Philly is a hip city. I 'm a little bias since I've been living here most of my life. However I recently had a chance to interview Jack Ferguson, President & CEO, Philadelphia CVB. I left our meeting with my bias still intact. Mr. Ferguson has the job of promoting Philadelphia. Not just here but globally as well.
Mr. Ferguson has more than 4 decades of experience in the hospitality business. He has been particularly instrumental in partnerships connecting meetings and conventions with local business opportunities. Jack serves on several boards including the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Temple University’s School of Tourism & Hospitality Management, the Mayor’s Philadelphia International Airport Advisory Board, U.S. Travel Association and Philadelphia OIC. Mr. Ferguson and I are native Philadelphians that have a common interest. We want to the world to see what Philadelphia has to offer. Mr. Ferguson gave me a glimpse of how he markets the Philadelphia experience. Here are his responses to a series of questions about the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
1).How long have you been in your present position with the Bureau?
Ferguson -"I have been in this position for the past 4 years."
2).What is the primary role of the Bureau?
Ferguson - "The role of the Bureau is to fill the Convention Center, promote Philadelphia and fill hotels. We want to enhance the experience of the traveler that come into the city. The Bureau represents Philadelphia to the international market and to bus tours that stay overnight.
3).Where do most of the visitors to Philadelphia come from?
Ferguson - "Most of our visitors come to us from through the booking of conventions and trade shows. Our big feeders are Washington, Chicago and New York. Our international visitors include the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. The list also includes China ,Russia and Brazil. Our motor coach tours come from the Northeast and the Midwest. Canada provides some of the tour market as well."
4). Tell the readers the 3 most popular tourist attractions?
Ferguson -"The three attractions that garner interest are the Barnes, Franklin Institute and the Art Museum. Independence Mall is also one of the historical places that people want to see."
5). What impact do the sports teams have when you market Philadelphia?
Ferguson - "When the sports teams are doing well or playing in a prime time event, the marketing opportunities to promote the city increase. A Monday Night Game or Post season event showcases Philadelphia to millions of people that may want to come here to watch our teams."
6). I went to your website prior to our meeting. It is extremely impressive. Describe some of the selling points that it gives to a potential visitor.
Ferguson - "The website is geared to bring you to what your needs are. For example, if one hits the visit tab for meetings and conventions, that person may represent a group of 10,000 people. We publish the site in 5 languages. They include
English, Spanish, French, German and Chinese."
7). The Super Bowl was in the Meadowlands last weekend. A NCAA Sweet 16 Men's Basketball East Regional was held two years ago in the Prudential Center. What about here?
Ferguson - "Philadelphia could conceivably attract either. We have hosted regionals for the NCAA in the past."
8) Your wish list must include more hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. If you could have just one of these, which would it be and why?
Ferguson - "My wish list would include all of these. But none of them would be on top. My top wish would be that every guest in Center City and Philadelphia has a great experience, leaves and tells someone else about it."
9).The Convention Center was designed to allow us to compete with other major eastern cities. Has it lived up to the expectations?
Ferguson - "Yes. We are now able to go after big conventions that we did not have the capacity to host before. We feel because of the logistics and our location that we are one of the best in the country. Better days are definitely ahead."
9). Describe the PHL concept.
Ferguson - "The PHL concept allows us to play to a larger market. PHL is associated with Philadelphia and is known locally, nationally and globally. The rebrand make it clear who we are. It enables people that reside here to share the Philadelphia experience with others."
10). What is the most fun about your job?
Ferguson - "I love coming to work. I hope everyday that our visitors and customers leave happy and tell people about the great time they had in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau offers planners and attendees three niche congresses with networks of experts and resources available to increase your show attendance and grow sponsorship opportunities.
Each congress works seamlessly with the PHLCVB and PCC staffs to provide access to industry experts and speakers, and connect conventions with off-site networks, venues and regional attendees.
Greater Philadelphia Life Sciences Congress (GPLSC)
This congress is comprised of the region’s life sciences leaders representing academic medical centers, hospitals, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms, venture capitalists and the regional business community.
Multicultural Affairs Congress (MAC)
Philadelphia is proud to represent many multicultural communities and their diverse influence. The first of its kind in the nation, MAC promotes the city’s diversity and encourages multicultural business and social responsibility.
MAC leaders connect you with media, political, civic and business communities. MAC also links you with the region's multicultural community, resources and suppliers.
Philadelphia Sports Congress (PSC)
When it comes to sports and the spirit of competition, there are few cities as passionate as Philadelphia. One of the first sports commissions in the country, PSC provides the expertise and resources needed to make any sporting event or sports-centered meeting, convention or tradeshow a success in Philadelphia.
PSC leaders assist you with hotel and venue selection. They help with event marketing, consulting and staffing. Securing permits and coordinating vendors can be done thru PSC without red tape.
I want to thank Mr. Ferguson for answering my questions. A special thank you to Danielle Cohn for her help as well. The contact info for the Bureau is below.
Address: 1700 Market St #3000, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone:(215) 636-3300
