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A team of volleyball players huddles up at NEW.

How Philadelphia Sets NEQ Volleyball Up for Success Every Year

Date May 16, 2024

How Philadelphia Sets NEQ Volleyball Up for Success Every Year

A team of volleyball players huddles up at NEW.

Every spring, Philadelphia’s most thrilling weekends of sports don’t unfold on the Palestra’s court or amidst the greens of Citizens Bank Park. It’s on over ninety volleyball courts inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC).

Since 2013, the Northeast Qualifier (NEQ) girls junior volleyball tournament has occurred over several weekends each spring in Philadelphia. Over 1,200 teams from 25 states and Puerto Rico come to Philadelphia to compete for spots in the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships. During these weekends, the Pennsylvania Convention Center transforms into a complex of courts, with over ninety courts created for the event.

A player is serving a vollyball on a court inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center at NEW

One of the reasons NEQ returns to Philadelphia year after year is the PHLCVB destination services team.

“Without the [PHL]CVB…I don’t think we could pull this off,” said Tom Pingel, events director for NEQ Volleyball. “It’s an experienced group. They know what our needs are and can help troubleshoot a little bit in advance as well.”

As a key player in the success of the NEQ tournament, the PHLCVB destination services team goes above and beyond. They not only act as a liaison for the Pennsylvania Convention Center but also assist with every aspect of logistical planning. From sourcing teams to partner Philadelphia hotels to hiring entertainment for the athletes off the court and suggesting off-site activities for families, their dedication is unparalleled. It’s this commitment to excellence that has secured Philadelphia as the home of NEQ until 2030.

Off the court, NEQ loves coming to Philadelphia for its accessibility and versatility. The Pennsylvania Convention Center is conveniently located in the heart of Center City, steps away from hotels and restaurants. When not on the court, players and their families can easily walk to iconic attractions, such as the Liberty Bell and Reading Terminal Market.

“[The PHLCVB] are great partners with a personal approach who respect our time and pay special attention to the needs of event planners—it’s why we return to Philadelphia time and again.”

@discoverphl Every spring, the Northeast Qualifier #volleyball tournament is held inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which has the ample space and versatility for your next sporting event. #PHLSports

The Sales and Services team at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Pennsylvania Convention Center have decades of combined experience to maximize your investment. Contact PHLCVB’s Destination Services team for assistance with your next Philadelphia meeting.