Pittsburgh is one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s best cities to hold a convention, according to MeetingSource.com.
The city debuts on the site’s fourth-annual list, which recognizes 25 cities nationally. According to MeetingSource.com, Pittsburgh’s recognition is a result of above average scores in four-of-six measurable areas, including a perfect five-star mark for “walkability.”
“To be named a top convention city is truly an honor for Pittsburgh, and it is a tribute to our great city and Pittsburghers who every day welcome our visitors,” VisitPITTSBURGH Executive Vice President and interim CEO Jerad Bachar says. “Every day, our experienced sales professionals are promoting Pittsburgh and telling potential clients what the city has to offer in the way of hosting events. Today, Pittsburgh has even more resources as it’s a top city for innovation, a key asset for business event professionals.”
Each year, MeetingSource.com ranks the convention assets of 166 cities across the United States. The site employs a five-star rating system used by business travel professionals that measures six important segments:
· Affordable Hotel Rooms (based on the annual average city-wide room rate of $126 per night outlined by the U.S. General Services Administration per diem rates look-up; actual and season rates vary)
· Ease of Access (based on travel time from the Pittsburgh International Airport to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and number of direct flights)
· Safety
· Tourism Appeal
· Walkability
· Weather
Pittsburgh earned four or more stars for walkability, affordability, safety and tourism appeal.
MeetingSource.com made special mention of Pittsburgh’s sports success, saying “the City of Champions is a sports fan’s paradise.” Pittsburgh is home to a year-round calendar of sports events, including professional, amateur, youth and collegiate competitions.
VisitPITTSBURGH is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. The organization is dedicated to sharing the Pittsburgh story worldwide and generating conventions, tradeshows and leisure travel. For more info, visit www.visitpittsburgh.com
