Ocean City

MARYLAND

Rendering of the expanding and renovated Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD

OCEAN CITY, MD

OCOcean.com

OVERVIEW

Ocean City is a popular destination for all ages and has truly become a multigenerational favorite.

Roland E. Powell Convention Center is situated right on the bay offering great views and meeting spaces. A convention attendee can always make a family vacation out of their event and bring friends or family along; or, enjoy some downtime by themselves.

Some local hotels have taken the work-from-home concept to another level, too. Doing work from a luxury hotel room with floor-to-ceiling windows on the ocean or bay is certainly a concept many would not have envisioned just a year ago.

WHAT’S NEW

According to Larry Noccolino, Roland E. Powell Convention Center director, “The convention center is in the middle of a $37-million renovation that will increase exhibit space by a little over 30,000-square feet and a bayfront gallery of over 15,000square feet. The addition of two restrooms on the upper level will make it more user-friendly for those booking our beautiful bayfront ballroom. Completion is set for this January and it is already being booked.”

Many local hotels and restaurants not only have taken physical structure measures to make their property COVID-safe during the pandemic, but they have taken this “downtime” opportunity to do renovations and upgrades to their properties, as well. Gathering places are becoming more intimate and lobbies are undergoing facelifts. Spaces are becoming sleeker and more modern.

photo credit: Rachel Smith Photography; courtesy: Ocean City, MD CVB

COMMUNITY

The Marketing and Communications Division of the Town of Ocean City, as well as the Convention and Visitors Bureau, have teamed up to provide the latest information on restrictions to CVB marketing partners (members) and town businesses in general. Further, “Tool Kits” with signage, talking points, tips and reminders that are ready to use have been developed and distributed to CVB partners – all for the greater good of the overall community.

CVB partners also have been notified whenever a convention center event has cancelled or postponed, but, more importantly, the CVB has worked immediately to reschedule that client in a future year. The effort has helped to move business forward and aided clients in finding new dates that work for them and their attendees.

This time also has been valuable in the development of meeting and convention resources. A short new video will showcase Ocean City as a great place both to visit and meet. Enhancements online at ococean.com include a new meeting and convention landing page at the suggestion of the local business community who provided valued input.

The CVB notes that its agency, MGH, was able to execute the new site quickly. Meeting hotels are listed and can be sorted by need. They can offer deals tailormade to meeting groups. Planners can submit RFPs and use the resources to target hotels that may suit their meeting needs and learn more about the expanding convention center.

Lastly, the hotel community is developing a by invitation-only FAM program where meeting planners may contact the CVB’s Hospitality Sales Marketing Partnership chair, Kim Mueller, of Harrison Group Hotels and Restaurants, and she will match them with a one-night stay at a property in Ocean City. They may be looking for a specific meeting need or just exploring the possibilities of Ocean City for their meeting destination. The convention center and Ocean City CVB applaud and support this effort to move business forward and will be providing a gift card to each planner for dining in Ocean City.

With the convention center expansion less than a year away, sports groups such as volleyball, basketball, wrestling, cheer and dance, will be able to expand not only their teams, but attendees, as well.

Regina Brittingham, Roland E. Powell Convention Center sales manager, is optimistic. “As far as the future of meetings, events, conventions and tourism, I believe that everyone will slowly and cautiously return to essential business, as it is necessary,” she explained. “However, more importantly, after being more or less quarantined for the better part of the year, I feel that it is human nature to want to see our colleagues and reconnect with one another. We want to once again experience the events and places that make this industry so dynamic and rewarding.”

Ocean City Boardwalk;

photo credit: Rachel Smith Photography; courtesy: Ocean City, MD CVB

A Drive to Destination

IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

“Road trip time... enjoy a scenic 2.5 hour drive to the Atlantic Coast from Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD & Philadelphia, PA”

Planning a meeting, conference, retreat, group block or social event? Why not consider Ocean City, Maryland! We would love to host you at one of our oceanfront locations.

Our experienced sales team is right here to partner in the planning process and execute your vision. Our process is simple, one point person for all of your needs, and we give it 110% of our attention with one goal...to make our clients shine.

