Black Meetings and Tourism

March / April 2022

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SAFETY OF VISITORS A PRIORITY FOR PHILADELPHIA TOURISM OFFICIALS BY DOSWELL INGRAM Philadelphia's historic importance is unmatched; as the birthplace of America and the city where freedom was founded, Philadelphia offers attendees an experi- ence they won't find anywhere else. While visitors can still find cobblestone streets and a place to eat pepper pot soup (famous for keeping George Washington and his troops alive during the winter of 1776), they can also take advantage of innovative educational insti- tutions and high-tech meeting facilities. The state-of-the-art Philadelphia Convention Center is located in the heart of the city boasting 679,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space (528,000 of them contigu- ous), 82 meeting rooms, a 31,512-sq. ft. ballroom, all of which is attached to the 1,408-room Philadelphia Marriott Down- town,. Add to this world-class shopping, nightlife, culture, dining and thousands of hotel rooms all within a few blocks, plan- ners will agree there is nothing missing in this modern metropolis. The facility received Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accredi- tation and the PCC's Deep Clean pro- gram addresses high traffic and touch areas, hand hygiene, team training, employee personal protective equipment, contactless entry, and housekeeping staff dedicated to increased sanitization efforts. So you and your delegates can be assured the all covid-19 health proto- cols are being observed. While in this vibrant city conference attendees must discover Philadelphia's colorful neighborhoods, learn about its rich history of innovation and delve into its spectacular sites and attractions. Endless adventure trails, riverfronts, bicycling and neighborhoods are woven through the city unlike anywhere in the U.S. The Philadelphia area has more than 42,000 hotel rooms, with more than 14,400+ in Center City and in walking dis- tance of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, including new and recently renovated proper- ties that are ready for the return of in- person meetings and events. New hotels, unexpected venues and outstanding service are key when creating mem- orable and effective events. Philadelphia has a variety of options to suit every size, need, taste and budget, including unmatched historic locations, iconic architectural structures, and spacious outdoor venues. The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) was one of the first CVBs in the U.S. to establish a division highlighting the destination as a diverse, equitable and inclusive location for meetings, events, conventions, and visitors. For more than 30 years, PHL Diversity has been connecting meeting planners to local diverse businesses and suppliers, and to community leaders who have shared values and goals and can help facilitate community engagement programs or serve as speakers and experts. As the nation's birthplace, Philadelphia has witnessed the evolution of Black History like few other cities. Be sure to block out time to visit the African American Museum, which collects and preserves art and artifacts and, through exhibitions and programs, interprets the history and stories of African-Americans and those of the African Diaspora. Philadelphia's central location, just ninety miles from New York City and 135 miles from Washington, D.C., makes it extremely easy to access by plane, train or car. Once you are here, Philadelphia offers everything you will find in a major metropolitan city, with the ease of a small town. Ranked the 4th most walkable city in the nation, visitors can easily explore multiple neighborhoods, attractions, and restaurants. Interested in booking your event into the Pennsylvania Convention Center? Be sure to con- tact the facility's Director of Sales & Mark-eting Stephanie Mays Boyd for assis- tance and sup- port in making that happen. Philadelphia I n t e r n a t i o n a l Airport serves more than 120 cities worldwide with 1,000 daily flights, includ- ing 100 international flights. B M & T ••• March/April 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 60 AREA GUIDES P H I L A D E P H I A • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Loews Philadelphia Hotel 580 Philadelphia Marriott Downtown 1,408 Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown 760 W Philadelphia 295 Element Philadelphia 460 Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia 332 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Pennsylvania Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 679,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 55,408 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 82 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Philadelphia CVB – (215) 636-3300 www.discoverphl.com African-American Chamber of Commerce – (215) 751-9501 Pennsylvania Convention Center Stephanie Mays Boyd Photo Credit:: Phialdelphia CVB

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