The Philadelphia Convention Center was built in the year 1930 and has hosted many public events like performances by the Beatles and Rolling Stones in its heydays. Even greats like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela have all delivered speeches over here. Quite a few basketball games have also been played at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

It is also easily accessible by both land and air, and in fact around 40% of America's population can reach the Philadelphia Convention Center within a day's drive. It has now become so easily accessible that people, who plan to hold business meetings, think of this 1.3 million square feet area as one of their first choices. It comprises of four main rooms, a couple of smaller auditoriums and meeting rooms and one grand hall, formerly part of Reading terminal train shed.

Most of the trade shows and other shows like the annual Philadelphia Flower Show are held at this arena. There is a state of the art business center which is monitored 24 hours and provides wireless internet facilities at a very nominal cost of 100$ a day or 300$ per event. There are ATM's located on every floor and designated areas for people who wish to smoke.

There are numerous hotels within walking distance and the Marriott is connected to the Philadelphia Convention Center. The World Series of Bridge also takes place over here. A gift shop where one can pick up small curios and gifts for near and dear ones is also present on the premises of the Philadelphia Convention Center.

Pennsylvania Convention Center is the premier venue for a wide variety of public & private events in the heart of Center City Pennsylvania. Designed in multi purposes, the center plays host to 250 conventions, exhibitions, business conferences and other events on average each year. After the recent expansion, it has been ranked as the 14th largest facility in the US, providing the largest exhibit space and ball room in the Northeast.

Homepage of Pennsylvania Convention Center

http://www.paconvention.com/

Annually, millions of guests and travelers are welcomed by Pennsylvania Convention Center. Walking through the doors, you will get to know how easy to create a successful event in this state-of-an-art center. It is a must-visit destination to experience the award-winning events, while an array of cultural heritages, nightclubs and world-renowned dining places are just a few steps out of the doors.

No matter you are here to attend events or admire the architectural and cultural amazement, Pennsylvania Convention Center will keep you enjoyable. To get you fully prepared for your next visit, this article provides a schedule of notable events in March through July 2011. Check carefully to see whether there is any appealing event to you.

(Please note currently the calendar is just updated to July 2011, and further schedule is not released yet. To discover up-to-date events calendar of Pennsylvania Convention Center, keep an eye on the website below.)

Calendar of Events

http://www.paconvention.com/view-calendar

March

In March 2011, a wide range of events is going on at this venue, from flowers shows and tradeshows to institutional meetings, music conference and annual dinner. Among them, the most notable ones include:

- March 26, Philadelphia Liberty Dance Challenge: It is a same sex dance event, available to dancers of all levels and all ages. The AM Matinee starts from 9 am to 12 pm, and PM Matinee begins from 1 pm to 5 pm. The Evening Matinee is from 7 pm to 11 pm. Visit the website below for more info:

Event Info

http://www.philadelphialibertydancechallenge.com/

- March 26, Yu-Gi-Oh Regional Tournament: This regional tournament is going to Pennsylvania Convention Center and would you like to attend it? It starts at 10 am this Saturday and please call 610-583-9960 for more info.

- March 26-27, Inspiration & Music Conference: More than just music! The first Inspiration & Music Conference will be created at Pennsylvania Convention Center by Praise 103.9.

- March 31, PV America Show: Based on Solar Energy Trade Shows, it begins this Thursday and ends on April 96. On the same day, Brownfields EPA Conference 2011 takes place.

April

April is a busy season for Pennsylvania Convention Center, for more than 25 events will be hosted here. Following are notable events and conferences.

- April 1-2, Association of College and Research Libraries: This event begins on March 27 and still continues in April for two days. Cutting-edge information, original ideas and academic & research librarians worldwide are all accessible on this conference. Specific schedule is listed on the website below:

ACRL 2011 Schedule

http://www.goeshow.com/acrl/national/2011/conference_schedule.cfm

- April 7, Dispute Resolution Institute Forum: This organization was established in 1994, aiming to help the parties resolve their disputes timely, effectively and privately in the form of a user-friendly forum.

- April 16, Philly Black Tie: 2011 Pennsylvania Auto Show and Black Tie Tailgate comes to Pennsylvania Convention Center this Saturday. The price is $200 for all ages. It starts from 7 pm to 11:30 pm.

