The convention center’s adaptability is far reaching. Mueller outlines their versatility: “Our expo space is used for everything from the trade show to volleyball to field hockey, and we’re putting a roller-skating rink in there and having a music festival. The sky’s the limit.” Even the waterfront ballroom transforms from formal galas to youth volleyball courts, while the 1,212-seat performing arts center accommodates keynote speakers, dance recitals, Broadway shows, and cheer events. This flexibility has generated exceptional loyalty, with Mueller reporting repeat business rates of 85 to 90 percent, significantly above industry averages. ECONOMIC IMPACT AND FUTURE VISION The Roland E. Powell Convention Center is an economic catalyst for Ocean City, particularly during slower tourism periods when the resort town needs additional revenue streams. Perlozzo estimates the facility’s broad impact: “I’m guesstimating well over 165 million in economic benefits to the town.” This figure is plausible, as comparable facilities like the challenge: “We are a 10 square mile barrier island off Maryland’s coast, and we don’t have any physical property that could house a sports complex. So, we are very close to building a $160 million project off the island.” The proposed facility faces political complexities requiring coordination between county and municipal governments, but enjoys strong local support with the mayor and city council backing the initiative. Current sports programming maximizes existing resources across the island. Mueller describes their creative approach: “We do take advantage of all of the venues that we have, including our beautiful beaches when it comes to sporting events. We have sand soccer, beach volleyball, beach lacrosse. So, we’re utilizing every piece of Ocean City for the sports industry that we can.” Northside Park provides additional capacity for softball, baseball, and lacrosse tournaments, showing how destination marketing organizations can leverage natural assets when purpose-built facilities remain unavailable. HYATT PLACER Ocean City / Ocean front 410-213-5333 www.hyatt.com 1, 16 Street, Ocean City MD 21842 th 102 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 10
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