' mobile app. We are also deeply grateful for the great work of Meryl Levitz, Sharon Pinkenson, and the Go Philadelphia!' Committee for encouraging our wonderful cultural, historic and family-friendly institutions to upload their information into this special app."

The 2015 World Meeting of Families Congress will take place from Sept. 22 to Sept. 25. More than one million people are expected for a Papal Mass during the visit of Pope Francis on Sept. 27. Beyond the September 2015 events, IBM will give the "Go Philadelphia!" app to the City of Philadelphia for use during other high-profile events, including the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

"This free, user-friendly app serves as a one-stop shop for visitors and Philadelphia residents," said Diane Melley, an IBM vice president. “The app will live on past September, benefiting the City of Brotherly Love for years to come."

Noting the app's long-term importance for tourism, Meryl Levitz, president and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA, said, "The World Meeting of Families and the Papal visit will be a defining moment that shines a spotlight on our city to the world. With our captivating art, inspiring culture, and intriguing history, Philadelphia is ready for its close up."

Co-sponsored by the Holy See's Pontifical Council for the Family and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the World Meeting of Families is a triennial global event that is being held in the United States for the first time. For more information, visit www.WorldMeeting2015.org or http://www.familiam.org/famiglia_eng/00002554_HOME_ENG.html.

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