VISIT US AT www.harrisongroupsales.com

11 OCEANFRONT HOTELS | DINING | CONFERENCE CENTER | MEETING SPACES

THE BEST OF

Experience the most convenient and accessible destination in the Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, D.C. area. Whether you’re in the area for business or pleasure, or simply looking to get away with the family, the BWI Region has everything you need. Discover hotels, entertainment, dining options, group space, and so much more. Find all of this just minutes from Amtrak stations and the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, a Southwest Airlines hub.

When it is time for business events to move back from video calls to in-person get togethers, the BWI region of Anne Arundel County is ready. Area businesses have come up with creative solutions to ensure every travelers’ safety. With your mind at ease it’ll be easy to enjoy top attractions like the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Live! Casino & Hotel and Maryland’s largest premium outlet center, Arundel Mills Mall.

Both Worlds

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Just a short 15-minute drive away is the Sailing Capital of America and home to the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD. In this quaint, historic, waterfront town you will find modern amenities with all of the charm of a centuries old city.

Discover a variety of unique venues, that deliver anything from on-the-water experiences to an artsy blank canvas, perfect for your imagination. Commonly referred to as a Museum Without Walls, this destination will leave your attendees in awe from the day into the night. While you’re here, be sure to taste the Chesapeake cuisine the area is known for. From trendy oyster bars to waterfront crabhouses, everyone will feel like a local.

Explore all the two regions have to offer at www.visitbwi.org and www.visitannapolis.org.

ANNAPOLIS & ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD

www.VisitAnnapolis.org

OVERVIEW

Annapolis is the gateway to North America’s largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay. Its central location along the Mid-Atlantic coast makes it just a short drive from several major metro areas.

World renowned as America’s Sailing Capital and one of the top waterfront destinations in the country, lovers of all things nautical head to this home of the U.S. Naval Academy every year to enjoy sailing, cruising, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and more.

Founded in the 1600s, the city has an intimate, personal, European feel with brick-lined streets in a Historic District boasting four centuries of architecture. Called a Museum without Walls, Annapolis is recognized for having the greatest collection of 18th-century grand mansions in America. Color-coded historic markers affixed to hundreds of downtown properties make it possible for visitors to enjoy an architectural field day.

UNIQUE PLACES

Located next to the National Security Agency in the BWI/Arundel Mills region, the National Cryptologic Museum provides insight into the people who devoted their lives to cryptology and national defense, the machines and devices they developed, the techniques they used, and more.

Nearby, the National Electronics Museum is dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of electrical and electronics engineers. It is the only museum in the nation featuring electronic warfare systems. While these two museums currently are closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, both offer virtual experiences. WHAT’S NEW

The Hall at Live! is a new 75,000-square foot, 4,000-seat, multi-use concert and event venue featuring some of the nation’s best touring acts. Located at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, the Hall at Live! is adjacent to Maryland’s largest outlet retail shopping destination, Arundel Mills. Live! Lofts has converted to a Homewood Suites by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Arundel Mills. Based at the same, single address, the hotels are adjacent to both the mall and the casino.

Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, a member of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, completed a multi-million-dollar renovation project in August 2020. A maritime-inspired design has been infused throughout the property. Enhancing the existing water and vibrant city views, each of the 150 guest rooms and the signature Waterfront Harbor Suite boast thoughtful details, warm tones and textures inspired by elements of a sailboat.

For meetings, events, and weddings, the hotel’s 9 newly renovated event rooms adjoin with outdoor event space and offer stunning harbor views. The property also is participating in Hersha Hotels and Resorts Rest Assured Program™, outlined in their COVID-19 updates. This 5-point program ensures that guests and staff are safe while on property and includes increased cleaning and sanitation measures, reimagined guest services, innovative accommodations, and proactive communication between staff and guests.

In April 2020, the Westin Annapolis Hotel completed renovations and upgrades to its 225 guest rooms, elevator landings and corridors. The upscale, pet-friendly hotel also offers a full-service fitness center, Azure Restaurant and Lounge, access to the Varuna Aveda SalonSpa, the only heated indoor pool located downtown, and over 15,000-square feet of flexible function space, including the largest ballroom in Annapolis. The Westin also launched Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” plan in response to COVID-19.