- April 23-24, Black History Showcase: Know better about African American history! The 6th Annual Black History Showcase will be held at this center from 11 am to 7 pm on this weekend.

- April 26-30, American Transplant Congress: It heads to Pennsylvania Convention Center! This is the joint meeting of American Society of Transplant Surgeons and American Society of Transplantation. Visit the website to know more.

American Transplant Congress

http://www.atcmeeting.org/

May

- May 3, Catalyst Career Group - Career Fair: Are you looking for jobs? Do visit Pennsylvania Convention Center this Tuesday, for Catalyst Career Group will host a career fair here for both job-hunters and recruiting companies. Be ready for a change!

- May 5-7, DVAEYC Conference: 2011 DVAEYC Early Childhood Conference will take place at Pennsylvania Convention Center Thursday through Saturday this week from 7:30 am to 4 pm.

- May 10-21: LIGHTFAIR International: The 21st edition of the largest annual architectural and commercial trade lighting show in North America is going to happen!

LIGHTFAIR International Homepage

http://www.lightfair.com/lightfair/V40/

More remarkable events in MAY include: Comcast Shareholder Meeting on May 10 to 11, Bentley Systems Be Together 2011 Conference on May 22 to 26, Thomas Jefferson University Commencement on May 30 to June 1.

June

- June 2-4, Mazzoni Center:Trans Conference: This year meets the 10th anniversary Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference, a program of Mazzoni Center to build better community partnerships locally, regionally, nationally and globally.

- June 9-16, Special Libraries Association: 2011 Annual Conference & Info-EXPO is going to take place at Pennsylvania Convention Center. Grab this opportunity to exchange ideas and network with thousands of professionals in this dynamic and historic city.

- June 17-18, Philadelphia Fatherhood Festival: This year marks the 6th annual Philadelphia Fatherhood Festival. It will be hosted at this venue from 9 am to 4 pm and the ticket price for festival attendee is zero!

July

- July 2-10, Jesus Awakening Movement Association: JAMA is a prayer and spiritual awakening movement which believes that Biblical revival is created by God and only sustained through local church. Their new awakening 2011 comes to Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center, which is often referred to as the PA Convention Center or the PCC, is a major public venue in Philadelphia for various exhibitions, conference and other events. Built in 1993, this fabulous building has a rich history of holding conventions. Annually, there would be about 250 events taking place at the PCC, from internationally conventions to local business meetings.

This gorgeous convention center comprises a series of meeting rooms and auditoriums, in addition to four spacious exhibit halls. Besides, the recent expansion increases the size of the PCC by almost 62 percent. As a result, this building will be able to accommodate mega tradeshows and several large conferences simultaneously.

Official Website of the PCC

http://www.paconvention.com/

Situated at 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the PA Convention Center enjoys a great location. Its entrance is placed at the intersection of Market and 12th Streets. It is regarded as the premier hub on the East Coast of the United States, since it sits within just a day's drive of most places in the nation.

Whether you're planning a visit to the PCC for excellent exhibitions, mega tradeshows or important business conference, driving is undoubtedly the simplest and most efficient way for you to get there. Plus, you never need to worry about parking because there are a large number of parking facilities placed just within walking distance of the PCC.

Various Parking Options Next to the PCC

http://www.paconvention.com/explore-philadelphia/directions-and-parking

The Parkway, an experienced corporation in parking as well as real estate industry, furnishes visitors to the PA Convention Center with more than 6 parking facilities around this area.

1) Location: 222-54 N. Marvine Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This parking lot is very close to the intersection of Race and 12th Streets. It offers about 162 parking spaces and is available for visitors 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The maximum daily parking rate is 20 dollars and overnight parking (in after 3 pm and out before 6 am) would be charged 10 dollars.

If you're early enough to get into the parking lot before 10 am and exit between 5:40 and 7 pm, then you will be entitled to enjoy the early bird parking rate, which only costs you 9 dollars. This lot is also available for monthly parking and the rate is $175.

2) Location: 1210 Filbert Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This is a parking garage which would be staffed 24 hours every day. You can easily find it at the cross of 12th and Filbert Streets. There are more than 800 parking spaces available for self parking.

Parking rate of this garage is a little pricy. Every half an hour would cost you 6 dollars. However, the maximum rate for parking within 12 hours is only $28 while the maximum daily parking rate is 35 dollars. Additionally, early bird that enters the garage before 9 am and exits between 3 and 7 pm would only be charged 18 dollars. Monthly parking is available at the rate of $277.

