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B M & T ••• January/February 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 52 PENNSYLVANIA AREA GUIDES A PLETHORA OF MEETING SPACES AND MEMORABLE ATTRACTIONS MAKE PENNSYLVANIA A TOP CHOICE AMONG PLANNERS BY PATRICE A. KELLY Situated midway between New York City and Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania delivers a compelling mix of history, natu- ral beauty, and modern meeting infra- structure. The state offers a full spectrum of experiences—from large-scale conven- tions to intimate executive retreats—set against a backdrop of cultural attractions and outdoor recreation. Attendees can explore two vibrant urban anchors: Philadelphia in the east and Pittsburgh in the west, cities that blend Revolutionary heritage with innovation in healthcare, education, and technology. PHILADELPHIA Historic yet distinctly modern, Philadelphia balances old-world charm with a dynamic energy that appeals to professional groups. Center City—the heart of downtown—is compact, walka- ble, and brimming with hotels, restau- rants, and cultural landmarks. For meet- ing planners, that means easy logistics and a memorable sense of place. You can move between sessions, receptions, and off-site events, often without the need for transportation. At the core of the city's meeting land- scape is the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC), which spans more than 528,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space and includes multiple ballrooms and 82 meeting rooms. Its flexible design allows the PCC to host everything from large trade shows to several mid-sized conferences simultaneously. The facility sits just steps from hundreds of restaurants, major hotels, and regional rail connections to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). A deep inventory of hotels surrounds the convention center, from major brands such as Sheraton, Marriott, and Hyatt to independent luxury and lifestyle proper- ties. Many offer their own substantial meeting space, with ballrooms ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet—ideal for banquets, breakout sessions, or board meetings. Cultural venues double as exceptional event spaces. The Philadelphia Film Center hosts screenings and presenta- tions in two state-of-the-art theaters, while the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, presents world-class perform- ances ranging from jazz and comedy to contemporary dance. Many museums, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum, allow buyouts and private events that transform recep- tions into immersive experiences. PITTSBURGH In western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh stands out for its walkable downtown, innovative spirit, and striking riverfront views. The city's compact core makes nav- igation simple, while its blend of historic architecture and sustainability-focused venues appeals to planners seeking both efficiency and inspiration. A redesigned local transit network improves cross- neighborhood access, and ride-share serv- ices fill any remaining gaps. The David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) is a model of environmen- tally responsible design. With 313,000 square feet of exhibit space, 53 meeting rooms, and a grand ballroom of more than 31,000 square feet, the center accommodates national conventions, trade shows, and multi-session confer- ences with ease. Nearby, historic and contemporary hotels add flexibility for mid-sized pro- grams. The Omni William Penn Hotel, an architectural icon, features more than 52,000 square feet of meeting space across elegant ballrooms and breakout rooms. Additional downtown properties and boutique hotels are within easy walk- ing distance of the DLCC, offering a range of styles and budgets. For off-site functions, Pittsburgh's cul- tural assets shine. The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a 2.5-acre glass-domed landmark, provides a lush backdrop for receptions or award ceremonies. Heinz Hall and the Benedum Center host concerts and galas, while the Carnegie Museums and the Andy Warhol Museum offer art-filled settings ideal for private events or networking evenings. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Pittsburgh - (877) 568-3744 www.visitpittsburgh.com Philadelphia Cityscape photo credit: Philadelphia C.C • • • 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