PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It was bright and brassy. Black ties and evening dresses mingled in the cavernous space that would be Philadelphia's magnet for world-class conventions.

The year was 1993 and KYW reporters were broadcasting from the sparkling new Pennsylvania Convention Center as it opened to a red-carpet crowd.

New hotels and restaurants began sprouting in Center City. The Reading Terminal Market was revitalized and the adjacent transportation hub made the new venue a major draw for the Philadelphia Flower and Auto shows.

But Convention business lagged as exhibitors complained about stringent union rules.

After a recent expansion, the Center turned to a private operator with the goal of making the customer happy. That part of the story is still unfolding.