Philly's convention center steals a show back from A.C. (Update)

(See Update below, with skeptical comment from A.C. convention center managers) Trade magazine and show producer National Business Media says it has changed plans and will again hold its 2015 NBM show (which this year drew 4,700+ accredited visitors) at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, instead of moving to Atlantic City as it had proposed.

The group credited the new work agreements with the Laborers, Electricians and other unions, replacing an old arrangement including the Carpenters and Teamsters, for changing its mind in Philly's favor.  It made the decision after its three-day September show at the center proved "a complete reversal" of the group's experiences in Philadelphia in prior years, the group said in a statement.

"The professional approach long shown by the Convention Center staff has finally been embraced by labor and others within the state and city," said Susan Hueg, vp at Colorado-based NBM Events, which manages the show. New center manager SMG of West Conshohocken and new center work rules and labor agreements, which for example allow more exhibitors to set up their own booths, show "a greater understanding of the value of trade shows and the business we bring to the area," Hueg added.

Lorenz Hassenstein, SMG's general manager at the site, called the NBM deal "a huge win" and a shot in the arm for the city's hotel industry, whose taxes help fund center operations.

UPDATE: Ike Richman, spokesman for SMG's rival, Comcast Corp.'s Global Spectrum, which replaced SMG as manager of the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall last year, tells me after checking with A.C. convention promoters that he doubts NBM was all that committed to Atlantic City, since the A.C. center. already hosts the rival United States Sign Council show. "All Philly did was keep a show that they already had, that wanted to come to Atlantic City," Richman points out.