Convention Center Philadelphia: Events, Parking, Entrances, Hotels & Map
Visiting the Pennsylvania Convention Center for a trade show, conference, exhibition or public event? Find the correct entrance, nearby paid parking, SEPTA Jefferson Station access, upcoming 2026 events, connected hotels, floor plans and practical local tips before you travel.
Visitor information reviewed October 23, 2026.
Pennsylvania Convention Center: Quick Visitor Information
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
Located in Center City, above SEPTA Jefferson Station and beside the Reading Terminal Market district.
215-418-4700
Directions and events line: 215-418-4989.
General inquiries: info@paconvention.com.
679,000 square feet of total exhibit hall space.
Flexible meeting and breakout facilities.
Including the large Terrace Ballroom.
The center spans several downtown blocks. For a more detailed overview of the facility’s multi-level layout, see our Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia guide.
Which Philadelphia Convention Center Entrance Should You Use?
One of the most common visitor mistakes is using the mailing address without checking the event’s assigned hall.
The official convention center operations guidance identifies two primary arrival areas:
12th & Arch Streets
GPS: 1201 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Usually serves: Exhibit Halls A, B, C and F, Grand Hall, and Ballrooms A and B.
Directions to Main Entrance119 North Broad Street
GPS: 119 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Usually serves: Exhibit Halls D, E and G, Broad Street Atrium, and Terrace Ballroom.
Directions to Broad StreetEntrance decision table
| Event room or area | Recommended entrance | GPS address |
|---|---|---|
| Hall A | 12th & Arch | 1201 Arch Street |
| Hall B | 12th & Arch | 1201 Arch Street |
| Hall C | 12th & Arch | 1201 Arch Street |
| Hall F | 12th & Arch | 1201 Arch Street |
| Grand Hall | 12th & Arch | 1201 Arch Street |
| Ballrooms A and B | 12th & Arch | 1201 Arch Street |
| Hall D | North Broad Street | 119 N Broad Street |
| Hall E | North Broad Street | 119 N Broad Street |
| Hall G | North Broad Street | 119 N Broad Street |
| Terrace Ballroom | North Broad Street | 119 N Broad Street |
| Broad Street Atrium | North Broad Street | 119 N Broad Street |
How to find your exact entrance
- Find the event name. Check your ticket, registration email or exhibitor documents.
- Identify the hall. Look for a hall letter, ballroom name or meeting-room number.
- Match the entry location. Use the 12th & Arch or Broad Street entrance as appropriate.
- Choose parking or transit. Select the nearest practical garage or Jefferson Station exit.
- Check badge collection. Some conferences require you to register before entering an exhibit hall.
- Allow walking time. The building covers multiple blocks and levels.
For visitors attending events in Halls D, E or G, our Broad Street entrance guide explains that side of the facility in more detail.
Philadelphia Convention Center Upcoming Events: 2026–2027
The Pennsylvania Convention Center hosts conferences, association meetings, consumer shows, exhibitions, arts events and major gaming gatherings.
These dates were listed on the official venue calendar for late 2026 and early 2027.
2026
LeadingAge
Professional conference and exhibition for the aging-services community.
Check delegate registration, exhibitor access and session details.
2026
Reuters Events: Pharma Customer Engagement 2026
Industry-focused meeting featuring healthcare and pharmaceutical engagement topics.
Registration may be limited to eligible delegates.
2026
Future Labs Live USA 2026
Laboratory technology and scientific innovation event.
Confirm conference admission and exhibit-access arrangements.
2026
Pennsylvania Conference for Women
Professional development and networking event with speakers and educational programming.
2026
Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show
Public-facing arts and crafts exhibition.
Check admission, opening hours and participating exhibitors.
2026
Society for Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting
Professional medical and scientific convention featuring research and educational sessions.
2026
NCTE Annual Convention
National Council of Teachers of English gathering for educators and professionals.
2026
PAX Unplugged 2026
Major tabletop gaming convention with exhibitions, activities and attendee programming.
Check the organizer’s ticketed public days and entry hours.
2027
Philadelphia International Auto Show 2027
Public automotive exhibition. Confirm ticket dates, floor access and current admission prices.
How to check tickets and admission
- Choose the event and correct date.
- Check whether admission is public or professional-only.
- Review the organizer’s ticket or registration portal.
- Confirm age rules, badge requirements and entry restrictions.
- Find the assigned hall and entrance.
- Verify the final details on the official Pennsylvania Convention Center event calendar.
Philadelphia Convention Center Parking: Garages, Prices & Tips
Unlike suburban convention venues with large complimentary lots, Pennsylvania Convention Center is surrounded by independently operated downtown parking garages and lots.
