Tony Hodgins

It’s at the heart of the city, both geographically and culturally. Within 10 blocks in each direction, there are famed landmarks, including Independence Hall and America’s most historic square mile, Chinatown and the Stunning Friendship Gate, and lovely Rittenhouse Square. And it sits right above the Reading Terminal Market, which offers a vast choice of mouthwatering regional and international food. It’s also an economic powerhouse. From its opening in 1993, the Pennsylvania Convention Center has reinvigorated the surrounding district and the city itself, and has supported more than 77,000 jobs in the hospitality industry. And so many visitors come through our doors that it accounts for almost 50 percent of all hotel rooms in Center City. With the 2011 expansion—the size of two full city blocks—the Center increased its size by nearly 60 percent, allowing to two major events and multiple smaller meetings to be conducted at the same time. The Center is also ranked as one of the top 10 largest convention centers in the country. We can’t say it any better than the Urban Land Institute: "The Pennsylvania Convention Center has energized its downtown neighborhood and brought Philadelphia back as a major player in the tourism and hospitality market. A central downtown location and a design that opens to the street and blends with its surroundings distinguish this from most other major convention centers. More than a successful convention center, it is also a premier civic space, a destination in its own right."​