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.”

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.