Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/57242
AREA GUIDES PHILADELPHIA CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE AND SISTERLY AFFECTION IS A PLANNER'S DELIGHT BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II 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. The Pennsylvania Convention Center combines historic preservation and architectural innovation with state-of- the-art technology, making it one of the most adaptable, high-tech convention centers in the nation.And, its convenient Center City location means meeting here couldn't be easier.What'smore, the center is headed by Ahmeenah Young, president and CEO, whose leadership has resulted in the facility's high level of customer service and satisfaction. The facility is well equipped for any conference size with more then 1 million sq. ft. of s a l e a b l e space and 528,000 sq. ft. of contigu- ous exhibit- space. The Pennsylvania Convention Center went under a par- tial renova- AHMEENAH YOUNG tion with a new 55,400-sq. ft. ballroom added on which happens to be the largest on the East Coast. There are a total of 79 total meeting rooms. The facility is so grand that it has the ability to host larger tradeshows or two major conventions simultaneously. Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, this is one of the few Convention Centers designed to be uniquely woven into the city's land- scape. Within a short, safe and scenic walk, visitors have access to literally hundreds of restaurants, shops, cultural institutions, attractions, and other down- town amenities, not to mention 8,500 hotel rooms (over 30,000 in the region). Celebrate your family's heritage by bringing your family reunion home — to Philadelphia, a place where African- American heritage is celebrated all year long. With literally hundreds of African- American cultural and historic attrac- tions, world-class theatre and dance companies, renowned jazz and heritage festivals, and award-winning restaurants, it's obvious to see Philadelphia is the perfect destination to hold African- American reunions. When planning your meeting or other event in Philadelphia, be sure to contact Tanya Hall,executive director of the Multicultural Affairs Congress (MAC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention&Visitors Bureau (PCVB). She and her able staff will provide you with all of the assistance and support required to make it a successful and memorable one While in Philadelphia, conference attendees should take full advantage of the rich historical culture and see what the city has to offer. Make sure to add MotherBethelA.M.E.Church to the list of must see places. Founded by Richard Allen in 1792 this site is the oldest piece of property continuously owned by Pennsylvania Convention Center 60 Black Meetings & Tourism January/February 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Photo Credit: Philadelphia CVB