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AREA GUIDES PENNSYLVANIA KEYSTONE STATE OFFERS TOP VISITOR PRODUCT ACROSS THE BOARD BY BUCK SAMUELS History is alive in the state of Pennsylvania. As the birthplace of our nation you don’t have to look hard to find fascinating stories and living histor- ical attractions.Fromlandmarks such as the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to American Revolution re-enactments in Valley Forge, visitors can experience America’s past up close and personal. But, of course, there is more to see and do than peek into history in Pennsylvania. There are exciting and world-renowned theme parks like Hershey Park and Kennywood to please the family and impressive art museums and cultural centers in cities such as Hershey and Philadelphia. But if you are looking to meet here, this state has you covered. Pennsylvania boasts some of the most spectacular convention facilities in the country PHILADELPHIA Whether you’re planning a major national convention, a family reunion,or something in between, your attendees want great memories and expect a good mix of business, education, and fun. Philadelphia is the perfectmeeting desti- nation, where you’ll find all that and more,wrapped up in one complete pack- age.They have the services and facilities you need to pull off an event that will keep people talking! With the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) expansion construction site bustling, new hotel rooms being added, and the City blossoming into a culturalmecca,Philadelphia is primed to become the premier meeting and con- vention destination in the U.S. when the 46 Philadelphia Skyline new facility opens inMarch 2011. The expanded convention center will feature: More than 1 million sq. ft. of saleable space; 528,000 sq. ft. of contigu- ous exhibit space; a new 55,400-sq. ft. ballroom — the largest on the East Coast; the ability to host larger tradeshows or two major conventions simultaneously; an additional multi- story, floor-to-ceiling glass entrance on NorthBroad Street;and 79 totalmeeting rooms. Withmore than 30,000 hotel rooms in the region — over 8,500 within an easy 15-minute walk of the Pennsylvania Convention Center — attendees will enjoy comfort and convenience in Philadelphia. A just-released study of the region’s motorcoach business shows that buses brought approximately 1.4 million visi- tors to Philadelphia and the region each year. The total economic impact of motorcoaches traveling to the region in 2010 was $271.6 million. The study was spearheaded by the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB) and its countryside partners (Chester County CVB, Valley Forge CVB, and Bucks County CVB), along with the American BusAssociation Foundation. According to the study, the 1.4million motorcoach visitors that traveled to the area in 2010, spentmoney on attractions, Photo Credit: Philadelphia CVB events,meals, shopping and hotel accom- modations, providing significant eco- nomic benefits to local businesses,gener- ating sales and excise tax revenues and creating jobs. Family reunions is another growing market for Philadelphia. With literally hundreds of African-American cultural and historic attractions, world-class the- atre and dance companies, renowned jazz and heritage festivals, and award- winning restaurants, it’s not surprising. Recently launched byMAC,www.Philly- FamilyReunion.com is the place for interactive family reunion planners.The site displays Philadelphia’s unique reunion venues and attractions and gives families the opportunity to develop their ownWeb pages and photo galleries for free. The Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress (MAC) is a division of the Philadelphia CVB (headed by Executive Director Tanya Hall) that ensures that the multicultural communi- ty is an integral part of all aspects of the city’s hospitality industry.This invaluable resource can help you plan yourmeeting in Philadelphia while also supporting localAfrican-American businesses. Philadelphia International Airport is served by 29 airlines with more than 1,400 daily flights, including 120 interna- tional flights. Attendees can connect to Black Meetings & Tourism January/February 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com