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PENNSYLVANIA PROVES TO BE ONE OF THE MOST HOSPITABLE STATES IN THE NORTHEAST TO HOLD YOUR NEXT EVENT BY SOLOMON J. HJERBERTII 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 significant in the country, concentrated in downtown Philadelphia's unrivaled Independence Historical National Park. But there's plenty more on hand once the history lesson is over. From the nature of the Poconos to the urban revival of Pittsburgh, this state has a lot to offer its guests. Pennsylvania's two main cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, lie at opposite ends of the state but are equally fantastic 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 ethnic heritage. ••PHILADELPHIA•• Philadelphia is at the center of it all. It is easy and affordable to get here. Conveniently located in the Northeast United States, the second-most pop- ulous city in the East is just 90 minutes from New York City and two hours from Washington, D.C., by train. You will be captivated by the 21st- century city where an inspired, young, creative culture is blooming and part- nering with innovators and educators. With a spirit of independence, the city and region are giving birth to a new generation of energized people designing this Modern Renaissance City. Feel like a Philadelphian as you walk day and night through the vibrant streetscape and immerse yourself in America's Old and New World. Picturesque and friendly streets are lined with parks, rivers, shops, public art, restaurants and museums. Everything is within walking distance from downtown, which makes Philly such a great destination for holding conventions, conferences and other group events. With a state-of-the-art Convention Center located in the heart of the city (boasting 679,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 82 meeting rooms), plus world-class shopping, nightlife, cul- ture, dining and thousands of hotel rooms all within a few blocks, there is nothing missing in this modern metropolis. Add in the city's excellent off-site venues and the award-winning hospi- tality industry, and you'll see that the list of all Philadelphia has to offer with- in a compact, walkable downtown is as long as the city's history. The brightest light on the Avenue of the Arts is the dazzling regional performing arts center, whose dis- creet brick exterior rises to a bold 150-foot glass vaulted rooftop for startling views of the city. The spa- cious and acoustically vaunted facility is rarely dark and on any given weekend might present a jazz quartet, French circus, The Philadelphia Orchestra, pops or family events. As the nation's birthplace, Philadelphia has witnessed the evolu- tion of Black History like few other cities. The reverends Richard Allen and Absalom Jones and business- men William Still and Robert Purvis, set free roots deep in this city and helped countless people escape bondage. Opera artist Marian Anderson and Freedom Theatre founder John Allen, Jr. rank among the later generations that marked achievements in this city. Today, more than 650,000 resi- dents encompass the African Dias- pora and represent about 45.4 per- cent of Philadelphians. Visitors help embrace their past and present her- itage through ethnic shopping, delight- ful festivities, flavorful dining, and an array of interesting exhibits. 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 confer- ence related meetings with a special event such as the annual Odunde African American Festival (June), which is the largest African celebra- tion on the east coast. Or attendees can take a trip during Wawa Welcome America! (June/July), Philly's week-long fourth of July cele- bration, which just happens to be completely free. If music festivals are more your scene The Roots Picnic B M & T ••• January/February 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 34 AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Loews Philadelphia Hotel 581 Courtyard by Marriott, Philadelphia Downtown 498 Hotel Monaco Philadelphia 268 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Pennsylvania Convention Center Total Exhibit Space 679,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 82 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Philadelphia CVB (215) 636-3300 www.discoverphl.com African-American Chamber of Commerce (215) 751-9501 P E N N S Y LV N I A Downtown Philadelphia Photo Credit: Philadelphia CVB