Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Visitor Guide • October 2026
Plan Your Pennsylvania Convention Center Visit in Philly
Attending a conference, exhibition, business meeting or public show in Philadelphia? The Pennsylvania Convention Center sits in Center City above Jefferson Station, close to hotels, Reading Terminal Market and downtown attractions. The most important planning detail is your assigned event entrance, not just the building’s mailing address.
PA Convention Center Philly: Quick Visitor Information
Center City Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Toll-free: 800-428-9000.
Regional Rail station beneath the complex.
Approximately 679,000 sq ft of exhibition space.
Plus two ballrooms and Grand Hall.
Email: info@paconvention.com
General address: 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Official website: paconvention.com ↗
PA Convention Center Philly Events: Late 2026 & Early 2027
These scheduled events appear on the convention center’s official public calendar. The event-start field shown by the venue does not always represent the first time general visitors may enter.
| Event | Dates | Type |
|---|---|---|
| LeadingAge | Oct. 25–28, 2026 | Conference |
| Reuters Pharma Customer Engagement | Oct. 27–28, 2026 | Industry |
| Future Labs Live USA | Oct. 28–29, 2026 | Technology |
| LMC Expo | Oct. 28–30, 2026 | Trade event |
| Pennsylvania Conference for Women | Nov. 5, 2026 | Conference |
| Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show | Nov. 6–8, 2026 | Public show |
| Society for Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting | Nov. 12–15, 2026 | Medical |
| 2026 NCTE Annual Convention | Nov. 19–22, 2026 | Education |
| PAX Unplugged | Dec. 4–7, 2026 | Gaming |
| Philadelphia International Auto Show | Jan. 16–24, 2027 | Auto show |
Selected official calendar listings checked October 18, 2026. Event changes, ticket availability, cancellations and public entry hours are controlled by organizers.
How to Find Tickets and Admission Rules
- Find the exact event title and dates above.
- Open the official Pennsylvania Convention Center events calendar.
- Select your event and follow the organizer information.
- Check whether admission requires paid tickets, professional registration or an invitation.
- Read any age restrictions, bag rules, show hours and badge pickup details.
- Save your confirmation and assigned entry location.
Parking Near Pennsylvania Convention Center
Many garages and surface lots operate around Arch Street, Race Street, Vine Street, Broad Street and nearby blocks. The convention center explicitly says these options are separately operated, with different prices.
| Parking Location | Practical Details |
|---|---|
| Convention Center Parking Facility | 1324 Arch Street. Close to the convention district; pricing and restrictions are set by the operator. |
| 12th & Vine Street area | Multiple surface parking options in the northern convention district. |
| 11th & Arch area | Parking structures close to the eastern portion of the complex. |
| Broad & Vine area | Useful for visitors approaching the Broad Street side; compare pedestrian distance and garage entry. |
| 15th & Vine area | Alternative parking for approaches from major highways and the western side of downtown. |
| Hotel parking | Separate overnight policies and fees. A hotel room does not automatically include parking. |
How to Choose a Garage for Your Event
- Find your exact event entrance or hall in the organizer’s confirmation.
- Choose a garage near that entrance, not simply near the 1101 Arch Street mailing address.
- Check the garage operator’s rate for your arrival and departure times.
- Confirm overnight parking, clearance height and in/out privileges if needed.
- Save the garage street address and prepayment confirmation if applicable.
- Check whether the payment or reservation covers special-event surcharges.
Convention Center Entrances, Map & Hall Navigation
The venue runs across a large section of Center City. Its official directions identify Arch Street and 12th Street access, while the North Broad Street entrance serves the prominent Broad Street Atrium.
1101 Arch Street
Main mailing address and a useful starting point for general navigation. Close to Reading Terminal Market.
Street-Level Access
Official driving instructions reference entrances at the northeast and northwest corners of 12th and Arch Streets.
North Broad Entrance
Major glass-fronted entrance leading to the Broad Street Atrium. Some programs direct attendees here.
Jefferson Station
Regional Rail service provides an important car-free arrival option beneath the convention district.
For the broader city venue guide, including Philadelphia vs Oaks venue identification and navigation, see our Philadelphia Convention Center events, parking and map guide.
Floor Plans, Exhibition Halls & Meeting Levels
The Pennsylvania Convention Center has seven exhibit halls, two ballrooms, meeting rooms, the historic Grand Hall and the Broad Street Atrium. Not every event uses every level.