Nearby parking options
| Parking option | Location / area | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Convention Center Parking Facility | 1324 Arch Street | Visitors seeking an Arch Street-area garage. |
| Parkway-operated garages | Multiple Center City locations | Comparing garages near the assigned entrance. |
| ABM Parking | Philadelphia convention district | Additional garage availability. |
| iParkit | Center City locations | Online parking comparison and eligible reservations. |
| SP+ Parking | Multiple downtown facilities | Comparing daily or event parking options. |
These facilities are not necessarily owned or operated by Pennsylvania Convention Center. Their prices and policies can differ.
Which garage should you choose?
For 12th & Arch events
Prioritize a garage near Arch Street and your assigned entrance. A slightly farther garage may save money, but include walking time in your decision.
For Broad Street events
Search around the Broad Street side of the convention district. Avoid selecting an Arch Street garage solely because it uses the convention center name.
For overnight visitors
Compare your hotel’s parking rate with independent garage options, including overnight policies and re-entry conditions.
For accessible parking
Confirm suitable spaces, vehicle clearance, elevator access and the accessible walking route to your event entrance.
Parking steps for first-time visitors
- Check the entrance. Confirm whether your event uses Arch Street or Broad Street.
- Compare garages. Check current prices, clearance heights, operating hours and reservation requirements.
- Review re-entry. Do not assume your payment allows unlimited exits and returns.
- Check event-day conditions. Busy conventions and downtown activities can affect availability.
- Follow garage signs. Keep your parking confirmation or ticket.
- Save your location. Record the garage entrance and level before walking to your event.
Compare the venue’s listed operators using the official Pennsylvania Convention Center parking information.
Our PA Convention Center Philly parking and hotel guide provides additional downtown travel planning tips.
SEPTA Jefferson Station, Airport Line & Public Transportation
One of the center’s strongest visitor advantages is direct access to SEPTA’s Regional Rail network through Jefferson Station beneath the convention district.
Jefferson Station
Located beneath the convention center area, providing a convenient arrival option.
SEPTA Airport Line
Connects Philadelphia International Airport with Center City stations, including Jefferson.
PATCO
Regional rail connection to central Philadelphia, with onward walking or transit.
How to get from Philadelphia International Airport
- Find the SEPTA Airport Line station associated with your airport terminal.
- Check the current service timetable and fare.
- Board a train toward Center City Philadelphia.
- Exit at Jefferson Station.
- Follow station signs toward the street exit closest to your event entrance.
- Use 12th & Arch or North Broad Street as specified by your registration instructions.
Other transit choices
| Transit method | Best use | Plan ahead |
|---|---|---|
| SEPTA Regional Rail | Suburban Philadelphia and airport connections | Current service and train times |
| SEPTA subway / Metro | Local and regional city travel | Nearest accessible station and transfers |
| SEPTA buses | Philadelphia neighborhoods | Route, stop and possible diversions |
| PATCO | South Jersey connections | Philadelphia station and walking route |
| Amtrak | Intercity rail travel | Transfer from 30th Street Station |
| Taxi / rideshare | Direct travel with luggage | Pickup restrictions and downtown traffic |
Check the official SEPTA trip planner, schedules and service alerts before departure.
Philadelphia Convention Center Map & Driving Directions
Mailing address: 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Driving from major routes
| Starting route | General approach |
|---|---|
| I-76 from western suburbs | Connect toward I-676 East and follow the downtown Broad Street / Vine Street approach. |
| I-95 from the south | Follow signs for I-676 and Center City, then use live navigation toward the selected entrance. |
| I-95 from the north | Use the Center City approach toward I-676 and the downtown street network. |
| New Jersey via Ben Franklin Bridge | Follow Vine Street toward the convention district. |
| Philadelphia International Airport | Use live navigation or the Airport Line to Jefferson Station. |
Road construction, one-way streets and congestion can affect downtown driving. Follow current navigation and official event directions.
For full approach instructions, see the official convention center driving directions.
Hotels Near Philadelphia Convention Center
The venue is connected to two hotels and surrounded by additional accommodations in Center City.
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
A major convention-oriented hotel connected to the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Best for: Multi-day conferences, business travelers and guests who value indoor venue access.
Aloft Philadelphia Downtown
A hotel connected to the convention center campus near the Broad Street district.
Best for: Visitors attending events around the Broad Street Atrium or that side of the facility.
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Located near the Market Street convention district.
Best for: Visitors wanting full-service hotel amenities and nearby downtown dining.
Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City
A hotel option in the central Philadelphia shopping and restaurant district.
Best for: Travelers who prefer downtown access without requiring a direct convention center connection.
How to compare hotel options
- Entrance proximity: Check the actual walking route to your assigned hall.
- Connected access: Determine whether direct indoor access is useful for your event.
- Total room cost: Include taxes, mandatory fees and parking.
- Convention discounts: Ask the organizer whether group hotel blocks are available.
- Accessibility: Confirm step-free routes and accessible-room availability.
- Cancellation terms: Group bookings may differ from public rates.
Pennsylvania Convention Center Floor Plans & Venue Capacity
The center occupies more than two million square feet overall and provides more than one million square feet of flexible sellable event space.
Square feet across seven exhibition halls.
Square feet in connected exhibition areas.
Square feet of historic event space.
Important event spaces
| Area | Published size | Typical function |
|---|---|---|
| Hall A | 135,000 sq ft | Large exhibitions and trade shows |
| Hall B | 90,000 sq ft | Exhibitions and conferences |
| Hall C | 90,000 sq ft | Exhibitions and conference events |
| Hall D | 109,000 sq ft | Large exhibitions |
| Hall E | 104,000 sq ft | Large exhibitions |
| Terrace Ballroom | 55,408 sq ft | Banquets, presentations and major receptions |
| Grand Hall | 34,960 sq ft | Registration, receptions and exhibitions |
| Broad Street Atrium | 23,400 sq ft | Public circulation, gatherings and registration |
Square-footage references are drawn from the venue’s facility descriptions and planning charts. Some publications round figures; always use the latest event-specific plan for contractual space measurements.
Which building level contains what?
100 & 200 Levels
Broad Street Atrium, meeting rooms, exhibit halls and the historic Grand Hall.
300 Level
Ballroom areas, overlook spaces and circulation to other event facilities.
400 Level
Terrace Ballroom and related event facilities.
Exhibitor Access
Loading docks, freight access and technical service areas assigned separately from public visitor entrances.
To identify exact room numbers, layout configurations and dimensions, use the official floor plans and capacity charts.
Food, Reading Terminal Market & Visitor Amenities
One of the most practical advantages of the Philadelphia venue is the number of food options in the surrounding downtown district.
Reading Terminal Market
Located at 51 North 12th Street, Reading Terminal Market is immediately beside the convention district and offers numerous food vendors and specialty shops.
Other nearby dining areas
Chinatown
Restaurants and casual dining near Arch Street, within the wider convention district.
Market Street
Food, coffee shops and additional downtown restaurant choices.
On-site concessions
Food and beverage service inside the center depends on event operations and open concession areas.
Overlook Café
A venue dining and seating area where service and access depend on operating arrangements.
Wi-Fi and other facilities
| Facility | Visitor information |
|---|---|
| Public Wi-Fi | Complimentary on public concourses and the third-level Overlook Café. |
| Dedicated event internet | Separately arranged networks or wired services for event operations. |
| Food and beverages | On-site concessions and contracted catering, depending on event. |
| Lactation rooms | Private facilities available at designated venue locations. |
| Accessibility support | Accessible entrances, restrooms and movement between floors. |
| Event assistance | Organizer desks and venue staff during relevant events. |
Wi-Fi distinction: Complimentary visitor Wi-Fi should not be confused with professional exhibitor networking, dedicated bandwidth or a hardwired internet service, which may require a separate order.
Accessibility, Family Facilities & Security
The Pennsylvania Convention Center provides accessible facilities and has achieved Sage Inclusion accessibility certification, covering a broad range of visitor needs.
Accessibility considerations
- Accessible public entrances.
- Elevators and vertical circulation.
- Accessible restrooms.
- Accessible meeting spaces.
- Mobility support options.
- Event-specific seating accommodations.
Before your visit
- Identify the most accessible event entrance.
- Confirm elevator availability and route.
- Ask about hearing or sensory accommodations.
- Contact the organizer for accessible seating.
- Check whether mobility equipment must be arranged in advance.
- Verify any quiet-room or family facility access.
Bags and prohibited items
Do not assume every event has the same clear-bag policy. Security screening, bag dimensions, prohibited items and re-entry restrictions can differ substantially between professional conferences and public entertainment events.
Before arriving, check:
- Bag-size restrictions.
- Prohibited objects and photography rules.
- Outside-food or beverage restrictions.
- Ticket or identification requirements.
- Child admission requirements.
- Re-entry and badge rules.
Exhibitor Loading Docks, Booth Services & Event Booking
Exhibitors and event organizers must follow operational procedures that differ from public visitor rules.
