Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Unveil Strategic Alliance Sales Model
The new initiative streamlines sales operations to deliver a more unified, efficient and client-focused experience
PHILADELPHIA – (August 21, 2025) Today, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA) and ASM Global announced a new strategic alliance sales model. The Alliance Sales Model is a collaborative initiative that streamlines sales operations to deliver a more unified, efficient and client-focused experience for Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) customers.
Previously, the PHLCVB’s role was to sell the PCC for long-term, citywide events. Under this enhanced model, the PHLCVB will assume full responsibility for all sales activity at the PCC, allowing for a single, seamless point of contact from initial inquiry to contract.
“I’m thrilled to share this major step forward in our continued evolution to better serve our clients and position the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Philadelphia as the premier destination in the convention and meetings industry,” said Maria Grasso, chief sales officer for the PHLCVB. “We remain committed to delivering best-in-class sales and services and are confident this new model will continue to enhance our success in booking and hosting big events in Philadelphia.”
This model is inspired by proven strategies in leading convention markets and is designed to accelerate bookings, enhance service consistency and elevate Philadelphia’s competitive edge.
“This unified model with our partners at the PHLCVB will mean continuing an unmatched service experience for our customers and partners and elevating the future of meetings and events in Philadelphia,” said John McNichol, president and CEO for the PCCA. “At the Pennsylvania Convention Center, providing the best for our guests remains our top priority, and this strategic alliance with the PHLCVB allows us to deliver even further on this promise at every phase of our customer interactions.”
ASM Global will maintain its exclusive focus on event operations, ensuring flawless execution and an exceptional experience on-site at the PCC.
“At ASM Global, we are committed to delivering a best in-class service experience for our clients,” said Tony Hodgins, regional general manager for ASM Global at the PCC. “We are grateful that this commitment to service is a shared core value for the PCCA and PHLCVB, and we look forward to our continued collaboration with our partners to maintain the Pennsylvania Convention Center’s position as a premier event facility.”
Under this bold new direction, Philadelphia clients will benefit from the "one-stop-shop" sales process through the PHLCVB; increased speed, clarity and coordination from proposal to execution; greater synergy with hotels, vendors and key partners across the region; and continued dedication to the valued legacy clients who define the spirit of the Philadelphia community.
As a result of the transition, Stephanie Boyd has been promoted within the PCCA to director of external affairs where she will champion authority initiatives and support our destination-wide alignment.
Several ASM Global staff members have transitioned to the PHLCVB team. Russell Kice has joined the PHLCVB as director of convention center sales, playing a key role in ensuring a smooth and successful integration of the new model.
Brendon Fitzsimons and Chris Somers also join as convention center sales managers, along with Faith Betteridge as convention center sales coordinator. Headshots can be found here.
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About the PHLCVB:
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of international leisure visitors who come to the region each year. To learn more, visit www.discoverPHL.com. For high-resolution photo and video, story starters, press trip information and more, visit discoverPHL.com/press-room.
About the Pennsylvania Convention Center:
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located in Center City Philadelphia at the heart of the city's many cultural offerings and world-class dining and entertainment scene. Managed by ASM Global, the Center is the 14th largest facility in the nation and features one of the largest exhibit spaces and ballrooms in the Northeastern U.S. The meetings, conventions, trade shows, and other events hosted by the Center attract attendees from across the country and around the world to Philadelphia, making the facility the largest economic driver of the region’s hospitality industry. For more information, visit www.paconvention.com.
Contacts:
Jaime Martorana, PHLCVB
jaime@discoverphl.com | 215-636-3341
Jude-Anne Spencer-Phillip, Pennsylvania Convention Center
jphillip@paconvention.com | 215-418-4857