Welcoming and thanking the Professional Convention Management Association for choosing Philadelphia to host their 50th annual meeting.

WHEREAS, The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) is a nonprofit international association of professionals in the meetings industry whose mission is to deliver breakthrough education and promote the value of professional convention management; and

WHEREAS, The Association was founded and held its first annual meeting in Philadelphia, in 1956; and

WHEREAS, The PCMA met in Philadelphia from January 8-11, 2006 at the Philadelphia Convention Center; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia was especially honored to host PCMA members and PCMA's 50th Anniversary celebration; and

WHEREAS,

The 3,000 attendees, who recommend where more than 80 percent of the nation's conventions and trade shows are held, represent $18 billion in buying power annually in the nation's meeting and convention industry; and

WHEREAS,

The annual meeting offered premier educational programs, dynamic networking opportunities and inspiring general session speakers, while creating an environment conducive to sharing innovative ideas that will impact the future of the convention industry; and

WHEREAS, There were more than 80 educational sessions in 20 key topic areas such as Executive Convention Management, Technology, Exhibition Management, Housing and Travel, Sales and Marketing, among many others; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,

That Council does hereby welcome and thank the Professional Convention Management Association for choosing Philadelphia to host their 50th annual meeting.

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Deborah Sexton, President and CEO of the PCMA, as a token of evidence of this legislative body's sincere appreciation for her investment in the City.

End