Conventions
Leveraging an LESMD Industry
The LESMD Region exhibition, convention & meeting industry leverages significant existing tourism and leisure assets. Nowhere is this more evident than in Ocean City where the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, the area’s largest, benefits from adjacent assets as well as those distributed throughout the entire LESMD Region. Recent investments within the LESMD convention industry itself have included significant expansion of facilities and the addition of event-oriented venues such as a performing arts center. These strategic investments, when leveraged against the existing assets, help drive the the primary metric of success for the industry – attendance.
Existing tourism and leisure assets leveraged by the convention industry:
Hospitality Infrastructure
hotels & restaurants
Attractions and Activities
beach/boardwalk, marinas, golf courses, amusement parks, shopping, state/national parks, hunting, fishing, excursions
Sponsored Events
festivals, tournaments & rallies
A sampling of conventions held in the LESMD Region
The annual MACo Summer Conference traditionally draws nearly 2,000 private sector vendors, local, state, and federal government officials and their families. Approximately 30 continuing education sessions are offered at the conference, featuring more than 80 speakers from the public and private sectors.
MACo Website
Each June, the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) gathers for its annual convention and conference to conduct business and provide training and educational sessions for its membership. Included in the conference is a three-day tradeshow with floor exhibits with vendors and exhibitors for conference attendees.
MSFA Conference Website
The Ocean City BikeFest draws in bike enthusiasts from all over the country to enjoy national entertainment and bands, stunt shows, bike builders, vendors, food and beverages at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. Ocean City BikeFest coincides simultaneously with the annual Delmarva Bike Week, which attracts and average of 175,000 bikers to the LESMD region.
OC BikeFest Events Page