COMMUNITY

In March 2020, Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) stopped all invoicing of partners, understanding that some businesses were closing their doors, laying off staff or struggling to stay open. Rather than add to their financial burdens, VAAAC stopped billing, did not cancel any partners who hadn’t paid leading up to the pandemic, and kept all businesses on its websites.

In April 2020, Visit Annapolis added COVID-19 amenities filters to its websites where businesses could indicate if they were open or temporarily closed, if they required masks, had hand-washing stations, physically distanced seating, etc. This made it easy for site visitors to see at a glance what protocols, procedures, and safety guidelines were in place.

In January 2021, VAAAC launched three newly designed websites to make it easier than ever for individuals to research, plan, and visit the destination. The enhanced visitannpolis.org, visitannpolis.org/experience-bwi, and visitannpolis.org/blog sites each have their own unique look, but all are seamlessly connected, making for easy navigation and mapping out travel plans.

To incorporate the most up-to-date information into the 2021 Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Visitors Guide in an ever-changing environment, VAAAC is creating two different guides this year. The first debuts in March, while an updated version will be released in the fall. For the most current information, however, visitors should access VAAAC’s websites.

In October 2020, Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County unveiled a new monthly blog, “The Concierge Desk,” which introduces online visitors to a different hotel or bed and breakfast each month. In each of the blogs, the general manager or owner shares what makes his/her hotel special and why someone might want to stay there, along with their personal recommendations on fun things to do in the area.

In February, VAAAC began producing a series of 60-second virtual site tours of its partner hotels and eblasting a new site tour video per month to meeting planners. The new site tours also will be promoted via their websites and social media platforms. Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County also has been hosting virtual events with hoteliers and meeting planners within driving distance.

In December 2020, VAAAC launched a new bi-weekly podcast, Destination Annapolis that focuses on the people, places, and events that make Annapolis a destination of choice for discerning travelers. They also have launched informal weekly virtual “Office Hours” via Zoom as an additional way of keeping in touch with partners during rapidly changing times.

In March 2021, Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County will be launching a new mobile visitor information center, the “Arundel Ambassador.” Wrapped with images promoting the entire destination, the trailer features two 65-inch televisions and a sound system that will enable VAAAC to showcase its partners via videos and live streamed performances. In addition to making appearances at events and festivals within the county, the Arundel Ambassador will take the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County message to trade shows, conventions, sporting events, and high traffic consumer outlets across Maryland and beyond. LOOKING AHEAD

While keeping attendees engaged can be more challenging in a virtual environment, event organizers are becoming more creative with their virtual environments and in their marketing of virtual events.

Many travelers are still opting for destinations that are a short drive away. Annapolis and Anne Arundel County is ideally situated to reap the benefits of travel from major metropolitan areas.

Full-service hotels are exploring ways of how to best monetize hybrid events so the properties can stay relevant during this period of recovery. More relaxed cancellation clauses have helped to ease the anxiety of signing agreements in this environment.

Right now, the sports market is a bright spot in the group travel market. It’s ready and willing to come back. Outdoor sporting events like fishing, lacrosse, and soccer are booking in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County for spring and beyond. Social events continue to generate business for local hotels. Weddings are a big draw, but are smaller due to required protocols.

Visit Annapolis anticipates an increase in leisure travel in the coming months. Phase II of recovery is expected to show a growth in small and mediumsize events.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY & NATIONAL HARBOR, MD ExperiencePrinceGeorges.com NationalHarbor.com/Meet

OVERVIEW

Prince George’s County is an ideal destination uniquely positioned in the Capital Region across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. It is home to more than 12,000 guestrooms and over 1,000,000-square feet of meeting and exhibit space, including a 180,000-square foot exhibit hall.

Convention and meeting venues provide varying degrees of aesthetics and highlights, including Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, The HOTEL at University of Maryland, MGM National Harbor Resort and Casino, College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Crowne Plaza, and Harborside Hotel, among others.

