Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/486571
B M & T ••• January/February 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 29 MAKING NEW STRIDES While you already know Philadelphia for hosting some of the nation's most important conventions, what you may not be aware of are some of the more recent headlines that truly make our city the smart choice for your next gathering. New SMG management and progressive work rules at the Pennsylvania Convention Center are making what was already a great value even more attractive. With upcoming meetings in Philadelphia, the NAACP and National Black MBA Association both agree. Our already vibrant and walkable downtown is getting even better. A series of smart new public space and development projects "has transformed Philadelphia into a hive of urban activity" and earned us the #3 spot on the New York Times list of '52 Places to Go in 2015.' The recent addition of so many unique and fashion-forward retail stores have made Philadelphia a shopper's paradise. Combine that with tax-free clothing and shoe purchases and it's easy to see why Condé Nast Traveler just ranked us #2 on their list of 'Best Shopping Cities in the World.' meetPHL.com/PHLDiversity To begin planning your next meeting in Philadelphia, please contact: Conchevia T. Collins, CDMP, CHSP National Accounts Manager Conchevia@discoverPHL.com 215-636-4405 bration, which just happens to be completely free. If music festivals are more your scene The Roots Picnic (June) is still going strong. If you are contemplating a meeting in Philly, be sure to reach out to Greg DeShields, executive director of PHLDiversity. a division of the Philadelphia CVB. He and his team will provide all the sup- port you need to make your event there a huge success. At Philadelphia International Airport, 28 airlines (3 of which are low-fare carriers) operate nearly 600 daily nonstop flights from 120 cities, including 60 daily and sea- sonal flights from 36 international destinations. ••PITTSBURG•• Pittsburgh is an ideal location for your next meeting or conven- tion. The city — which was the site of the G-20 Pittsburgh Summit 2009 — was praised worldwide by international journalists and presti- gious guests. President Obama described Pittsburgh as "...a world-class city...It has trans- formed itself...and serves as a model for turning the page to a 21st century economy." Pittsburgh's sparkling clean rivers and beautiful bridges pro- vide the perfect backdrop to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the world's first gold LEED-certified convention center. The Leadership in Energy and Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green build- ings. Come sample the city's award- winning customer service, tour the green Convention Center and dis- cover all that can be done to make your meeting "green." Conference attendees can stroll the walkable Downtown and see how very easy it is to get from the hotels to the meeting spaces to the endless entertainment and din- ing options.