Philadelphia has been selected as the host city for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. “I am thrilled to announce that Philadelphia will host the convention where we will nominate the 45th President of the United States,” Wasserman Schultz, Chairwoman, Democratic National Committee (DNC), said in a media release. The Convention will generate between $170 and $250 million in economic impact for the city.
Philadelphia was selected from a field of five cities including finalists Columbus, Ohio and Brooklyn, New York. The original field included Birmingham, Alabama and Phoenix, Arizona.
“We are honored to be chosen as the host city for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Our selection validates what meeting planners across the country know – that Philadelphia is a world-class city ready for the world’s top meetings and conventions,” said Julie Coker Graham, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) Executive Vice President. “From the city’s walkability and vibrancy, to the comprehensive hotel package and ease of accessibility, we demonstrated why Philadelphia is the ideal location for this important convention throughout the DNC bid process.”
“This is a great day for Philadelphia and our region,” said Josh Shapiro, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.
The DNC made its selection following two trips to Philadelphia where they visited the Pennsylvania Convention Center and the Wells Fargo Center which will host the official DNC events. The Reading Terminal Market, Xfinity Live, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Art Museum, the Comcast Center, the National Constitution Center and Pat’s Steaks were also among the venues visited during the selection committee city tours.