Exhibitor preparation checklist
| Requirement | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Booth number | Final approved show floor plan. |
| Freight | Official service contractor, shipping labels and delivery times. |
| Loading docks | Assigned loading route, vehicle rules and move-in schedule. |
| Electricity | Power requirements and service-order deadline. |
| Internet | Dedicated connections, Wi-Fi packages and network needs. |
| Catering | Approved food and beverage provider and sampling restrictions. |
| Labor | Applicable installation, dismantling and contractor work rules. |
| Rigging | Structural approval and permitted installation methods. |
Useful contacts
How to request event space
- Identify your preferred event dates and alternatives.
- Estimate attendance, exhibitors and room requirements.
- Select likely hall, ballroom or meeting-room arrangements.
- List food service, audiovisual, labor and technology needs.
- Ask about event setup, freight access and approved floor plans.
- Request a written estimate from the official sales team.
- Review rental, service, insurance, deposit and cancellation conditions.
For current exhibitor and planning procedures, visit the official Pennsylvania Convention Center exhibitor services page.
Don’t Confuse Philadelphia Convention Center with the Expo Center in Oaks
Visitors searching for Philadelphia convention events sometimes encounter another venue with a similar regional name.
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Address: 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Area: Center City Philadelphia.
Transit: Jefferson Station access.
Parking: Independently operated paid downtown garages.
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Address: 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456.
Area: Oaks, Montgomery County.
Transit: Different suburban transportation arrangements.
Parking: Extensive on-site parking.
For an additional overview of the downtown facility and common location confusion, see our Philadelphia Convention Center events and visitor guide.
Local Visitor Tips That Save Time
For First-Time Attendees
Save the event hall and entrance, not just the mailing address. Large events may place registration far from your chosen garage.
For Daily Commuters
Compare Jefferson Station with downtown parking. Rail travel may be more convenient when event-day traffic is heavy.
For Overnight Visitors
A hotel connected to the center can reduce daily outdoor walking, but compare the entire stay cost, including room taxes and parking.
For Families
Check child admission, stroller restrictions, accessible restrooms and event-specific re-entry rules before visiting a public show.
For Exhibitors
Use the organizer’s current freight manual and move-in schedule. Public garage instructions are not loading-dock instructions.
For Lunch Breaks
Reading Terminal Market is a convenient nearby option, but allow for crowds and any security re-screening before returning.
Convention Center Philadelphia: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the address of Philadelphia Convention Center?
The Pennsylvania Convention Center’s official mailing address is 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Public entrances include 12th & Arch Streets and North Broad Street, depending on your event hall.
2. Is Philadelphia Convention Center the same as Pennsylvania Convention Center?
Yes. The downtown facility commonly called Philadelphia Convention Center is officially named Pennsylvania Convention Center. It is different from Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania.
3. Is parking free at Philadelphia Convention Center?
No universal free parking is provided for visitors. Nearby garages and lots are independently operated, with rates depending on location, duration and event conditions.
4. What is the closest train station to the convention center?
SEPTA Jefferson Station is beneath the convention center district. Regional Rail and the Airport Line provide convenient connections to downtown Philadelphia.
5. Which entrance should I use for Halls A, B, C and F?
The venue’s operations guidance recommends the main 12th & Arch Street entrance for Halls A, B, C and F, using 1201 Arch Street for GPS. Event-specific instructions may override the usual entrance.
6. Where is the entrance for Halls D, E and G?
Visitors attending events in Halls D, E and G are generally directed to the North Broad Street entrance, using 119 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, for GPS.
7. What events are coming to Philadelphia Convention Center?
Published upcoming events include LeadingAge on October 25–28, 2026, Pennsylvania Conference for Women on November 5, the Contemporary Craft Show on November 6–8, PAX Unplugged on December 4–7, and the Philadelphia International Auto Show in January 2027. Check the organizer for public admission details.
8. Which hotels connect to Pennsylvania Convention Center?
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown and Aloft Philadelphia Downtown are connected to the convention center campus. Other hotels are within walking distance in Center City.
9. How large is Pennsylvania Convention Center?
The facility has more than two million square feet overall, seven exhibit halls totaling approximately 679,000 square feet, 82 meeting rooms and two major ballrooms. Its contiguous exhibition area totals approximately 528,000 square feet.
10. Does Pennsylvania Convention Center have Wi-Fi and accessibility facilities?
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on public concourses and in the third-level Overlook Café. The venue provides accessible facilities and has earned Sage Inclusion accessibility certification. Event-specific accommodations should be confirmed with the organizer.