UPDATE: The Reason For The End Of The Strike At The Pennsylvania Convention Center
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Both sides in last week's labor dispute at the Pennsylvania Convention Center credit an outside management firm not even officially 'on the clock' yet, as helping to end the one-day strike.
The one-year contract extension between the Center and trade unions saved this week's American Association of Diabetes Educators convention, with an economic impact of more than $20 million.
The work stoppage hit just as unions represented at the center were scheduled to load the show.
The West Conchocken-based SMG will take over management in October, but its key people, like Senior Vice President Bob McClintock were involved in contract talks now.
He says SMG has brought more than 230 facilities under management worldwide, including Convention Centers in Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco with similar union issues.
McClintock says those experiences will help SMG craft agreements that include the best practices in the industry.
"It gives the members of organized labor the understanding that we come to them with ideas that have proven successful in other similar cities," McClintock says.
Stakeholders hope SMG will lead the center on a path to success and reverse a trend of declining bookings of major conventions.
A new outside manager has a plan to lead the pa convention center on a path to success
