Pennsylvania Convention Center inks three expo deal with American Association for Cancer Research

The Philadelphia-based American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has chosen to hold its 2015, 2019 and 2024 Annual Meetings at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, citing improvements the center has undergone to revise antiquated work rules.

“Philadelphia was a natural choice for our 2015 Annual Meeting,” Margaret Foti, CEO of AACR, said in a statement. “The city is not only our hometown, but it is also an epicenter for groundbreaking cancer research and related biomedical science.”

During the 2015 Annual Meeting held April 18-22 next year, more than 18,500 people are expected to attend, resulting in more than 30,000 hotel night bookings and more than $41 million in economic impact.

Projected numbers for the 2019 and 2024 Annual Meetings are not yet available, but are expected to increase as the association continues to expand its membership, which includes an expansion into China.

The AACR’s booking of the Convention Center comes on the heels of two other groups — the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the National Black MBA Association— deciding to return to Philadelphia because of new work rules, implemented by new management company SMG.

Earlier this year, the Convention Center and SMG signed a new customer satisfaction agreement, which four out of six unions signed. The new work rules give exhibitors a more streamlined experience, with more flexibility and freedom with their booths.

“When we deliver exhibitors and attendees with a great experience, it makes show organizers and meeting planners look good, which helps us to attract new and repeat bookings,” said Lorenz Hassenstein, the center’s general manager for SMG. “We have worked to make the center even more customer-friendly, create a more efficient show floor and streamline processes that make it easier to do business at the center."

The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, SMG and the Convention Center have been on the road lately. Last week, the groups went to Washington, D.C. to update meeting planners on the changes happening at the center. Additional meetings are scheduled to take place in other major markets in the upcoming months.

The two unions barred from working at the center — Carpenters and Teamsters — filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board against the Convention Center on grounds of bargaining in bad faith. The NLRB recently dismissed the charged saying it didn't have jurisdiction because the Convention Center Authority is a public entity. In response, the unions have taken the charge to the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board.

The AACR held its last Annual Meeting in Philadelphia in 1999, but has frequently held smaller meetings in the city.

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal