ItÍs at the heart of the city, both geographically and culturally. Within ten blocks in each direction, there are famed landmarks, including Independence Hall and AmericaÍs most historic square mile, Chinatown and the Stunning Friendship Gate, and lovely Rittenhouse Square. And it sits right above the Reading Terminal Market, which offers a vast choice of mouthwatering regional and international food. ItÍs also an economic powerhouse. From its opening in 1993, the Pennsylvania Convention Center has reinvigorated the surrounding district and the city itself, and has been responsible for the addition of more than 50,000 jobs in the hospitality industry. And so many visitors come through our doors that it accounts for almost 50 percent of all hotel rooms in Center City. With the new expansion„the size of two full city blocks„weÍve now increased our size by nearly 60 percent, allowing us to hold up to two major events and multiple smaller meetings at the same time. WeÍre also ranked as one of the top 10 largest convention centers in the country. We canÍt say it any better than the Urban Land Institute: The Pennsylvania Convention Center has energized its downtown neighborhood and brought Philadelphia back as a major player in the tourism and hospitality market. A central downtown location and a design that opens to the street and blends with its surroundings distinguish this from most other major convention centers. More than a successful convention center, it is also a premier civic space, a destination in its own right."_"