Issue link: https://tradeshowexecutive.epubxp.com/i/107551
– A DV ERTORIA L – Photo by Paul Loftland for PCVB Who'sWho IN CONVENTION BUREAUS NOTES: Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau 1700 Market St., Suite 3000 Philadelphia, PA 19103 (855) MEET-PHL (855-633-8745) www.MeetPHL.com Jack Ferguson PRESIDENT & CEO (215) 636-3310 jack@discoverphl.com Julie Coker SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CONVENTION DIVISION (215) 636-4470 juliec@discoverphl.com Kevin Richards NATIONAL ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR (203) 380-1923 kevin@discoverphl.com Highlights of Philadelphia Philadelphia's central location, within a day's drive of 40 percent of the U.S. population, makes getting here easy and affordable. Amtrak's 30th Street Station is one of the busiest hubs in the nation and Philadelphia International Airport is serviced by 30 airlines providing flights to 121 domestic cities and 37 international destinations. The City is visitor friendly and walkable. Plus, Philadelphia has incomparable accessibility via bus, trolley, subway services regional rail, including direct transportation from the airport to the Pennsylvania Convention Center in 10 minutes. Philadelphia is a modern renaissance city that celebrates freedom and democracy; values innovation and education; nurtures the creative spirit; appreciates outdoor life and sport and possesses a vibrant street life; all in an accessible and friendly way. Philadelphia is also a world-class meetings destination, with a state-of-the art facility — the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center — and unmatched service and amenities. Exhibit Facilities The expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center is the 14th largest in the nation and has the capacity to host larger tradeshows or two conventions simultaneously. The expanded center features one million square feet of saleable space and the largest contiguous exhibit space in the Northeast — 528,000 square feet. The Convention Center also features the largest ballroom on the East Coast — 55,408 square feet — and 82 meeting rooms. Hotel Inventory Philadelphia offers one of the most compact housing packages in the country, with more than 10,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Philadelphia is home to 30 hotel brands at a variety of price points. Taxes Sales tax in Philadelphia is 8% (There's no sales tax on clothing or shoes!) Philadelphia's hotel tax is 15.5% Responsibility for Bookings 18-months or less, events are booked by the Pennsylvania Convention Center sales team (with the PHLCVB sales team securing hotels rooms). Long-term dates (18-months out or more) are booked by the sales team at the PHLCVB. Support Services The award-winning convention services teams at the PHLCVB and Convention Center have decades of combined experience. They'll help you increase attendance and access top-notch vendors and suppliers. Plus, they've created a variety of tools for your attendees. On the Horizon Slated for a Summer 2013 opening, the Hilton Home2 Suites hotel is now under construction at 12th and Arch streets, adjacent to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The hotel will feature 750 square feet of meeting space, 248 guestrooms and 10,000 square feet for ground floor retail and restaurants. The Courtyard by Marriott at the Navy Yard in South Center City Philadelphia is also expected to open in 2013. The fivestory Courtyard boasts 172 rooms, 2,000 square feet of meeting space and an upscale restaurant and lounge featuring park views. www.TradeShowExecutive.com | February 2013 69