AMERICAS – The Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) hosted 226 events during the last year, which attracted 1.1m meeting planners, attendees and exhibitors. These events resulted in US$728m being generated in regional economic impact, according to the PCC Authority.
In addition, the PCC Authority says hotel tax revenue has shown a six per cent increase over the previous fiscal year, nine per cent higher than budget projections.These figures reflect unaudited results for the fiscal year that ended 30 June 2013.
“The centre continues to be the number one driver of the region’s hospitality industry,” says Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, Gregory Fox. “When the centre hosts an event, attendees drive business at the region’s hotels, restaurants, retailers and attractions which helps to support more than 88,000 regional jobs.”
Major events hosted from July 2012 through to June 2013 included the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy with a regional economic impact of $39.3m; East Coast Volleyball, with an economic impact of $25m; and the American Association of Orthodontists with an economic impact of $25.8m.
“The Pennsylvania Convention Center is a leading economic generator for the Southeastern Pennsylvania region,” says President and CEO of the PCC, Ahmeenah Young. “The centre’s operating expenses are covered by a combination of revenue generated by hosting conventions, meetings and events, as well as a portion of the city’s hotel tax revenues.”
The centre’s event revenues was approximately $14m, according to the Authority, which is $600,000 above budget projections, while its portion of hotel tax revenues was $28.9, for fiscal year 2013. Operating expenses came in at $3.2m and the centre contributed $1.6m for education and training programmes for area residents and youth in the hospitality industry.
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