Annual Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit Scheduled for November 2-4, 2011

Sept. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- The 31st annual Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit will be held on November 2-4 at the Marriott Inn and Conference Center at University of Maryland University College. The annual event is the largest in the state tailored to tourism industry professionals. The three-day event provides high level business networking opportunities as well as timely and relevant education on topics related to tourism. It is also an oportunity for recognizing significant tourism industry achievements throughout Maryland that benefit the state’s economy, residents and visitors.

The 2010 conference in Annapolis welcomed over 500 professionals from among Maryland’s tourism industry. This year, organizers anticipate that near 700 attendees will gather in Prince George’s County for the Summit. Numerous public policy decisions that impact the tourism industry such as increasing the state alcohol tax, toll increases and options to address the state’s budget deficit will be addressed at MTTS.  

Nationally recognized speakers at the Summit will address timely industry topics such as destination marketing, online marketing, public relations and effective effective communications tactics to help Maryalnd's travel and tourism professionals deal with an ever-changing demographic landscape. Specific attention wil be given to undertstanding and meeting the needs of the younger travelers, the 85  million Millenials in the U.S. who have repalced Baby Boomers as the largest segment of the U.S Population .

For those travel and tourism buineses who are finalizing their 2012 budgets, the opportunity to gain insights from professionals in marketing, PR, outreach and fundraising, as well as the opportunity to establish strategic partnerships, provides Summit attendees unparelled opportunities to prepare for a new new fiscal year armed with resources for business growth.

Mary Presley, Executive Administrator of the Maryland Motorcoach Association, attests to the value of MTTS for business development: “I attended the 2010 MTTS in Annapolis and was able to recruit three new members during the wonderful networking possibilities available during the conference. I would encourage anyone seriously interested in learning about business, and doing business, in the state of Maryland to attend. I certainly will be there!”
 
David Reel, CEO and President of the Maryland Tourism Council, a co-host of the conference, comments, “This event is all about education, opportunity and resources that will help the collective tourism industry succeed. At MTC, we believe in empowering our members with information and at MTTS that goal is met as tourism professionals and decision-makers from across Maryland come together to make a positive difference for their business, travelers, residents and the state’s economy.”  

Registration to attend this year’s Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit is now open and sponsorship opportunities are also still available. Those who have already committed include:

HOST SPONSORS
Maryland Tourism Education Foundation
Maryland Tourism Council
Maryland Office of Tourism Development
Maryland Tourism Development Board
Marriott Inn and Conference Center -- University of Maryland University College

GOLD SPONSORS
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
Meredith Travel Marketing

SILVER SPONSORS
Howard County Tourism & Promotion
Main Street Maryland/Maryland Dept. of Housing and Community Development

BRONZE SPONSORS
AAA Mid-Atlantic
Cecil County
Holiday Inn Inner Harbor
Jack Rabbit/Book Direct
Toby's Dinner Theatre
Hagerstown/Washington County CVB
History Channel Magazine
Madden Media
Maryland Motorcoach Association
Meredith Travel Marketing
Preservation Magazine
Six Flags
Southern Living

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About Maryland Tourism Council
The Maryland Tourism Council (MTC) is the statewide membership organization representing all segments of the hospitality and tourism industry emphasizing government affairs, business growth, professional development, and alliances with other tourism organizations, the business community, and state and local governments. The mission of MTC is to connect, educate, and represent Maryland’s tourism industry.