COVID-19 Update as of 3.17.20
In response to the March 12, 2020 announcement by the Kenney administration prohibiting meetings of 1,000 people or more for the next 30 days and subsequent recommendations provided by the administration and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA) announced steps that it is taking to mitigate the impact on the Center, customers, and the hospitality industry.
PCCA Board of Directors Chairman Gregory Fox stated, “The hospitality industry is facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 virus. The Pennsylvania Convention Center understands its responsibility in working to stabilize the meeting and convention business as quickly and safely as possible.”
The Center, in conjunction with its facility manager ASM Global, is working with customers to rebook their meetings for future dates. PCCA President & CEO John J. McNichol stated, “We are taking an empathetic approach to our customers in crisis and relying on the spirit of partnership that has become a hallmark of how we choose to do business at the Center.”
The Center is also maintaining regular communication with contracted customers with meetings over the next 30 days to track further developments and help them to host the best events at the proper time.
Further, as soon as it is appropriate and prudent the PCCA intends to take full advantage of the unanticipated dark period to accelerate previously authorized capital projects.
“It is difficult to schedule large capital projects around a busy show calendar,” said McNichol.” During this period, we are going to stay positive and plan for the future by making significant improvements to the Center that will enhance the experience at our facility for our customers and attendees.”
These improvements will include installation of energy-saving LED fixtures in the exhibit halls, information technology improvements, escalator maintenance and upgrades, deep cleaning of the interior and exterior space, security system upgrades, carpet replacement, air duct cleaning, loading dock improvements and more.
Recent visitors and attendees have witnessed the extraordinary measures taken at the Center to keep the environment clean and safe in response to heightened health concerns related to COVID-19. Those efforts have included the deployment of multiple hand sanitizer stations at every entrance and exit, regular sanitation of restrooms and surfaces in public spaces and posting of health advisories from the PA Department of Health and other agencies on posted and digital signage throughout the building.
McNichol concluded, “When customers come back – and they will – the Center will be ready to deliver a great experience and all the hospitality that Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Convention Center have to offer.”
Further updates, regarding Pennsylvania Convention Center events will be communicated on our website at www.paconvention.com and social media channels.