So, you’re planning on hosting a business convention in Annapolis? Excellent choice! Known as the sailing capital of the U.S. and home to a rich historical backdrop, Annapolis, Maryland, offers a unique blend of seaside charm and professional prowess that makes it an ideal location for business events. This article will guide you through valuable tips to ensure your convention sails smoothly in this delightful city.
NOTE: The event below, Arts Alive 25, was held on September 8, 2023.
Anchoring Down the Basics
Understand the Business Landscape
First, getting familiar with the business landscape of Annapolis can provide valuable context for your event. Annapolis is known for its thriving sectors in tourism, health care, and, unsurprisingly, maritime industries. However, it also has a growing presence in sectors like information technology, cyber security, and environmental sciences, making it a melting pot of business opportunities. Understanding these industries can help shape the focus of your convention and attract the right attendees.
Choose the Right Venue
Annapolis is home to many fantastic venues capable of hosting business conventions. From the elegant waterfront setting of the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park to the spacious and modern facilities of the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, there’s a venue for every style and scale of event. Remember, location is key, so consider factors such as accessibility, proximity to hotels, and the view!
Leverage Local Partnerships
Another key tip to enhance your Annapolis convention is to leverage local partnerships. Collaborating with local businesses, like Annapolis-based caterers, decorators, or technology providers, can not only streamline the logistics of your event but also infuse a dose of local flavor that out-of-town attendees will appreciate. Moreover, consider forming alliances with local universities, trade organizations, or business networks. Such partnerships can significantly widen your reach and elevate the credibility of your event within the local business community. When you make Annapolis your convention destination, embrace the city and its offerings in their entirety – you’ll find it’s an experience like no other!
Preparing for the Voyage
Plan Ahead
Annapolis is a popular destination, particularly during the sailing season and around Naval Academy events. Be sure to book your venue and arrange accommodations well in advance. Consider using a local event planner or destination management company that knows the ins and outs of the city and can help you secure the best deals.
Promote Your Event
Maximize the city’s unique offerings in your promotional strategy. Highlighting Annapolis’s attractions can help draw attendees, particularly those traveling from out of town. Promote the unique opportunity to combine professional development with enjoying historic tours, sailing excursions, or mouthwatering seafood dining experiences.
Setting Sail: Event Day
Embrace Local Culture
Incorporate elements of Annapolis’s rich culture into your convention. This could mean arranging a keynote speech from an acknowledged futurist speaker or from a local business leader, organizing a tour of the U.S. Naval Academy, or simply serving local culinary delights during meal breaks. These distinctive touches can enhance the overall experience for your attendees and leave a lasting impression.
Ensure Giveaways Are Used Well
Giveaways are great at conventions. Wristbands are a great example. You can customize your wristbands so that the right message or branding is on them and give them out (or even sell them). They will leave people with a perfect reminder of the day and also turn your attendees into walking advertisements. If you’re looking to nail the right custom wristbands, you need to ensure they’re vibrant and colorful and also reflect the event in question.
Foster Networking Opportunities
Business conventions offer attendees a valuable opportunity to network. Facilitate this by providing plenty of common spaces and organizing networking activities. A sunset sailboat ride or a guided tour of the historic downtown could serve as unique and memorable networking activities.
After the Convention
Follow Up
Following up with attendees is just as important as the convention itself. Send a thank you email to attendees, perhaps with a survey to gather feedback. This will help you understand what worked well and what could be improved for future conventions.
Keep the Connection
Lastly, encourage attendees to keep the connection with Annapolis alive. Share information about upcoming events in the city, local business opportunities, or simply beautiful photos of Ego Alley or the Chesapeake Bay. This way, the charm of Annapolis will continue to resonate with them long after the convention has ended.
Running a business convention in Annapolis offers a unique opportunity to blend business with pleasure. With its charming maritime atmosphere and vibrant business community, this city provides an extraordinary backdrop for a successful and memorable event. With careful planning, a bit of local flair, and plenty of Annapolitan spirit, your convention will surely be smooth sailing. So, anchors, aweigh – the city of Annapolis is ready to welcome you and your convention attendees!
