I'm not involved in the Philly Bike Expo, so I can not comment on the schedule of events or anything directly related to the event.
Being a big city, Philly has lots of options for accommodations, particularly for those who will be driving and/or who will have a car during their visit. Hotels/motels in either the westerns suburbs or South Jersey will likely be substantially cheaper & driving into town on the weekends is not very difficult.
For those coming into town for the event, DO plan on bringing a bike.
Weather-wise, the last weekend of October can be either great (clear fall air, low humidity, mid-70 temps, leaves changing colors) or awful (rain, low-50's).
If it's great, I would be happy to host an informal ride...either in the city or along some of my favorite South Jersey rural roads.
If the weather is awful, I'll meet any who are interested at local brew pub.
Please feel free to e-mail me off-list if you have questions about visiting or have interest in getting together for a ride/beer.
Jeff Holt
West Deptford, NJ