4th group books Convention Center after new work rules implemented

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has decided to hold its annual conference in Philadelphia for the first time in 2019, citing the customer satisfaction agreement put in place earlier this year, which expanded exhibitor rights.

“Philadelphia has always been a great destination and now that SMG has worked out some of the past challenges with the new CSA we are looking forward to treating our conference attendees and exhibitors to all the wonderful experiences that it has to offer,” said Sara Haywood, associate director for education and events at APIC.

The conference is expected to bring more than 5,000 attendees worldwide and more than 200 exhibitors. Attendees are expected to generate more than $14.3 million in economic impact, according to the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau.

APIC's decision comes less than a month after the American Association for Cancer Research inked a three-expo deal at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for its 2015, 2019 and 2014 meetings.

The other two groups returning to Philadelphia thanks to the new work rules are American Industrial Hygiene Association for its 2018 conference, and the National Black MBA Association for its 2017 conference.

All four groups are expected to generate more than $91 million to the city.

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.

Previous work rules put Philadelphia at a competitive disadvantage, experts said, giving Philadelphia a "hostile" image to outsiders. However, leaders are saying the recent changes are yielding the intended effects.

“It is great to see that our customers are embracing recent changes that have made the Center more competitive with peer facilities across the country,” said Gregory Fox, chairman of the PCC Authority. “The Center’s recent successes in booking new events like APIC underscore why the new agreement was necessary. The changes we made are having the intended, positive result of bringing new conferences to the center to showcase our city and region and generate significant economic impact for local businesses and their employees.”

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal