NEWS RELEASE

Marketplace Events and major updates coming to the Philly Expo Center at Oaks

Philadelphia, PA (March 12, 2015) The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, one of the largest suburban convention centers on the east coast, has announced a number of exciting and newsworthy developments for the 2015-2016 season. From a major new event to a variety of substantial updates to the facility, this season promises to be a landmark one for GPEC.

In their ongoing effort to host the highest quality and most exciting events in the region, GPEC has signed a multi-year contract with Marketplace Events, North America’s largest Home Show producer. Marketplace Events produces over 40 annual home shows across the continent, and is known to set the Home Show industry standard in style and quality. They will be kicking off a brand new event at GPEC, The Philly Home + Garden Show, launching January 2016.

The team that has brought the best-in-class Philly Home Show to the downtown urban market for the past 35 years will now be working with GPEC to bring their winning formula to the 240,000 square foot open floorplan facility. With thousands of free parking spots and convenient access from all major tri-state transit routes, GPEC is an ideal location for this world-class promoter to launch a never-before-seen Home and Garden Show that truly dazzles attendees.

“We are particularly excited about launching in suburban Philadelphia,” said Marketplace Events CEO Tom Baugh. “This gives our exhibitors greater access to thousands of homeowners from the far western suburbs of PA all the way to Southern New Jersey, something they’ve been asking us for.”

That isn’t the only thing to look forward to at the GPEC in the coming months. Major renovations and upgrades are already underway, including an entirely new, more extensive lighting design with 40% more output from brand new LED fixtures; interior remodeling including improvements to the ceiling and new wall upgrades throughout; a state of the art HVAC control system; and updated internet infrastructure for exhibitors.

Visitors will enjoy the newly polished, shining concrete floors throughout the facility, the sharp-looking exterior overhaul in painting and landscaping, and the expansion of exhibit hall restrooms. Ground has been broken on a second kitchen and food court, providing even more foodservice options to events and their attendees.

Future renovations are planned to further improve the extensive parking lots, dramatically modernize the lobbies, and construct beautiful new meeting and banquet rooms to support the wide variety of events looking for quality space of all shapes and sizes.

With two hotels on site, as well as a 24 screen Regal Cinemas, several restaurants, recreational opportunities, and such close proximity to the world-class shopping and entertainment of King of Prussia, there has never been a more exciting time to hold an event at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, or attend one of the 100+ shows that call it home every year.