Philadelphia, PA (June 11, 2015) - The Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) is the nation's first convention center to offer a portable Mamava lactation suite for nursing mothers to breast feed infants or to use breast pumps in privacy.

"We are offering the new suite during meetings and conventions to offer ease and comfort for our guests," said Lorenz Hassenstein, general manager for center operator SMG. "This is another example of SMG's commitment to improving the visitor experience at PCC. This new amenity helps us to create a private place within our public environment, enhancing the center's amenities for women and families."

SMG rolled the portable pod into place during the 87th annual American Association of Airport Executives Conference and Exposition at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. It will be used for the 2015 BIO International Convention, June 15-18; International Society for Technology in Education, June 30-July 2; and all future events at the center including the World Meeting of Families in September and the Democratic National Convention in 2016.

Created by Mamava, a company dedicated to transforming the culture of breastfeeding, the unit is a self-contained, mobile pod with comfortable benches, an electrical outlet and a door that can be locked for privacy. The 4-foot by 8-foot pod is meant for individual use, but can fit more than one person, including mothers with infants, breast pumps and luggage.  

"Until now, women have often had to pump milk in the bathroom while they are away from their babies working a tradeshow or attending conferences if the show planners haven't designated a space," said Sascha Mayer, co-founder of Mamava. "We believe that all mamas deserve a safe, clean and comfortable place to use a breast pump or breastfeed - anywhere, anytime. Mamava pods provide flexibility for facilities and easy access for moms."

Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are leading the way in supporting breastfeeding moms. In 2014, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter signed an ordinance mandating that employers provide breastfeeding employees with private, sanitary spaces and the necessary time to express breast milk.

Two Mamava lactation suites already are in use at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "I was thrilled when I heard the news about the Convention Center. We don't want to send mothers to the bathroom to pump," said Dr. Diane L. Spatz, director of lactation at Children's Hospital. "Some women are comfortable enough to sit down on a bench and feed anywhere but for other women, this brings privacy."

The suite's location, within the 1 million-square feet of saleable space at PCC, will change based on event needs. Convention Center patrons can access the suite by contacting the organizer of the show they attend. For opportunities to advertise on the suite, call 215-418-4751 or email [email protected].

Photos of the Mamava pod at PCC are available upon request.

About the Pennsylvania Convention Center

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is in Center City Philadelphia at the heart of the city's many cultural offerings and world-class dining and entertainment scene. Now managed by SMG, the center is the 14th largest facility in the nation and features the largest exhibit space and ballroom in the Northeast U.S. SMG, located in West Conshohocken, Pa., is the nation's leading facilities manager. The Center's expansion has received a Gold-level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The facility has won numerous awards and recognition, including a designation as the Best Government/Public Building of 2011 by the Engineering News Record of New York. For more information, go to www.paconvention.com.

About Mamava

Mamava, based in Burlington, Vermont, was incubated at Solidarity of Unbridled Labour (formerly JDK Design), a world-renowned design studio. Mamava creates design solutions for nursing mothers on the go. Mamava is mama-owned, made in America, and a proud member of the B Corp community. The free Mamava app for iPhone (Android version coming in July) allows moms to search for pumping and breastfeeding friendly locations.

Media Contacts:

Deirdre Childress Hopkins, Pennsylvania Convention Center / SMG 

(215) 418-4754, [email protected]

Sascha Mayer, Mamava

(802) 343-7766, [email protected]