Introducing Julie Coker Graham, the new President & CEO of the PHLCVB Julie Coker Graham was named President & CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) in January 2016, becoming the only African-American woman to lead a major convention and visitors bureau within the top 50 U.S. markets. Coker Graham previously served as the Senior Vice President of Convention Sales for the PHLCVB, where she led a team that was responsible for selling the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) and Philadelphia’s hotel packages. Prior to joining the PHLCVB, she spent 21 years with the Hyatt Corporation, rising to General Manager at Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing. Coker Graham was asked by Mayor Jim Kenney to serve as chair of his transition team for the Democratic National Convention preparation. In addition, she serves on numerous regional boards, including the Center City District, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Visit Philadelphia, Independence Visitor Center Corporation, and U.S. Travel Association. She is also a member of the Philadelphia chapter of The Links, Incorporated and serves as first Vice Chair for the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association (GPHA). We look forward to partnering with Coker Graham in her new leadership position to achieve progress for the hospitality industry in 2016 and beyond.
“There are many cities that can manage the logistics of major conventions like ours, but we found very few who have the attitude, who have the can-do spirit that we found here in Philadelphia. Folks are willing to go the extra mile and are willing to work 24-7 to give us what we need and make this Convention successful. This is the place to be, everybody stands ready to make sure that your event and your convention is the best it can be. Come to Philadelphia and let’s make History again.” - Rev. Leah Daughtry CEO, Democratic National Convention Committee
Town Hall Webinar highlighting “Progress & Partnerships in Philadelphia” The PCC, SMG, and PHLCVB hosted a live town hall webinar that was viewed by more than 250 convention, trade show, and meeting industry professionals on September 17. The webinar highlighted the significant progress at the Center under the professional management of SMG and the 2014 Customer Satisfaction Agreement which includes expanded exhibitor rights and enhanced work rules. Moderated by Julie Coker Graham of PHLCVB, the town hall webinar, “Progress & Partnerships in Philadelphia,” offered live discussions and short video messages from regional partners invested in the success of convention customers and the hospitality community. PCC President & CEO John J. McNichol and General Manager Lorenz Hassenstein of SMG, kicked off the event with updates on show floor enhancements and their commitment to continued improvements. “The webinar provided an opportunity to build on our continued momentum in providing the level of service our customers deserve from a first-class convention facility,” said McNichol. “We emphasized to our customers that we are still listening and continuing the innovations necessary to make the Pennsylvania Convention Center a great place to do business.” Webinar videos and speakers included customers, representatives of the region's hospitality industry, the Center's trade labor partners, and other stakeholders. A video of the town hall is available online at: www.discoverphl.com/townhall. 215-418-4700
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