Broad Street Atrium
Approximately 23,400 sq ft of prominent public and event space at the Broad Street entrance.
Exhibits & Meeting Areas
Major exhibit halls, additional meeting rooms and historic Grand Hall areas.
Grand Ballroom
Major ballroom facilities, adjacent event spaces and overlooks.
Terrace Ballroom
Approximately 55,400 sq ft ballroom with views overlooking the Broad Street Atrium.
| Venue Feature | Official Size / Count |
|---|---|
| Sellable event space | More than 1 million sq ft |
| Exhibit halls | 7 |
| Total exhibit area | 679,000 sq ft |
| Contiguous exhibit area | 528,000 sq ft |
| Meeting rooms | 82 |
| Ballrooms | 2 |
| Historic Grand Hall | Approx. 34,960 sq ft |
| Loading docks | 45 |
Event planners and exhibitors should use the venue’s downloadable floor plans and capacity charts rather than assuming every square foot can be used for attendees or booths.
How to Reach PA Convention Center by Train or Airport Transit
For visitors staying near Center City or arriving by train, transit can be more convenient than driving into the convention district and paying for downtown parking.
Jefferson Station
SEPTA Regional Rail station beneath the convention area. Especially useful for many suburban routes and airport connections.
Philadelphia Airport (PHL)
SEPTA Airport Line provides service toward Center City. Check departure schedules, accessible station access and current fares.
Amtrak 30th Street Station
Major intercity rail hub. Continue by SEPTA Regional Rail, transit, taxi or rideshare toward the convention center.
From New Jersey
PATCO serves Center City Philadelphia. Choose a suitable downtown station and complete the remaining walk or transit connection.
Arriving From Philadelphia International Airport
- After collecting luggage, follow airport signs for SEPTA Regional Rail / Airport Line.
- Check the next Airport Line train and current ticket or fare information.
- Ride toward Center City and exit at Jefferson Station when that stop is served.
- Follow convention center or street exit signs, taking account of accessible routes if needed.
- Continue to your assigned event entrance and registration desk.
Hotels Near PA Convention Center Philly
Philadelphia has numerous downtown accommodations, including hotels physically connected to the convention center and others a short walk away. Prices depend on the specific event, travel dates and parking needs.
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Direct convention facility connection. Useful for multi-day events and early sessions.
Aloft Philadelphia Downtown
101 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Convenient for Broad Street access and the convention district.
Hilton Garden Inn Center City
1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Very close to the Arch Street side and Reading Terminal Market.
Hampton Inn Center City
1301 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Short convention-district walk; compare breakfast, room type and valet costs.
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Downtown hotel near convention venues and SEPTA connections.
Four Points by Sheraton Center City
1201 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Convenient for conventions around the Race Street side of downtown.
How to Compare Your Total Hotel Cost
- Calculate the room rate multiplied by the number of nights.
- Add lodging taxes and applicable hotel charges.
- Include overnight parking, if driving.
- Check if breakfast is included or requires separate payment.
- Compare walking distance to the entrance assigned by your event.
- Check conference room blocks and cancellation terms.
Our Philadelphia Convention Center visitor guide also explains how event entrances and parking location affect downtown hotel selection.
Accessibility, Sensory Support & Visitor Amenities
The Pennsylvania Convention Center has accessible public infrastructure and received Sage accessibility certification in 2025. The center opened a dedicated sensory room in 2026.
| Visitor Need | Practical Information |
|---|---|
| Accessible parking | Accessible spaces available in nearby parking facilities; contact the chosen operator for access and clearance. |
| Accessible entrances | Check the designated event entrance and available step-free route. |
| Restrooms | Accessible restrooms and other inclusive facilities are provided. |
| Mobility equipment | Venue accessibility resources have included scooter rental arrangements. Confirm current availability. |
| Braille signage | Listed among venue accessibility features. |
| Lactation accommodation | Mamava lactation suites have been identified among venue amenities. |
| Sensory room | Dedicated sensory facility introduced in January 2026. Ask about current location and access conditions. |
| Event interpretation | Request event-specific interpreting or seating accommodations from the organizer in advance. |
Food, Reading Terminal Market & Nearby Attractions
The convention center’s Arch Street side is next to Reading Terminal Market, a popular destination for quick meals, local specialties and food shopping. Chinatown, City Hall and Center City restaurants are also nearby.
Reading Terminal Market
Historic indoor market near the convention center. Popular for breakfast, sandwiches, baked goods and local food vendors.