3) Location: 146 - 152 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This parking garage can be found next to the junction of Broad and Race Streets. Featuring over 402 parking spaces, it operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's available for both daily and monthly parking. As for monthly parking, the rate would be 300 dollars for unreserved spaces while 350 dollars for reserved spaces.

If you prefer daily parking, the price is 6 dollars per 30 minutes. Stay for half a day costs 24 dollars and with 26 extra dollars you will be allowed to park there for an entire day. The unified rate for parking on weekends is 15 dollars. Overnight parking from 5 pm to 6 am will just cost you 11 dollars. And the discounted parking rate for early bird entering the garage between 5 am & 9 am and exiting between 2 pm & 6 pm is 12 dollars.

4) Location: 151 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Placed close to the intersection of 15th and Race Streets, this parking lot would also operate 24 hours every day. It provides 210 self park spaces. Driving visitors can get into this garage through the entrance on Cherry Street.

The parking rate is 6 dollars per half an hour. Maximum parking rate for stay within 12 hours is 24 dollars. After that, it would also cost you 24 dollars to park in this lot for another 12 hours. Early bird that gets into the garage before 9 am and out before 6 pm would only be charged 14 dollars. For overnight parking, the rate is 11 dollars. If you happen to visit the PA Convention Center on weekends, the parking rate would be 15 dollars. Rate for monthly parking is 300 dollars.

5) Location: 701-737 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

It is a parking lot situated in close proximity to the junction of 8th and Arch Street. There are 230 parking spaces in total. Visitors would be welcomed to park in this lot 24 hours every day. Plus, it would only cost you 200 dollars for monthly parking in this lot.

Normally, the parking rate is 5 dollars per half an hour and the third 30 minutes would only be charged 4 dollars. Parking within 12 hours costs no more than 18 dollars. The maximum parking rate for the second 12 hours is 22 dollars. Overnight parking from 4 pm to 6 am would be charged 13 dollars on Sundays, 15 dollars on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 dollars on any other weekdays.

When it comes to weekdays, discounted parking price - 10 dollars per car - would be available for early bird who enters the lot between 6 and 9 am, and gets out between 3 to 7 pm.

6) Location: 815-37 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

You will be able to find this parking lot near the intersection of 9th and Arch Street with ease. There are 121 parking spaces available. And the lot operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. As for parking rates, the monthly parking rate of this lot is only 200 dollars.

If you opt for daily parking, remember that the first 45 minutes would be charged 7 dollars. And stay within 90 minutes costs 14 dollars. The maximum parking rate for 12 hours is 20 dollars while an extra 12 hours would cost you 24 more dollars. Early bird arriving at the lot before 9 am and exiting before 6 pm only needs to pay 11 dollars. Price for overnight parking (from 5 pm to 6 am) is $15 on Fridays & Saturdays and $13 on other days.

Find More Parkway Parking Facilities near the PCC

http://www.parkwaycorp.com/find/list.asp?city=Philadelphia&dg=75

In addition to parking lots and garages we have mentioned above, the Parkway Corporation also offers an array of other parking facilities for driving visitors. Most of them are just several blocks away from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Besides, a number of parking lots or garages operated by other companies are also placed close to the PCC.

7) Location: 1500 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The AutoPark at JFK Plaza is managed by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA). Located very close to the junction of 15th and Arch Streets, this parking lot has its entrances placed on both Arch and Cherry Streets. It also operates 24 hours every day.

As for parking rate, it is only 4.75 dollars per 30 minutes. And the maximum daily parking rate is 20 dollars. Early bird that gets into the parking lot before 9 am and out before 7 pm only needs to pay 15.75 dollars. Overnight parking from 4 pm to 6 am costs 8.5 dollars. For those who pay a visit to the PCC on weekends, the parking rate is only 8.5 dollars as well.

Monthly parking would be available at the rate of 313.25 dollars. You will have to pay another 52 dollars to get reserved parking space. Monthly overnight parking will be charged 130.5 dollars.

