As doubt sets in about whether Philadelphia remains in the running for Amazon’s HQ2 after it didn’t get a second-round visit, details have emerged from the city’s secret pitch dinner in February, writes Fabiola Cineas for Philadelphia magazine.

Philadelphia originally submitted its bid for Amazon’s HQ2 in October 2017, and it made the short list of 20 finalists in January.

Now, with reports of Amazon making second visits to a handful of finalists, the question is whether Philadelphia is still in the running. According to Wilco Electronic Systems executive vice president Brigitte Daniel, there has been no contact since February.

Seven Amazon representatives were welcomed by a group of eight local executives at a restaurant on Feb. 26. Fifteen other guests from Philadelphia were also invited.

Among the special guests were Vanguard chairman William McNabb, First Round Capital partner Josh Kopelman, University of Pennsylvania president Amy Gutmann, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia CEO Madeline Bell.

During the dinner, they emphasized Philadelphia’s strengths, including its central position in the Northeast Corridor, available talent, and affordability.

Read more about the secret pitch dinner in Philadelphia magazine by clicking here.

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