Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517455
B M & T ••• March/April 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 7 ABOUT VISIT TAMPA BAY The heart of Florida's Gulf Coast beats in Tampa Bay. Visit Tampa Bay encourages adventure with a relaxing vibe to create vacation experiences that are authentically Tampa Bay. As a not-for-profit corporation certified by Destinations International's Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), we work with hundreds of partners to tell the world the story of Tampa Bay. Treasure awaits. PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER AND ARAMARK SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING OF RENOVATED CONCESSION OFFERINGS The Pennsylvania Convention Center and Aramark Sports + Entertainment (Aramark, NYSE: ARMK) marked the completion of a major renovation project with the grand opening of six permanent concession stands and four new portable concession units. The renovations are designed to further enhance the overall customer and guest experience at the facility with diverse food offerings, enhanced flexibility, and greater convenience. The renovation project consisted of the design and construction of six new permanent concession stands located in Halls A through F. These stands are equipped with digital signage and digital menu boards that provide limitless opportunity to customize menus based on the show. From healthy food options to Philadelphia's iconic cheesesteaks to quick grab and go options, menus can be programmed based on what group is visiting the Center. In addition, Aramark has created four new portable con- cession units that will provide meeting planners with the flexibility to personalize the culinary options and loca- tions. "We are excited to offer our customers with enhanced food and beverage options that offer an incredible level of flexibility and personalization," said John J. McNichol, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. "These renovations are consistent with our commitment to constantly improve our operations and offerings so that we provide our customers and their attendees with the best possible experience." The flexibility of the stands also offers the ability to expand the portfolio of offerings going forward, as well as bring in local restaurants and food providers. Prior to the renovations, the locations were vacant spaces that lacked any permanent infrastructure. Previously, food and bev- erage service were provided by setting up portable activa- tion units that were setup for each specific event, which was both time and labor intensive. The new permanent stands are equipped with cooking, warming, refrigeration, and ventilation infrastructure that did not previously exist at the locations. "Aramark Sports + Entertainment recognizes that the food and beverage offerings play an important role in the customer experience and the overall success of an event," said Alison Birdwell, President and CEO of Aramark Sports + Entertainment. "The ultra-flexibility and diverse menu selections provided by these new permanent and portable concession stands will provide increased choice and customization that can be tailored based on a cus- tomer's vision and individual needs." Over the past four years, the Pennsylvania Convention Center has made $78.8 million in capital investments in the facility, including enhanced health and sanitization measures; an upgraded, next-generation wi-fi infrastruc- ture; improved air-handling units; and sustainable, ener- gy-efficient lighting. Currently, the Center is also working on a major renovation to under-utilized space that will provide meeting planners with a facility to host board meetings and executive level private meetings.