Puerto Rico: the meeting place of the Americas. (Special Advertising Feature).The Meeting Place of the Americas Puerto Rico's new state-of-the-art convention center will provide an exceptional setting for successful trade shows, exhibitions, and business meetings, attracting visitors from around the world. Underlining its commitment to serve the global business meeting and convention market, the Government of Puerto Rico The Government of Puerto Rico is a commonwealth within the United States consisting of a national and state government and 78 administrative sub-divisions called municipalities. The government was created in 1952 by the enactment of the Constitution of Puerto Rico. and the Puerto Rico Convention Center The Puerto Rico Convention Center (PRCC) (or Centro de Convenciones de Puerto Rico in Spanish) is a convention center located in San Juan, Puerto Rico owned by the Puerto Rico Convention District Authority, a government agency of Puerto Rico, and managed District Authority are rapidly moving forward with construction of a new convention center that will put the fabled island at the forefront of corporate and international meeting destinations. With its grand opening planned for mid-2005, the new Puerto Rico Convention Center will enable visitors to experience the distinctiveness of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (pwār`tō rē`kō), island (2005 est. pop. 3,917,000), 3,508 sq mi (9,086 sq km), West Indies, c.1,000 mi (1,610 km) SE of Miami, Fla. amid one of the most ambitious waterfront projects in the history of the United States “American history” redirects here. For the history of the continents, see History of the Americas. The United States of America is located in the middle of the North American continent, with Canada to the north and the United Mexican States to the south. and its territories. The new center is expected to be the largest convention center in the Caribbean and the most sophisticated exhibition facility in Latin America Latin America, the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. . "In addition to developing a state-of-the-art facility that is consistent with the quality and standards of a world-class convention center, we've also designed a convention center with an architectural expression which recalls the island's natural resources and unique beauty to offer a truly distinctive convention and travel experience," said Jose M. Suarez, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. The Puerto Rico Convention Center will have a huge exhibition hall, the largest ballroom in the Caribbean, and a wide array of meeting spaces. The center will be outfitted with state-of-the-art telecommunications technology, audiovisual systems, and lighting. Luring International Conventions The convention center's inauguration will create a singular destination for conventions, trade shows, consumer shows and congresses. It will enable Puerto Rico to be an even bigger competitor in the convention markets of North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. , Latin America and the Caribbean, capitalizing on the island's high-tech infrastructure and tropical atmosphere. Puerto Rico has long been a favorite place for meetings and conventions. Its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and genuine hospitality draw thousands of visitors each year. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea Caribbean Sea (kâr'ĭbē`ən, kərĭb`ēən), tropical sea, c.970,000 sq mi (2,512,950 sq km), arm of the Atlantic Ocean, Central America. and the Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean [Lat.,=of Atlas], second largest ocean (c.31,800,000 sq mi/82,362,000 sq km; c.36,000,000 sq mi/93,240,000 sq km with marginal seas). Physical Geography Extent and Seas , Puerto Rico is both exotic and familiar--combining U.S.-style sophistications with the warmth of its Latin culture. With easy air connections to the rest of the world, Puerto Rico lies only a 2.5-hour flight from Miami and connections to Latin America. Major carriers flying to San Juan San Juan, city, Argentina San Juan (săn wän, Span. sän hwän), city (1991 pop. 353,476), capital of San Juan prov., W Argentina. It is a commercial and industrial center in an agricultural region. are ACES, American Airlines American Airlines Major U.S. airline. American was created through a merger of several smaller U.S. airlines and incorporated in 1934. It continued to buy the routes of other airlines, becoming an international carrier in the 1970s; its routes include South America, the , Continental, Copa, Delta, Iberia, Jet Blue Airlines, Northwestern, Spirit Airlines, and US Airways. Forty Years of Expertise Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau The Puerto Rico Convention Bureau (PRCB) is a non-profit organization that markets Puerto Rico as a meetings and conventions destination. The PRCB’s team of dedicated and attentive bureau professionals is available with all the resources necessary to ensure the success and its affiliated member-suppliers have honed their planning services to a fine art. A professional network of more than 550 members delivers everything that the most demanding meeting planner might require--from initial proposals and site inspections to first-rate support services support services Psychology Non-health care-related ancillary services–eg, transportation, financial aid, support groups, homemaker services, respite services, and other services . In order to attract more national and international events to Puerto Rico, the Government of Puerto Rico has embarked on the project now called the Puerto Rico Convention Center District. This unique development was conceived as a dynamic urban center with shopping, cinemas, and entertainment facilities to include restaurants and other amenities. The centerpiece--and its crowning jewel--will be the new convention center rising just alongside the massive walls of Old San Juan and the fortress of El Morro El Morro is a Spanish term meaning "promontory" or "headland." Some places called el Morro:
The 113-acre area is located on the site of the former U.S. Naval and Coast Guard base in San Juan's Isla Grande Despite its name, Isla Grande is a small island off the Caribbean coast of Panama, about a half hour drive (depending on road conditions) from the city of Colon, Panama. There is a town and several resorts on the island, making it a popular weekend getaway. , convenient to Old San Juan, the Luis Munoz Mann International Airport, and the Condado hotels and tourist district. In its architectural expression, the design is meant to echo the sights and ambiance am·bi·ance also am·bi·ence n. The special atmosphere or mood created by a particular environment: "The noir ambience is dominated by low-key lighting . . . of Puerto Rico. For example, large sweeping roof forms bring to mind ocean waves--their complex geometry In mathematics, complex geometry is the study of complex manifolds and functions of many complex variables. , color and translucency. The materials for the exterior and interior (stone, polished stone, stuccoed concrete, glass-stayed curtain wall curtain wall Nonbearing wall of glass, metal, or masonry attached to a building's exterior structural frame. After World War II, low energy costs gave impetus to the concept of the tall building as a glass prism, an idea originally put forth by Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies and traditional curtain wall) provide a Puerto Rican Puer·to Ri·co Abbr. PR or P.R. A self-governing island commonwealth of the United States in the Caribbean Sea east of Hispaniola. feel within a contemporary design scheme. Inside, many of the tiles, doors and wallpaper hangings will have island motifs. Perfect Climate for Big Business The perfect compliment to Puerto Rico's successful meeting and convention business and the stunning, new convention center that is on its way is the island's vibrant business climate, giving the island national and international acclaim. With more than 2,000 diverse industrial plants producing and shipping everything from pharmaceuticals to computer components and medical devices, Puerto Rico's economy is vibrant and growing. The island is the world's largest manufacturer of pharmaceutical products and is home to more than 165 regional offices of Fortune 500 companies. Puerto Rico is also has a first-rate banking system comparable to G-7 economies and the most modern telecommunications system in Latin America. One out of four Hispanic engineers in the U.S. is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico Founded in 1903, the University of Puerto Rico (Universidad de Puerto Rico in Spanish, UPR) is the oldest and largest university system in Puerto Rico. Though Puerto Rico is not a U.S. and 60 percent of the college-age population on the island is enrolled in the island's colleges and universities. Something for Everyone Not far from all the burgeoning business and with easy access to the site of the new Puerto Rico Convention Center, convention and exhibition delegates can find enticing off-site locations for gatherings, meetings and leisurely excursions, such as the famous El Yunque rainforest, historic Old San Juan (the only walled city in the Caribbean) and the glorious mansion of Puerto Rico's first governor. The Bacardi Rum Plant, the largest rum distillery in the world, is another popular stop. On the northwest side of the island, the Rio Camuy Cave Park offers an exciting visit to one of the largest river cave systems in the hemisphere. By way of trolley, boardwalks, steps and paths, visitors view immense tropical sinkholes and majestic caves that form a portion of the 300-acre cave network. In the south, the Bioluminescent bi·o·lu·mi·nes·cence n. Emission of visible light by living organisms such as the firefly and various fish, fungi, and bacteria. bi Bay of La Parguera fishing village is another remarkable landmark. The bay's nighttime underwater "fireworks fireworks: see pyrotechnics. fireworks Explosives or combustibles used for display. Of ancient Chinese origin, fireworks evidently developed out of military rockets and explosive missiles and accompanied the spread of military explosives westward to " display is produced by millions of bioluminescent microorganisms. Columbus Discovers the "Rich Port" Steeped in history, Puerto Rico was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. He found the island was richly abundant in gold; hence, the name "Puerto Rico" (Rich Port). Many of the buildings from Spanish colonial days still stand, and visitors can walk the cobblestone streets for a trip back in time. History and natural beauty provide the backdrop for meeting, convention and business travel to Puerto Rico. But in the end, the visitor will take home memories of Puerto Rico's modern conveniences and high-tech touches that make every meeting a success. Nowhere else in the world can the corporate visitor find such a combination, where the Old World and the New World meet and create a satisfying meeting travel experience! RELATED ARTICLE: Key Facts about Puerto Rico Population: 3,900,000; 1.3 million in San Juan metropolitan area (2000 Census). Capital: San Juan Currency: U.S. dollar, with an extensive network of 24-hour automated teller machines automated teller machine (ATM), device used by bank customers to process account transactions. Typically, a user inserts into the ATM a special plastic card that is encoded with information on a magnetic strip. (ATM) throughout the island. Mail: U.S. Postal Service The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) processes and delivers mail to individuals and businesses within the United States. The service seeks to improve its performance through the development of efficient mail-handling systems and operates its own planning and engineering programs. , plus major international courier services such as FedEx, UPS and DHL DHL abbr. 1. Doctor of Hebrew Letters 2. Doctor of Hebrew Literature . Taxes: No excise tax Excise Tax 1. An indirect tax charged on the sale of a particular good. 2. A penalty tax applied to ineligible transactions in retirement accounts. This penalty is assessed by and paid to the IRS. Notes: 1. imposed on materials imported for conventions or promotional purposes. Languages: Spanish and English are both the official languages. Climate: Average temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) Telephone: Area codes are 787 and 939. All major U.S. long-distance carriers provide service. Electricity: 120 volts AC. Size: 100 by 35 miles (160 by 56 kilometers. Key Facts about the Puerto Rico Convention Center To be the largest convention center and largest ballroom in the Caribbean To be the most sophisticated exhibition facility in Latin America To feature the world's largest chandelier Total enclosed space: 600,000 square feet Total exhibition space: 158,000 square feet Ballroom space: 40,000 square feet Meeting space: 40,000 square feet; 25 breakout rooms Public circulation and concourses: 102,000 square feet Support, service and administration: 239,000 square feet Loading dock: Accommodates 22 truck bays on one level; six with automated lever Future phases: Expansion to 450,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition hall space, with a total of 180,000 square feet of meeting and ballroom space. Architects: The design architect is TVS TVS Transient Voltage Suppressor TVS Textilverband Schweiz TVS TV Virtual Surround TVS Television South (UK; 1982-1992) TVS Tornado Vortex Signature (doppler radar) TVS Total Volatile Solids International, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia. The production architect of record is Jimenez + Rodriguez Barcelo A.I.A., in San Juan, Puerto Rico San Juan (IPA: [saŋ hwaŋ]) (from the Spanish San Juan Bautista, "Saint John the Baptist") is the capital and largest municipality on Puerto Rico. . Did you know? Puerto Rico is the largest producer of rum in the world. The 10th largest export market for the United States. The bridge between North and South America, and a facilitator between Latin America and the United States. Has the largest casino in the Caribbean. Has the largest tennis center in the Caribbean. Has the world's third-largest underground river system. San Juan is the second-largest homeport for cruise ships in the world. Home to the largest radio/telescope in the world at the Arecibo Observatory. How to book the Puerto Rico Convention Center Bookings are being accepted for events in 2005. The Puerto Rico Convention Bureau is the official sales and marketing agent for the Puerto Rico Convention Center at the Puerto Rico Convention District. Based in San Juan, with offices in Washington, D.C., New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , Chicago, Miami and Madrid, Spain, the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau provides sales, consultation and support services to meeting planners in corporate, incentive and association markets. Contact the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau at: 1-800-875-4765 (toll-free in the United States); (787) 725-2110 in Puerto Rico; 011-34-91-4312128 in Madrid, Spain; 00-800-7426-7426 (toll-free for U.K., Netherlands, Belgium and Italy); or visit the following websites: www.meetpuertorico.com or www.proconventioncenter.com. Top 10 reasons to host events at the Puerto Rico Convention Center State-of-the-art meeting space and technology--The Puerto Rico Convention Center will be Latin America's most modern, most high-tech convention venue and the largest in the Caribbean. Visitor-friendly--The Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau and the Convention Center District Authority work with the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association to offer visitors an enjoyable experience. Excellent international air connections--San Juan is served by more than 70 daily non-stop flights from the United States and other international destinations. Efficient ground transportation--Visitors travel comfortably throughout the island: Taxis, tour operators, and full-service destination management companies with fully equipped vehicles. Top-notch accommodations--Puerto Rico hotels and resorts offer a variety of international standard rooms, villas and many types of suites. Booking expertise--The Puerto Rico Convention Bureau offers a "one-stop shopping" approach to help coordinate, promote and manage a meeting on the island. Pre and post-meeting activities--Meeting delegates can tailor island tours to take in historical sites, natural wonders, breathless adventure or tranquil repose. Versatility--Puerto Rico has it all, from natural, tropical ambiance and historic flavor to an alluring cosmopolitan flair in the future Convention Center District. Dining and nightlife--Award-winning restaurants offer traditional fare and international cuisine; sophisticated nightclubs and casinos offer after-dinner entertainment. Year-Round Tropical Climate--Puerto Rico's climate is among the most pleasant in the world, with average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) all year round. |
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