Black Meetings & Tourism - Pennsylvania Convention Center Announces Elimination of 8% Management Fee For Meeting And Trade Show Planners

Facilities Update
Pennsylvania Convention Center Announces Elimination of 8% Management Fee For Meeting And Trade Show Planners
The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA) announced that the PCCA has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to the existing contract between the PCCA and Elliott-Lewis Corporation (Elliot-Lewis) to eliminate, effective July 1, 2012, the 8% labor management fee that has been charged to customers and exhibitors for supplying unionized labor services at the Convention Center. The elimination of the 8% fee is an initial step in the transition to a new business model that will greatly assist in lowering labor costs at the PCCA and help to attract new business to the Convention Center. The announcement came as the Meeting Metropolis, an event designed to showcase the newly expanded Convention Center, got underway in April. Meeting planners and decision makers from the national convention center industry were invited to experience the expanded space and its 21st century state-of-the-art technological upgrades during the three-day information session that included educational seminars, tours, and vendor displays. "We listened to our customers and we took their needs seriously," said Ahmeenah Young. "We are definitely excited about sharing this new development." The PCCA Board of Directors and the PCCA management team have worked diligently with Elliott-Lewis, PCCA's labor supplier, to review and restructure PCCA policies. There are a number of additional steps that will be fully implemented by July 2012, all of which support the "customer-centric" focus that is at the core of the Convention Center's strategic plan. Every person working in the facility, including PCCA management staff, union workers, and vendors, has the responsibility for ensuring a memorable visitor experience. Hospitality training becomes a requirement for every person working in the building. Full billing transparency is an additional major procedural change. The PCCA and Elliott-Lewis have committed to working together to develop policies that will make for a smoother operation in the new state of the art facility. The elimination of the labor management fee is but one step in the right direction. "The elimination of the 8% fee is in the best interest of the customer and will make the Pennsylvania Convention Center, now larger, much more competitive so more planners choose to meet here and, just as important, choose to return," said PCCA Chairman of the Board Gregory J. Fox. The Pennsylvania Convention Center is the 14th largest convention center in the United States. The newly expanded Center has one million sq. ft. of saleable space and the largest ballroom on the East Coast. The state-of-the-art facility has the most up-to-date technology in the industry. At the core of the new Center's offering is a commitment to provide exceptional customer service to every visitor. For more informati0on visit www.paconvention.com.

Facilities Update

Pennsylvania Convention Center Announces Elimination of 8% Management Fee For Meeting And Trade Show Planners

The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA) announced that the PCCA has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to the existing contract between the PCCA and Elliott-Lewis Corporation (Elliot-Lewis) to eliminate, effective July 1, 2012, the 8% labor management fee that has been charged to customers and exhibitors for supplying unionized labor services at the Convention Center. The elimination of the 8% fee is an initial step in the transition to a new business model that will greatly assist in lowering labor costs at the PCCA and help to attract new business to the Convention Center.

The announcement came as the Meeting Metropolis, an event designed to showcase the newly expanded Convention Center, got underway in April. Meeting planners and decision makers from the national convention center industry were invited to experience the expanded space and its 21st century state-of-the-art technological upgrades during the three-day information session that included educational seminars, tours, and vendor displays. "We listened to our customers and we took their needs seriously," said Ahmeenah Young. "We are definitely excited about sharing this new development."

The PCCA Board of Directors and the PCCA management team have worked diligently with Elliott-Lewis, PCCA's labor supplier, to review and restructure PCCA policies. There are a number of additional steps that will be fully implemented by July 2012, all of which support the "customer-centric" focus that is at the core of the Convention Center's strategic plan. Every person working in the facility, including PCCA management staff, union workers, and vendors, has the responsibility for ensuring a memorable visitor experience. Hospitality training becomes a requirement for every person working in the building. Full billing transparency is an additional major procedural change.

The PCCA and Elliott-Lewis have committed to working together to develop policies that will make for a smoother operation in the new state of the art facility. The elimination of the labor management fee is but one step in the right direction. "The elimination of the 8% fee is in the best interest of the customer and will make the Pennsylvania Convention Center, now larger, much more competitive so more planners choose to meet here and, just as important, choose to return," said PCCA Chairman of the Board Gregory J. Fox.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is the 14th largest convention center in the United States. The newly expanded Center has one million sq. ft. of saleable space and the largest ballroom on the East Coast. The state-of-the-art facility has the most up-to-date technology in the industry. At the core of the new Center's offering is a commitment to provide exceptional customer service to every visitor. For more informati0on visit www.paconvention.com.