Black Meetings and Tourism

Jan / Feb 2015

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B M & T ••• January/February 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 28 AREA GUIDES P E N N S Y LVA N I A BUSINESS TRAVEL IN THIS NORTHEASTERN STATE IS BOOMING! SOLOMON J. HERBERT II Pennsylvania, the Keystone state, has certainly been at the heart of America's evolution even before it was a nation. The history here is arguably the most signifi- cant in the country, concentrated in down- town Philadelphia's unrivaled Indepen- dence Historical National Park. But there's plenty more on hand once the his- tory lesson is over. From the nature of the Poconos to the urban revival of Pittsburgh, this state has a lot to offer its guests. Two of Pennsylvania's main cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, lie at oppo- site ends of the state but are equally fan- tastic places to explore. Philly has an insane amount of American history to absorb, while Pittsburgh has reinvented itself from its former steel industrial glory. In between are crucial military sites like the Gettysburg Battlefield and unique regions like Lancaster County with its large Amish community. Pennsylvania is unnaturally rich in culture, history, and eth- nic heritage ••PHILADELPHIA•• Philadelphia is the clear choice for your next meeting. With a state-of-the-art Convention Center located in the heart of the city (boasting the largest ballroom on the East Coast), plus world-class shop- ping, nightlife, culture, dining and thou- sands of hotel rooms all within a few blocks, there is nothing missing to make your next great meeting here. The second-largest city on the East Coast and fifth largest in the United States, Philadelphia is within 200 miles of 46 million people. It's the cradle of liberty, a city of medical firsts and the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the nation. It's home to James Beard Award- winning chefs, was named one of the most walkable cities in the nation and lies less than 2 hours from New York City and Washington, D.C. by Amtrak's Acela Express. 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. Philadelphia's location in the center of the Northeast Corridor makes it easy and affordable for attendees to travel here. Situated in the heart of the city — both geographically and culturally — the Convention Center boasts famed land- marks within short walks of the facility. With over 1 million sq. ft. of sellable space and 79 meeting rooms ,the Pennsylvania Convention Center com- bines historic preservation and architec- tural innovation with state-of-the-art tech- nology, making it one of the most adapt- able, high-tech convention centers in the nation. And, its convenient Center City location means meeting here couldn't be easier. Philadelphia is home to numerous world-class museums with some of the most famous works of art in the world. Visit the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art along Philadelphia's Museum Mile on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with its collection of more than a half-million paint- ings, sculptures, artifacts and a collection of French Impressionist works. The African American Museum in Philadelphia collects and preserves art and artifacts and, through exhibitions and programs interprets the history and stories of African Americans. Planners can schedule conference related meetings with a special event such as the annual Odunde African American Festival (June), which is the largest African celebration on the east coast. Or attendees can take a trip during Wawa Welcome A m e r i c a ! ( J u n e / J u l y ) , Philly's week-long fourth of July cele- • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hyatt Regency at Penn's Landing 348 Loews Philadelphia Hotel 581 Courtyard by Marriott, Philadelphia Downtown 498 Hotel Monaco Philadelphia 268 Philadelphia Marriott Downtown 1,408 Embassy Suites Philadelphia Center City 288 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Pensylvania Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 679,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 79 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Philadelphia CVB (215) 636-3300 African-American Chamber of Commerce (215) 751-9501 www.discoverphl.com Pennsylvania Convention Center on your left, right in the heart of downtown PhotoCredit: Philadelphia CVB GREG DESHIELDS

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