The county also is home to the hottest attractions, such as National Harbor, which has been voted one of the Top 50 U.S. destinations for meetings, placing attendees in the epicenter of excitement and entertainment at a waterfront retreat. This lively hub is dotted with outdoor cafes and music, water activities, shopping at Tanger Outlets, the MGM casino, and the 180-foot Capital Wheel. George’s African American Museum, great wine along the Legacy Wine Trail, rounds of golf and delectable dining. It's the perfect setting in which to connect.

WHAT’S NEW

Prince George's County continues to offer some of the best accommodations and meeting facilities in the region through developments and new incentives that are ongoing. In spring of 2021, Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center will reopen with newly renovated guestrooms.

COMMUNITY

The Prince George’s County Conference and Visitors Bureau has been very keen to address the disruptions that occurred to the tourism and hospitality industry due to COVID-19 by remaining vigilant in their messaging and communications with members in the county. To keep businesses engaged, the bureau amplified their monthly newsletters, introduced a “News You Can Use” digital mailer, conducted virtual marketing meetings, and increased their social media presence.

Prince George’s County CVB also has been able to extend additional support by partnering with local county officials, sharing updates across partner websites, and promoting the importance of sustaining the local economy through incentives such as “Buy Local,” “Foodie-Fabulous - To-Go,” and launching a Brand Ambassador to highlight open businesses.

UNIQUE PLACES

Mount Vernon has created The George Washington Leadership Institute with a variety of programs that include historical case study discussions, interactive decision-making scenarios, computer-assisted live action role playing seminars, conference facilities and more - all designed to make meetings and conferences experiential and more memorable.

Nearby Piscataway Park, overseen by the Accokeek Foundation, has a variety of team building activities in and around its colonial farm. Oxon Hill Manor is a historic property serving as an option for smaller meetings and off-site events.

National Harbor has 64 slips and marina amenities like private changing facilities, dock side power stations and concierge services.

SPECIAL SERVICES AND INITIATIVES

Booking meetings, events and conventions at National Harbor can be easily done through the local convention and visitor association. Visit National Harbor can provide meeting and event planners with information and one-stop booking.

In light of COVID-19, National Harbor has introduced its STARTS initiative, highlighting the extensive actions taken using Sanitizing, Touchpoints, Advanced technology, Reenforced physical distancing, Teaching and education, and Security (STARTS).

In recognition of the crippling impact the pandemic has had on the restaurant industry, National Harbor, OtherSide Beverage and Aslin Brewing collaborated to create a new brew with National Harbor Restaurant workers in mind. Rising Tides Raise All will not only help to increase traffic and sales at National Harbor, but OtherSide Beverage and National Harbor will donate a portion of the proceeds from Rising Tides Raise All directly back to participating restaurant’s staff. National Harbor’s Waterfront District features unique shops and boutiques, as well as outdoor art by national and internationally renowned artists. A promenade here, known as American Way, has everything from murals to sculptures.

Waterfront activities include: Monumental Boat tours’ CraigCats; the Float Boat 360; pedal boats; paddle boards; yacht charters; the Capital Wheel; a carousel; movies or sporting events on National Harbor’s big waterfront screen and more. Water taxis offer convenient transportation to Washington, DC, Old Town Alexandria, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

PLACES TO MEET

With the 2020 opening of Hyatt Place at National Harbor, the attraction’s eighth hotel, National Harbor grew its meeting and event space to more than 1,135,800-square feet. National Harbor now boasts a total of 3,400 sleeping rooms, 40 restaurants, and 160 shops.

Take advantage of outdoor flex space where attendees can enjoy unobstructed sunset views. The 6,000-square foot Capital Canopy is adjacent to National Harbor’s two 700-foot piers that provide prime waterfront reception spaces. Flight Deck, located beneath the iconic Capital Wheel, offers picturesque views of DC monuments, Alexandria, and beyond.

National Harbor also is home to Gaylord National Resort along with MGM National Harbor, two of Maryland’s nine Four Diamond rated hotels. For smaller meetings, National Harbor’s portfolio includes a Westin, AC Hotel, and Hyatt Place.

Pier at National Harbor, MD; photo courtesy: Visit National Harbor