John J. McNichol, president & CEO of the
Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, and
Julie Coker Graham, executive vice president of the
Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, will discuss the tremendous regional economic impacts that have resulted from new work rules and expanded exhibitor rights with Center City business owners on May 13.
Since last year, more than $872 million in future shows have been booked at the Convention Center. Conventions and meetings with an estimated impact of more than $667 million already are scheduled in this fiscal year. The Center will be the venue for the World Meeting of Families prior to the visit of Pope Francis in September, the BIO International Convention in June and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in July before hosting events of the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
"Our Center City neighbors are very interested in understanding more about the impact of the signature and historic events that will be hosted here in our city, especially the positive financial impacts these major events will provide," McNichol said. "Partnering with the Center City Proprietors Association (CCPA) is a great way to welcome businesses that want to learn more."
Julie Coker Graham, executive vice president of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), and SMG General
Manager Lorenz Hassenstein will join McNichol in offering information on improvements at the center and upcoming events.
"Under the leadership of Greg Fox, chairman of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, as well as John and Lorenz, the Convention Center has gone through a series of changes that have improved the business model, making it easier for the PHLCVB to book new meetings," Coker Graham said. "Customers who never considered Philadelphia are expressing interest. This is really a great time to host a convention in Philadelphia."
The Happy Hour Breakfast for CCPA members is scheduled for 8-9 a.m. Wednesday, May 13 at the Convention Center, 12th and Arch Streets. Tours will be available to registered attendees after the discussion. All attendees must pre-register on the CCPA website at www.centercityproprietors.org.
The CCPA is a non-profit and member supported association serving small businesses. Its breakfasts are a series of casual networking events to mix and mingle with colleagues from hosting organizations. The event will include a light breakfast, introductions to the PCCA and SMG management team, and opportunities to network. The PHLCVB, its PHLDIV Multicultural Affairs Congress, and the Philadelphia Public Relations Association are partnering with the Convention Center for this event. |