Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1533069
COME MEET IN THE QUAKER STATE; EXPLORE THE MANY REGIONS THIS DESTINATION HAS TO OFFER YOUR EVENT B Y C L E T U S R A M S E Y Forty five thousand square miles of adventure right in the heart of the Mid- Atlantic. It's a lot to take in, that's why each region has its own unique name and designation. From Great Lakes to great breweries, every corner of Pennsylvania has a little slice of uniqueness just waiting for you. Each of these destinations brings a little something different that any event planner can appreciate. Whether looking for fun historical activities in Pennsylvania for your group or you need to find the best meeting venues and lodging accommodations, you have many ways to make memories in the USA's second state. • • PHILADELPHIA • • FIFA World Cup 26™, BIO Inter-nation- al Convention, and PCMA Convening Leaders. These are just a few of the major events and meetings coming to Philadelphia in the next few years. Discover why event professionals around the globe are choosing Philadelphia for their meetings and events Walking in Philadelphia is a way of life. The city's grid street plan allows visitors to effortlessly navigate while appreciating the abundant green spaces, public parks, and countless block-to-block experiences just footsteps away from each other. When you hold a meeting or conven- tion at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, you are not just investing in a building or floor space, you are investing in an experience. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Center is just steps away from the city's attractions, restaurants and hotels. The venue is equipped with more than 1 million square feet of flexible event space, including seven exhibit halls with 679,000 square feet of space, 82 meeting rooms, and two ballrooms, one being the largest ballroom in the Northeast. Progressive work rules and streamlined services provide cus- tomers with just the right amount of flexibil- ity and independence they need, resulting in greater cost efficiencies and better overall cus- tomer experience. Connected to the P e n n s y l v a n i a Convention Center, the Phil-adelphia Marriott Downtown recently underwent major enh- ancements with updated technology fea- tures, including workstations in public spaces, expanded Wi-Fi access points, bandwidth, security, and infrastructure systems. All 1,408 guest rooms have modern enhancements, including new ceilings, floors, lighting fixtures, and bath- rooms with walk-in residential-style entrances and polished stone flooring. As one of the nation's oldest and most culturally diverse cities, Philadelphia offers numerous ways to celebrate Black history and heritage. Discover the untold stories woven into the fabric of Philadelphia's past. On South Street, visit the old Engine Company No. 11 build- ing. This was the former home of Philadelphia's first and only all-Black fire- house. In Germantown, the Johnson House was once home to a family of Quaker abolitionists and served as a vital part of the Underground Railroad. Today, the site is home to the Underground Railroad Station and House Museum, telling stories of the courageous deci- sions made by enslaved Africans in their journey to freedom. • • PITTSBURGH • • Pittsburgh is a major meetings destina- tion, and it has what you need to make your event successful. Of course, the city boasts breathtaking skyline views, award- winning restaurants, a thriving arts and culture scene, fantastic hotel accommo- dations and so much more, but it's Pittsburgh experiences that make it ideal for your next meeting. Conveniently located Downtown and within steps of the Cultural District, a wide selection of world-class accommo- dations, a fantastic food scene and more, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center has both long-standing advantages over other meeting facilities and new, cutting- edge developments that will best serve meeting planners and attendees long into the future. With more than 330,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 77,952 sq. ft. hall, a 31,610 sq. ft. ballroom and 53 meeting rooms the DLCC allows for an abundance of spacing and provides meeting planners with flexibility and options. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Pittsburgh - (800) 359-0758 www.visitpittsburgh.com 66 B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com AREA GUIDES P E N N S Y LVA N I A • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Philadelphia Marriott Downtown 1,408 Holiday Inn Philadelphia Airport- Stadium Area 206 Aloft Philadelphia Downtown Hotel 179 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Philadelphia Convention Center Total Meeting Space 679,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 34,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 55,408 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 82 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Philadelphia CVB – (215) 636-3300 www.discoverphl.com Pennsylvania Convention Center photo credit: PPhiladelphia CC