Why Bigger Means Better

What Impact Does the Convention Center Have on the Community?

Over the past 14 years, the Convention Center has occupied a critical role in the economic health of the Commonwealth, serving as a catalyst for the sustainability of the hospitality industry. The building has literally become the reason for the industry's growth, tremendously impacting the economy of the state.

Conventions are big business for Philadelphia. Convention-related business accounts for approximately 41 percent of the room nights sold in Center City. Competing cities' convention-related business averages less than 27 percent.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is responsible for the creation of more than 50,000 jobs in the hospitality industry. The building generates an annual economic impact of $3 billion in Philadelphia and $8 billion for the region.

In addition, the Convention Center has invested more than $10 million to ensure that the region’s multicultural community participates the region’s hospitality industry. The Center provides financial resources to Philadelphia OIC, the Philadelphia Academies, Inc. and Mercy Vocational High School to train students and the underemployed to take advantage of jobs at many levels in the hospitality field. And with expansion, this program will only continue to grow.

What Impact Does the Convention Center Have for our Customers?

By expanding the Pennsylvania Convention Center we will be able to attract larger numbers of major conventions with massive square-footage requirements and host multiple conventions, meetings and events simultaneously. Expansion is a surefire way for us to keep area hotels, restaurants and attractions active at all times, which creates new jobs and fosters economic vitality in the region.

Simply put, meeting planners are demanding larger facilities. Our competitors are getting bigger and if we are to maintain and increase out market share, we must get bigger, too. Extra space also means there will be more dates available to book community events like the Philadelphia Flower Show, with internationally attended association meetings.