PHILADELPHIA
The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority has announced the elimination of an 8 percent labor management fee will formally take effect this Sunday, July 1. The fee elimination is one of several recent changes designed to enhance customer service at the Center—including mandatory hospitality training of workers, a new customer service booth on the show floor, and increased transparency of labor rates and hours.
The elimination of the fee is expected to significantly improve the Center’s ability to serve existing customers and enhance its competitiveness for future conventions and meetings. Similarly, as part of its commitment to transparency, the Pennsylvania Convention Center plans to begin posting its labor rates online where they can be readily reviewed by customers, including contractors, show managers, and exhibitors.
In addition, the Center is about to complete an initiative to provide mandatory hospitality training for every individual who works in the building. That effort, which trained approximately 700 individuals, has already been paying dividends. One meeting planner recently told The Philadelphia Inquirer she was “blown away” when labor unions approached her after an event to thank her for her business. the meeting industry.
In recent weeks, the Center also established a show floor customer service booth to answer exhibitor and customer questions, as well as troubleshoot potential problems from the moment they arise. Other recent changes, instituted at the suggestion of customers, include a ban from workers using cell phones or mobile devices on the show floor, as well as a dedicated break area for workers.
