Melissa Callum Joins the PHLCVB as Executive Director of PHL Life Sciences

Melissa Callum Joins the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau as Executive Director of PHL Life Sciences

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) is thrilled to welcome Melissa Callum as executive director of PHL Life Sciences, a business division of the PHLCVB. Callum takes the helm with more than a decade of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, industry engagement, and critically, a strong background in the life sciences sector. As life sciences meetings and conventions make up on average more than 45% of business booked by the PHLCVB annually, Callum will play an integral leadership role in the promotion of Philadelphia as a life sciences business destination. And for those meetings and conventions booked by the PHLCVB, Callum will connect meeting organizers directly with Philadelphia’s medical and life sciences community.

“Melissa is the kind of strategic, forward-thinking, and collaborative leader needed for this role, given the size and scope of our current life sciences business,” said Maria Grasso, PHLCVB chief sales officer. “Philadelphia is a global leader in cell and gene therapy and is home to some of the world’s premier academic medical centers, research institutes, and universities. There is incredible opportunity to bring even more national and international life sciences meetings and conventions to Philadelphia, and Melissa’s experience in building industry relationships and creating growth opportunities will be a pivotal for PHL Life Sciences in the years to come.”

Prior to joining the PHLCVB, Callum spent more than a decade with Life Sciences Pennsylvania, where she most recently served as vice president of strategic initiatives. Throughout her tenure, she held several leadership positions, helping develop new programs, build industry partnerships, oversee major events, and create opportunities for organizational growth. Her experience includes collaborating with executive leaders, academic institutions, corporate partners, and industry associations to strengthen relationships and advance initiatives within the life sciences community.

“I’m eager to build new relationships, explore opportunities for growth and help showcase what sets Philadelphia apart as a leading life sciences destination in the United States,” said Callum. “I’m especially looking forward to working at the intersection of life sciences, business development, and hospitality to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities for the region.”

Callum joins the PHLCVB team following the retirement of longtime executive director, Bonnie Grant, who led PHL Life Sciences for nearly two decades. She also brings a strong foundation in event management, having previously worked with Albrecht Events and served in leadership roles with the International Live Events Association (ILEA) Greater Philadelphia Chapter, including as chapter president. Callum holds a bachelor’s degree in communications studies and organizational studies from Bloomsburg University and has completed Temple University’s Event Leadership Executive Certification Program.

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About the PHLCVB:

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of international leisure visitors who come to the region each year. To learn more, visit www.discoverPHL.com. For high-resolution photo and video, story starters, press trip information and more, visit discoverPHL.com/press-room.