The City of Brotherly Love,America’s Birthplace, the City of Neighborhoods, the City of Murals,andon andon—Pennsylvania’s largest city claims a profusion of nicknames for goodreason.The historic metropolis of 1.5 million people has played a major role in U.S. history andculture since even before the nation’s inception, through Rocky’s run up the 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, to its present-day status as a top-tier meetings destination. Visitors can shop at South Philadelphia’s Italian Market before diving into a famous Philly cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s, people-watch in the European-style plaza of Rittenhouse Square, or wander the charming Colonial campus of the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania—andthat’s just for starters. For more information, visit the Philadelphia Convention &Visitors Bureau online atwww.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel.
TOPPED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Philadelphia City Hall, the tallest masonry building in North America, was also the tallest structure in Philadelphia until 1987. Crowned by its iconic statue of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, City Hall may have been surpassed in height, but it remains an integral and memorable part of the skyline.
BRAND
SPANKING GREEN
In March 2011,
the Pennsylvania Convention Center (www.paconven tion.com) cut the ribbon on a major new upgrade and expansion, resulting in a facili- ty that is 62 per-
cent larger than its predecessor, with one million square feet of exhibit space and 79 meeting rooms — enough to host two concurrent large trade shows or conventions. And in August, the center reached a mile- stone when the expansion and renovation was awarded LEED Gold certification for