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B M & T ••• November/December 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 26 PENNSYLVANIA The Commonwealth and American history go hand-in- hand. From the country's founding to the Civil War and beyond Pennsylvania has much to offer the tourist. No visit here would be complete without a stop at Gettysburg, the signature battle of the Civil War. The fierce battle that cost over 50,000 Americans their lives is one of the best-preserved and most visited battlefields in the world. Over in Pittsburg visit the John C. Peck Oyster House, a former Underground Railroad stop For a look back in time visit the Pennsylvania Dutch Country and visit an Amish Farm. There are several tours in the greater Lancaster area to choose from. And for you honeymooners or outdoor enthusiasts take a trip to the Poconos in northeastern Pennsylvania. From gambling to skiing, the Poconos is Pennsylvania's top tourist destination. PHILADELPHIA It's safe to say that Philadelphia is one of the most sought-after meeting destinations in the world. This thriving metropolis is known as a city of firsts, boasting not only the first hospital and library but also many of the first contribu- tions to African American history in the U.S. For event planners and visitors, this rich cultural backdrop makes Philadelphia the perfect desti- nation for any gathering. With its centrally located state-of-the-art Pennsylvania Convention Center, convention attendees can conveniently explore famed land- marks like Independence Hall, located on the most historic square mile in the country, just a short walk from the facility. Visitors will walk the same streets as influential African-American leaders Richard Allen, Absalom Jones and Robert Purvis did more than 100 years ago and come face-to-face with historic attractions such as Mother Bethel, the first AME church in the United States and The President's House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation, an outdoor attraction commemorating the nine enslaved Africans that worked for George Washington on the site of the first White House. When you hold a meeting, convention or trade show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, you are not just investing in a building or floor space, you are investing in an experience. With over 1 million sq. ft. of sellable space and 82 meeting rooms, the Pennsylvania Convention Center combines historic preservation and architectural innovation with state-of-the-art tech- nology, making it one of the most adaptable, high-tech convention centers in the nation. With more than 12,500 hotels rooms in City Center (including more than 9,000 within a 15-minute walk of the Pennsylvania Convention Center), you are sure to find the perfect spot for your group. Choose from the quirky and boutique to budget- friendly or big-name brands. Whatever your needs, Philadelphia is there for the making. Philadelphia is also full of cultural masterpieces, from world-class museums to outdoor art galleries, there is so much to dis- cover including the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), the first institution built by a major United States city to house and interpret the life and work of African-Americans. Museum Mile begins near the western entrance of the Convention Center providing access to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum and The Barnes Foundation (housing one of the largest collections of Impressionist, post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings plus an impressive collection of African sculptures). Philadelphia's thriving culinary scene, which draws from many diverse influences, is one of the destination's most highly- rated qualities. The city is known for its cheesesteaks, but at the Reading Terminal Market, located across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, visitors can find an unparalleled variety of international and local cuisine, including Pennsylvania Dutch specialties and authentic soul food. Planning a meeting, convention or family reunion in Philadelphia is a breeze with the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), and its business development division PHLDiversity dedicated to helping event planners increase atten- dance and grow sponsorship opportunities. Pioneered as the first multicultural arm of an American CVB in 1987, PHLDiversity leads the industry in courting and executing diversity-driven meetings and gatherings. Assisting with site selec- tion, programming and speakers, media outreach, customized microsites and more, event planners are often astounded by the breadth of support they receive in Philadelphia. Getting to Philadelphia is just as easy as getting around in the city. A sophisticated regional rail and subway network links the Philadelphia International Airport - with 30 airlines and nearly 550 daily departures to 126 cities, including 39 international destinations - to Amtrak's 30th Street Station, the Convention Center and downtown Philadelphia. Blending historic appeal with modern amenities, Philadelphia's walkable streets are here to be explored! To start planning your free time activities, visit www.PHLDiversity.com. Pennsylvania Convention Center