The annual U.S. Lacrosse National Convention will return to its hometown of Baltimore in 2009 after a six-year hiatus.
Baltimore beat out Philadelphia to land the national convention, which will be held in the city through 2011. The first convention will be Jan. 15 through 18 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Philadelphia has been the convention?s host city for the past several years.
“This is happening in the month of January, which from a hotel occupancy standpoint is typically a slow month,” said Ronnie Burt, interim president and chief executive officer for the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association. “Anytime we can get first-quarter business, it is a great opportunity for the destination.”
Burt added that area restaurants and attractions also are expected to receive a needed boost during a traditionally slow month.
Meanwhile, the convention is anticipated to bring in about 5,000 attendees who are expected to generate about $4 million in economic impact, said Burt. The convention will feature educational clinics for coaches and officials for both men?s and women?s lacrosse.
Burt said having the new convention center Hilton hotel, which will open in August 2008, was a major factor in the city besting Philadelphia.
“Beating Philadelphia is a good win for us because they?re one of our primary competitors,” Burt said. “Lacrosse also is the sport of Maryland, and they?re bringing this to where their headquarters is.”
Joshua Christian, managing director of programs and services for U.S.Lacrosse, said the convention has grown significantly since it was last hosted in Baltimore in 2003.
He added that moving the location from Philadelphia to Baltimore is part of the organization?s mission to evaluate annually the locations for its national events. With a large number of attendees from the mid-Atlantic region, Christian said the group wanted to keep the convention in the area, but offer a new location.
“With the addition of the new host hotel, this provided a great site to keep it in the area but change its location,” Christian said. “This gives the attendees the opportunity to not only take advantage of the educational opportunities that the convention will provide, but also all of the dining and tourist activities that the city itself can provide.”
Upcoming Convention Dates
» 2007: Jan. 11-14 Pennsylvania Convention Center
»2008: Jan. 17-20 Pennsylvania Convention Center
» 2009: Jan 15-18 Baltimore Convention Center
» 2010: Jan. 13-16 Baltimore Convention Center
» 2011: Jan. 19-22 Baltimore Convention Center
