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B M & T ••• July August 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 44 WITH PLENTY OF RICH AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY TO EXPLORE MARYLAND IS A PRIME DESTINATION FOR GROUP MEETINGS, REUNIONS AND LEISURE TRAVELING BY BUCK SAMUELS If the goal is to bring your clients group to a historical but still hospitable destina- tion offering attendees a plethora of activ- ities for all age groups in multiple cities, then Maryland should be your top choice. Maryland is excited to see travelers returning – not only returning, but coming in good numbers. The pent-up demand has travelers ready to get outdoors, drive the state's scenic byways and experience all that they have been missing. State officials have great optimism for the sum- mer and fall seasons, with bookings for Ocean City, Deep Creek Lake, and local campgrounds well above the norm. • • PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY• • Prince George's County is a scenic getaway drawing residents and visitors year round to explore the vast National Harbor, magnificent vineyards, select attractions and notable dining scenes. Located in the heart of the DC Capital Region, the County not only offers history, arts and culture, agri- tourism, outdoor fun, sports, entertain- ment and great accommodations, it also offers outstanding group options for that memorable convention or board meeting. Want proof? Prince George's County is home to the area's hottest attraction – The National Harbor. Situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River and within view of the Nation's Capital. This lively hub provides the perfect backdrop for your meeting or convention boasting two Four-Diamond hotels: The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center and the MGM National Harbor. The beautiful waterfront features approximately 3,100 guestrooms and over 500,000 sq. ft. of meeting and convention space, boutique shops, restaurants, entertainment, excitement and sky-high views from the soaring 180-ft. iconic Capital Wheel. Need more? Bowie State University, the oldest historically Black college/uni- versity in the State of Maryland and one of the oldest in the country, offers a beau- tiful, serene campus with fresh outdoor spaces and state-of-the-art venues to accommodate your event needs. Accommodating 20 to 1,500 guests, they have a variety of meeting and event spaces including a gymnasium, arena, football stadium, and more. There's also the 237-room College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Hyattsville, which boasts 75,514 sq. ft. of meeting rooms and event spaces including two ball- rooms. And don't forget the 234-room MGM National Harbor, which specializes in groups from 10-500. Visit Experience Prince George's to discover many other meeting venues from which to choose. If you are contemplating brining a meeting to Prince George's County, be sure to contact Experience Prince George's Director of Sales & Marketing Rhonda L. Walker. She'll help you ensure your event will be a success. The county is a must-see for those seeking a mix of suburban, rural, and urban experiences that are all accessible within their get- away. When the workday is done, be sure o explore the Hyattsville and College Park areas, which are garnering more awareness for their arts scene, eclectic vibe, breweries, and restaurants. For example, in College Park be sure to check out the University of Maryland, which has an abundance of cultural offer- ings, including the David C. Driskall Center and Herman Maril Gallery, to name a few. Three airports service Prince George's County – BWI (22 miles), DCA (17 miles), and IAD (42 miles). • • BALTIMORE• • If you want to make your next meeting a success in every way plan on it in Baltimore, an exciting city with surprises around every corner. With a major growth in accommodations, meeting facilities, nightlife, and attractions just a short walk away from the Baltimore Convention • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS MGM National Harbor 234 Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center 1,996 College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center 237 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Laurel 208 Holiday Inn Washington – College Park 222 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Experience Prince George's (301) 925-8300 https://www.experienceprincegeorges.com Prince George's National Harbor AREA GUIDES M A R Y L A N D