Other PPA Parking Lot and Garages near the PCC

http://www.philapark.org/findparking/parking_location.aspx

As with the Philadelphia Parking Authority, the Philadelphia Central Parking also has a couple of parking options for you to choose from. More amazingly, if you visit its official website, you will be able to print some discount coupons that can save you a lot for daily parking. Click the following link to get further information about Philadelphia Central Parking facilities and printable coupons.

Philadelphia Central Parking Facilities around the PCC

http://philadelphia.centralparking.com/Philadelphia-Convention-Center-Chinatown-Parking.html

The Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) is a giant facility in Pennsylvania which is designed for a wide variety of meetings, conventions, exhibitions and other special events. It originally opened its door to the public in 1993. Today, the PCC has become an advanced and impressive convention center with decades of combined experience in holding grand events.

Every year, the Pennsylvania Convention Center would host approximately 250 events, including both regional company meetings and internationally conferences. Recently, the Pennsylvania Convention Center has just been refurbished, which really makes it possible for this gorgeous building to provide the best experience for every visitor.

What's more interesting is the convenient location of this fantastic convention center. The PCC is situated at 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Being so close to the Reading Terminal Market in Center City Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Convention Center is also surrounded by plenty of terrific shopping, dining and entertainment options. That would definitely offer you a wonderful opportunity to enhance your experience at the PCC.

Thanks to its prime location, visitors can get easy access to countless local attractions or grab a quick bite to eat before or after the conference. In addition to an incredible venue for holding events, the PCC also serves as an unparalleled place for people to enjoy almost everything Philadelphia has to offer.

Interested in local attractions in the neighborhood of the Pennsylvania Convention Center? Take a quick glance at the following maps to locate a couple of places that are worth your visit.

Location of the PCC

http://www.biztradeshows.com/venues/pennsylvania-convention-center.html

Map for the PCC and Nearby Attractions

http://www.10best.com/destinations/pennsylvania/philadelphia/attractions/nearby/pennsylvania-convention-center/

Maps and Directions of the Pennsylvania Convention Center

http://philadelphia.citysearch.com/profile/map/8960436/philadelphia_pa/pennsylvania_convention_ctr.html

Now that you've got the address of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, how to get there must be you next concern. Actually, whether you are going to take advantage of public transportation or drive your own car, this fabulous venue is very easy to reach. This area is served by Amtrak trains as well as SEPTA Regional Rail Lines.

Well, if you prefer a self-driving tour, keep in mind the following referable driving directions to make sure you will not get lost halfway.

1) Travel from Route 76 or Schuylkill Expressway

Remember to proceed straight on Route 76 and then take Exit 344. Head east on I-676 before you exit Broad Street or Route 611. Then turn onto Vine Street. Follow signs to the fourth traffic light and bear to the right onto 12th Street. Keep proceeding and the Convention Center would be only two blocks away.

2) Travel from Interstate 95 North

Head north on I-95. Then exit I-676 and stay straight in the left lane of the Exit. Continue proceeding west on I-676 until you come across another Exit. Take this Exit and turn onto 15th Street. Still stay in the left lane and follow signs on the street to bear onto Broad Street. When you see Vine Street, turn left onto it. Then you will see signs leading you to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Make a right turn on 12th Street and you will arrive at the PA Convention Center within minutes.

3) Travel from Interstate 95 South

Keep proceeding toward south on I-95 until you see the Exit 22 Central Philadelphia. Take the Exit and stay straight in the left lane. Pay attention to the signs located on both sides of the street and follow them to bear onto I-676. Take I-676 west. When you see another Exit, take it to change onto 15th Street. Also proceed in the left lane and then turn onto Broad Street. Bear to the left onto Vine Street and then make a right turn on 12th Street. Continue straight to get to the intersection of 12th Street and Arch Street. The PA Convention Center is erected two blocks away from the intersection.

4) Travel from the Pennsylvania Turnpike

Stay straight on Pennsylvania Turnpike until you see the Exit 20. Take the Exit to bear onto I-76 Philadelphia. Head east on I-76 for a while and then take the Exit 344. Proceed toward east on I-676 and then exit at Broad Street. Change onto Vine Street and follow signs to reach 12th Street. Bear to the right onto 12th Street before you come across Arch Street. Keep going north on Arch Street and the PA Convention Center is just two blocks away.