Philadelphia Chinatown
Restaurants and cultural destinations northeast of the convention center, useful before or after events.
City Hall & Dilworth Park
Downtown public spaces and historic architecture southwest of the convention complex.
Historic Philadelphia
Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell district are farther east and can be part of an additional sightseeing day.
Food vendors, attraction entry policies and opening hours vary. If your event has timed sessions, check the market or restaurant’s operating hours before leaving the venue.
For Exhibitors and Event Planners
Organizer and exhibitor requirements go beyond visitor parking and basic floor maps. The Pennsylvania Convention Center offers dedicated services for meeting planners, exhibitors and contractors.
Booth & Freight Handling
Review official labor rules, loading dock access and show contractor procedures before scheduling deliveries.
Meeting Space
Choose from seven exhibit halls, 82 meeting rooms, two ballrooms and specialty spaces.
Internet & Technology
Request show-specific connectivity, audiovisual arrangements and utilities through authorized event service providers.
Capacity & Safety
Use approved occupancy charts and event layouts. Booth, stage and aisle configurations affect usable attendee capacity.
How to Request Convention Space
- Prepare proposed dates, alternative dates and the event duration.
- Estimate attendees, exhibitors, booths and breakout rooms.
- Review available floor plans and capacity charts.
- Contact the convention center’s meeting planning or sales team.
- Request a detailed estimate that separates rent from services and labor.
- Verify event insurance, move-in scheduling and contractor requirements.
Don’t Confuse Center City With Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks
The Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philly is not the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. They are different event properties with different transportation and parking arrangements.
| Detail | PA Convention Center | Expo Center in Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia | 100 Station Avenue, Oaks |
| Area | Center City Philadelphia | Suburban Oaks |
| Transit | Jefferson Station connection | More car-oriented |
| Parking | Nearby paid garages and lots | Large onsite parking area, generally free |
If your ticket says Oaks or 100 Station Avenue, do not navigate to 1101 Arch Street. See our Philadelphia Convention Center comparison and visitor guide for this common location mix-up.
Event-Day Checklist
- Correct venue and city verified
- Event date and opening hours confirmed
- Assigned entrance saved
- Hall, ballroom or meeting room identified
- Tickets or registration completed
- Parking garage or transit route selected
- Current garage charges checked
- Event-specific bag rules reviewed
- Accessible arrangements confirmed if needed
- Return travel plan saved
Related Philadelphia Convention Guide
PA Convention Center Philly: 10 FAQs
1. What is the address of PA Convention Center Philly?
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is at 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Your event may use a different entrance along the multiblock convention center complex.
2. Is PA Convention Center the same as Philadelphia Convention Center?
Yes. Most searches for PA Convention Center Philly refer to the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia, not the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks.
3. How much does parking cost at Pennsylvania Convention Center?
Parking prices vary by independent garage operator, event, time and duration. The venue does not publish one universal rate for all nearby parking garages. Check the garage’s current price before entering.
4. What upcoming events are at Pennsylvania Convention Center?
Examples on the official schedule include LeadingAge on October 25–28, 2026, Pennsylvania Conference for Women on November 5, PAX Unplugged on December 4–7, and the Philadelphia International Auto Show on January 16–24, 2027.
5. Which train station serves PA Convention Center?
SEPTA Jefferson Station is located beneath the convention center area, providing a convenient Regional Rail connection for visitors traveling within the Philadelphia region.
6. Which hotels are connected to PA Convention Center?
The venue’s official floor-plan information identifies Philadelphia Marriott Downtown and Aloft Philadelphia Downtown as connected convention center hotels.
7. Is the Pennsylvania Convention Center wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue offers accessible facilities and has received Sage accessibility certification. Contact the venue and event organizer to arrange specific mobility, sensory or communication accommodations.
8. How many exhibition halls does PA Convention Center have?
The Pennsylvania Convention Center has seven exhibition halls with approximately 679,000 square feet of exhibition space, plus 82 meeting rooms, two ballrooms and additional event spaces.
9. How do I buy tickets for events at PA Convention Center?
Visit the official events calendar, choose your event and follow the organizer’s admission or registration instructions. Prices and access rules vary by individual event.
10. How do I get from Philadelphia Airport to PA Convention Center?
Take SEPTA’s Airport Line toward Center City and use Jefferson Station when served by your train. Follow directions to the convention center and your assigned event entrance. Confirm current schedules and fares before travel.