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B M & T ••• January/February 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 56 AREA GUIDES P E N N S Y LVA N I A THE KEYSTONE STATE OFFERS PLANNERS TOP LEVEL HOSPITALITY FOR THEIR MEETINGS BY ?????? Rife with history, Pennsylvania can claim an important role in the events lead- ing up to the Revolutionary War. Nearly every city in the state has had some big role in Pennsylvania's past. As the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia is the best known of these places. With sites like Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park, Lancaster's Amish Farm & House and the Gettysburg National Military Park, there are plenty of places to explore the state's long and diverse his- tory. Centrally located between New Jersey, Maryland West Virginia, and Virginia, Pennsylvania is an easy state to access on the east coast for business and leisure travelers alike. •• PITTSBURG •• It's easy to get to Pittsburgh. Located halfway between New York City and Chicago, Pittsburgh is a short flight or a day's drive for more than 70 percent of the U.S. population and 50 percent of the Canadian population. Once in Pittsburgh you are greeted by a city founded at the confluence of three rivers and steeped in history. Whether jogging the tree-lined riverfront trails; tak- ing in the action of the Steelers, Penguins or Pirates; discovering a world-class art scene; or exploring the city's jazz legacies, there is something to entertain everyone. For your meetings, Pittsburgh's green- certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center is considered one of the most beautiful meeting facilities in the world and is well equipped for meeting of just about any size. By definition, your event at this Center will be "green" because of the building's design as well as its envi- ronmentally friendly operation. The Center features walls of windows, filling 236,900 sq. ft. of column-free space with brilliant sunlight. Outside, expansive ter- races and balconies open to dazzling river views and cityscapes. The Center is in the heart of the Downtown business and cultural districts. Hotels, retail stores, the- aters and restaurants are within easy walking distance. Pittsburgh is home to some of the finest hotels in the Mid-Atlantic region, as well as a delightful cross section of other accommodations. There's never a short- age of rooms with a view. In Downtown Pittsburgh, you'll find a wide variety of hotel options to suit every taste and budget. From elegant to accessible, Victorian-era charm to contemporary, you're sure to find the right room right where you need it. Connected to the Convention Center via an enclosed skywalk, Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh is in the heart of Downtown. Guest rooms offer city views and feature Westin's signature Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath. The hotel is equipped with 616 rooms and 34,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The Omni William Penn Hotel is a cen- trally located historic landmark that been lavishly restored to its original grandeur. This luxury hotel features timeless ele- gance, from traditional afternoon tea in the Palm Court to two legendary ball- rooms to on-site spa services. The hotel is perfect for meetings and events of var- ious sizes for it is equipped with 596 guest rooms and a whopping 52,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Situated in the heart of Downtown is the Marriott Pittsburgh City Center fea- turing 402 renovated guest rooms, 27,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and lobby areas; perfect for housing conference attendees as well as average size meet- ings/conferences. The Cultural District, a project of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, is home to Downtown's dynamic art and entertain- ment scene. Discover a multitude of choices for live entertainment, contempo- rary music, modern dance, visual art and thought-provoking theater, as well as classical music, opera, ballet, popular musical theater, film, and more. You can find new and exciting things to do year- round in the Cultural District. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh 616 Omni William Penn Hotel 596 Marriott Pittsburgh City Center 402 EXHIBITION FACILITIES David Lawrence Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 310,400 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 31,610 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 51 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Greater Pittsburgh CVB - (800) 359-0758 www.planpittsburgh.com African-American Chamber Of Commerce Of Western Pennsylvania (412) 392-0610 David L. Lawrence Convention Center Photo Credit: Greater Pittsburgh CVB •Pg_46-58__BMT_pg86-162 2/27/14 5:04 PM Page 56