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Philadelphia’s new strategic program was developed based on proven strategies in leading convention markets and is designed to accelerate bookings, enhance service consistency, and elevate the city’s competitive edge. Photo courtesy Kyle Huff for PHLCVB.
It’s Philadelphia’s moment to shine! In addition to playing host to Convening Leaders 2026, the City of Brotherly Love has completely reimagined its events sales model to make it simpler than ever to book group business. The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA), and live-events company Legends Global recently announced a new strategic alliance sales model designed to deliver a more unified, efficient, and client-focused convention center meeting experience.
“I’m thrilled to share this major step forward in our continued evolution to better serve our clients and position the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Philadelphia as the premier destination in the convention and meetings industry,” said Maria Grasso, PHLCVB’s chief sales officer. “We remain committed to delivering best-in-class sales and services and are confident this new model will continue to enhance our success in booking and hosting big events in Philadelphia.”
In the past, the PHLCVB’s role was to sell the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) for long-term, citywide events. The new model streamlines sales operations, with the PHLCVB taking full responsibility for all sales activity at the PCC. Legends Global will maintain its exclusive focus on event operations, ensuring flawless execution and an exceptional experience on-site at the PCC. From now on, event planners will have a single point of contact from initial inquiry to contract. The program is built on proven strategies from leading convention markets and is designed to accelerate bookings, improve service consistency, and strengthen Philadelphia’s competitive position. It also drives greater alignment with hotels, vendors, and regional partners while delivering faster communication, clearer accountability, and smoother coordination for business event strategists from initial proposal through event execution at the PCC. Other benefits include greater synergy with hotels, vendors, and key partners across the region as well as faster communication and better clarity and coordination from proposal to execution for event planners working with the PCC. Several former Legends Global staff members have also transitioned to the PHLCVB team, and Russell Kice has joined the PHLCVB as director of convention center sales, playing a key role in ensuring a smooth and successful integration of the new model for groups of all sizes.
To learn more about this new sales model, visit DiscoverPHL.com.
