SMG Scores Pennsylvania Convention Center Management Contract
June 4, 2013
In April, the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia issued RFPs for the management and operation of the venue, and West Conshohocken, Penn.-based SMG prevailed as the winner of the lucrative five-year contract.
The venue’s board first voted 13-2 to privatize the center and 12-3 to give the contract to SMG.
"To be given this vote of confidence in our own backyard is a real thrill,” said Gregg Caren, SMG’s senior vice president strategic business development.
He added, “We love this city and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. So many of their clients (and prospective clients) are our customers already – working with us in many other markets. We look forward to working with the Authority, staff and PHLCVB on a smooth transition with an eye on future success."
Besides SMG, venue management firm Global Spectrum also had submitted a bid to run the center, according to Caren.
SMG’s responsibilities will include the comprehensive management and operation of the center, including maintenance of the land, building, furniture, fixtures and equipment; local sales and marketing of the Center, as well as coordinating with the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau; management of various product and service providers; coordination of Center utilization, scheduling, negotiating and licensing of events and other responsibilities, according to venue officials.
“SMG brings considerable industry expertise and an understanding of our client base to the table," said Jack Ferguson, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau's president and CEO.
He added, "Their bench strength lies in their experience operating convention facilities. In addition, they will bring other business resources that can support a positive customer experience."
The Pennsylvania Convention Center, which added 239,000 square feet of exhibit space in 2011, is just the latest in a string of contract wins for SMG in the past few years, with two major ones being Chicago’s McCormick Place and Detroit’s Cobo Center.
Others include Miami’s James L. Knight Center, South Dakota-based Sioux Falls Convention Center, Jamaica’s Montego Bay Convention Centre and Syracuse, N.Y.-based Oncenter, comprised of the War Memorial Arena, Civic Center Theaters and the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center.
“These wins are always important to expand our network of facilities,” Caren previously told TSNN.
He added, “The more we can expand our distribution network, the better it is for our venues and our clients.”
The Pennsylvania Convention Center hosted three shows on the 2012 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list.
"Together, (this new contract) will allow us to tap into new business for Philadelphia and bring back others who had not planned to return," Ferguson said.
He added, "We certainly look forward to working with SMG and providing the highest level of customer service to our clients.”
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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