5) Travel from the New Jersey Turnpike

Stay on New Jersey Turnpike and then take the Camden Exit. Turn onto Route 73 and keep proceeding toward north until you see Route 38. Take Route 38 west and go through Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Then follow local signs to get onto Vine Street. Continue straight on Vine Street and then bear onto 12th Street after about six blocks. When you arrive at the intersection of Arch and 12th Streets, you will get to the PA Convention Center several minutes later.

6) Travel from Philadelphia International Airport

Continue heading north on I-95 before you see the Exit 22 Central Philadelphia. Take Exit 22 and then proceed in the left lane of the Exit. Go ahead until you come across I-676, bear onto I-676 and keep going west. Exit I-676 to change onto 15th Street. Still stay in the left lane and then follow signs to get onto Broad Street. When you see Vince Street, turn left. Continue straight for a while before you turn onto 12th Street. Follow 12th Street to get onto Arch Street. Head north on Arch Street. The Pennsylvania Convention Center is two blocks ahead.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is one of the main places where meetings are frequently held. Many of the attendees of the meetings are from out of town and seek places to stay. Hotels are numerous near the convention center for their convenience. Some of the hotels also offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the convention center and thus make it even better for the guests.

Hotels located near the convention center according to the distance from the Pennsylvania convention center

Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City miles

http://www.HiltonGardenInn.Hilton.com

Marriott Philadelphia Downtown.1 miles

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phldt-philadelphia-marriott-downtown/

Travelodge-Philadelphia .2 miles

http://www.travelodge.com

Hampton Inn Philadelphia Convention Center .2 miles

http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=PHLCVHX

Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown .2 miles

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phldc-courtyard-philadelphia-downtown/

The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia .3 miles

http://www.ritzcarlton.com

Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia-Midtown Pa .4 miles

http://www.philadelphia.com/holiday-inn-express-midtown/

Holiday Inn Philadelphia-Historic District .6 miles

http://www.philadelphia.com/holiday-inn-historicdistrict

Sofitel Philadelphia .6 miles

http://www.sofitel.com

Many a Philadelphia hotel has a lot to offer the guests, with great room service and well trained staff.

Attractions in the hotels near Pennsylvania Convention Center include:

- Baggage storage

- Room service

- Elevators

- Valet services

- Business center

- Meeting rooms

- Safety deposit desk

- Fitness room

- Swimming pool

- Multi lingual staff

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is one of most incredible venues of the nation. The Convention Center is used as a multi-purpose public facility where various exhibitions, conferences, conventions and different types of events take place. The Center includes 4 main halls, a hallway, auditoriums, meeting rooms of smaller size and the grand hall. The grand hall occupies part of the famous Reading Railway terminal train shed.

The address:

Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority

1101 Arch Street

Philadelphia, Pa 19107

Location

The headhouse entry is located at the Market and 12th Street in the Center City. Across the 12th street, between the Race Street and Arch Street, 11th and 13th Streets are the exhibit halls A, B and C. After the recent extensions in 2006 the Convention Center has an area of around 1 million Sq foot.

http://www.paconvention.com/home2/

Easy to Access:

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located in the prime location of Philadelphia. Thus the Center has quite easy access. You can easily reach the Center by train, plane and car. The Convention Center is easy to find out.

Public Transports:

There are various transport options available to reach the Convention Center:-Amtrak Rail Transportation: Trains operating from the stations at 30th Street. Provides services to the Northeast Corridor and points south and west-Septa Rail line; The R 1 connecting the Philadelphia airport to the Philadelphia Center City.-Philadelphia international airport

http://www.paconvention.com/home2/attendees/directions/

Parking:

The Convention Center offers both free and paid, 24 hours and limited hour parking facilities in different parking lots in the city. To know about the parking arrangements logon to the following site:

http://www.paconvention.com/home2/attendees/directions/parking.asp

Events:

Many regular events and on-demand-events are hosted by the Convention Center. Logon to the given website below for the Calendar of Events:

http://www.paconvention.com/iebms/coe/coe_p1_calendar.aspx?sessionid=fdkfakfb2fg5fg8fd1

Hotels:

Some of the best hotels in Philadelphia PA are situated near the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Marriott Hotel

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phldt-philadelphia-marriott-downtown/

Loews Hotel

http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Hotels/Philadelphia-Hotel/Overview.aspx

Hilton Garden Inn

http://www.hiltongardenphilly.com/

Hampton Inn Center City

http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=PHLCVHX