Black Meetings & Tourism - Visit Baltimore Launches New Signature Experiental Program For Meetings And Conventions

Meeting Planner Packages
Visit Baltimore Launches New Signature Experiental Program For Meetings And Conventions
Visit Baltimore recently announced the launch of the organization's new experiential program - a collection of 14 immersive and behind-the-scenes tours. The launch of this new program provides meeting planners with a menu of 14 new products to offer attendees who are either returning to Baltimore or visiting the city for the first time. Activities range from the art of Neapolitan pizza making and the science of wine to a journey into the beginnings of the American railroad and an investigation into the life and legacy of Edgar Allan Poe. Each new experience was specifically designed to accommodate meetings and conventions of various sizes, price ranges and interests. These new experiences offer meeting and event planning professionals a new and unique way to showcase the city by engaging attendees in hands-on, authentic Baltimore experiences. The programs provide meeting planners with more options for spouse tours, team-building activities and off-site entertainment. "Baltimore's new experiential program is another valuable addition to the city's affordability, walkability, free transportation options and customized services program already offered to visiting meetings professionals," said Tom Noonan, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore. "We look forward to offering customizable experiences that are easy for meeting professionals to book and their attendees to enjoy." Visit Baltimore worked with experiential tourism expert Joe Veneto of Opportunities Unlimited to develop the experiences, from scripting, staging and testing the experiences to the training of all staff and volunteers. "Baltimore has an incredible richness of historic, cultural and iconic attractions that contribute to the city's ideal setting for meetings and conventions," said Veneto. "These new offerings are on-trend to engineer unforgettable meeting experiences and are perfect to complement a truly memorable event in Baltimore. Attendees can go beneath the surface, behind-the-scenes and hands-on to discover Baltimore's unique story." Visit Baltimore's new signature experiences include the following: Signature Experiences at the National Aquarium The National Aquarium offers groups three opportunities for experiential tours. · Veterinarian Tour Groups can take the "Veterinarian Tour," a behind-the-scenes tour led by a staff veterinarian where guests learn firsthand how aquarium vets provide medical care to animals. Price: $55 per person Minimum: 2 Maximum: 10 Duration: 75 minutes · Dolphins 101: The Art of Teaching Dolphins In "Dolphins 101," guests join the aquarium for an exclusive teaching session with its dolphins before the building opens to the public. Price: $45 per person Minimum: 10 Maximum: 200 Duration: 90 minutes · Insider's Tour In the aquarium's "Insider's Tour," get a head start and see some of its most popular exhibits, including the newest exhibit, Blacktip Reef, before doors open to the public. Price: $60 per person Minimum: 2 Maximum: 70 Duration: 2.5 hours Signature Experiences at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine offers groups two opportunities for experiential tours. · War in the Chesapeake - The Key Story! During "The Key Story!" at Fort McHenry, participants learn about the soldiers, sailors and regular citizens who became the unsung heroes of the War of 1812. Price: $7 per person; groups of children under 16 are free Minimum: 20 Maximum: 60 Duration: 45 minutes Note: Student group tours should visit www.nps.gov/fomc for specific information. · Broad Stripes and Bright Stars: The Flag Talk During the interactive "Flag Talk," participants join a National Park Service ranger in unrolling the 30-by-42-foot replica Star-Spangled Banner flag on the site where it flew 200 years ago. Price: $7 per person, groups of children under 16 are free Minimum: 20 Maximum: 100 Duration: 45 minutes Note: Student group tours should visit www.nps.gov/fomc for specific information. Signature Experiences at Terrapin Adventures Terrapin Adventures offers groups three opportunities for experiential tours. · Team-Building Adventure Package Put your teamwork skills to the ultimate test with the "Team-Building Adventure Package." After some icebreaker activities, participants are divided into groups of approximately 12-15 team members and led through a series of low ropes course challenges - mentally and physically stimulating games and exercises, no more than two feet off the ground, that are meant to develop trust and improve communication. Price: $99 per person Minimum: 10 Maximum: 150 Duration: 4 hours · High Ropes Adventure Challenge Soar through the air and defy gravity! The "High Ropes Adventure Challenge" course features three levels of physical, strategic fun. Test your skills and challenge yourself as you traverse your way across obstacles like the Burma Bridge, Wobbly Log, Cargo Net, Vine Walk and more. Price: $49 per person Minimum: 10 Maximum: 30 Duration: 2 hours · Escapade Party Package During the "Escapade" experience, guests enjoy a series of fun, hands-on games and activities and two low ropes course elements, all of which are full of high-energy fun. Work with teammates to get everyone through a human-sized spider web, test balancing skills on the Wild Woozy, figure out how to operate the Flying Carpet or try to get everyone on the giant Teeter Totter. Afterward, experience one of two thrill challenges, either the zip line or giant swing. Price: $30 per person Minimum: 10 Maximum: 40 Duration: 2 hours Additional Baltimore Signature Experiences · In Full Glory Reflected: Maryland in the War of 1812 The "In Full Glory Reflected: Maryland in the War of 1812" experience at the Maryland Historical Society teaches participants about the heroes and symbols that emerged during the War of 1812. Travel back in time 200 years and explore the area where the war was fought; hear gripping stories of devastating raids, heroic defense, gallant privateers, fugitive slaves and threatened lands; and see firsthand one of America's greatest national treasures - the original manuscript of Francis Scott Key's "The Star-Spangled Banner." Price: $20 per person Minimum: 10 Maximum: 20 Duration: 90 minutes · America Transformed: A Journey from Roads to Rails At the B&O Railroad Museum, groups can journey back to 1827 to see how a small group of Baltimore businessmen came together to fund a new type of transportation - the American railroad in "America Transformed: A Journey from Roads to Rails." The highlight of this experience is a behind-the-scenes tour of the B&O Office Car #908, a private rail car that was used by railroad executives, businessmen and even former U.S. presidents. Price: $21 per person Minimum: 10 Maximum: 50 Duration: 90 minutes · Edgar Allan Poe: His Life, Literature and Legacy Discover the secrets of Edgar Allan Poe's life in Baltimore at the Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum. Participants get an exclusive look at the library's exciting Poe collection, which features rarely seen artifacts. Next, travel to the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, an important National Historic Landmark where Poe lived in the 1830s, to walk on the same floors and stairs as Poe and see more one-of-a-kind artifacts. Price: $21 per person Minimum: 10 Maximum: 15 Duration: 2 hours · Science of Wine Uncorked In "Science of Wine Uncorked" at the Maryland Science Center, novices and connoisseurs alike learn the basics of wine production and consumption. The interactive program includes a sit-down learning session, tasting and time for the group to socialize. Price: $49 per person Minimum: 40 Maximum: 80 Duration: 2 hours · Ms. Masie's Jim Crow Maryland At the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, travel with your guide, Ms. Masie, to immerse yourself in the African American experience. Through dramatic interpretation, discover pivotal moments in history as Ms. Masie leads you on a journey of her memories of Jim Crow Maryland. Price: $15 per person, $20 per person with add-on enrichment experience (a genealogy session, Q&A with the actor or a learning session focused on the museum’s hat collection) Minimum: 15 Maximum: 30 Duration: 75 minutes, additional hour for add-on enrichment experience · The Art of Neapolitan Pizza AtVerde, discover “The Art of Neapolitan Pizza,” a hands-on, interactive group activity where guests feel fresh, fluffy dough; sample house-made mozzarella; and taste at least three different pizza offerings. This experience is a “must” for foodies and pizza fanatics alike! Price: $35 per person; option to upgrade to $48 per person (price includes experience and two beer or wine beverages) Minimum: 20 Maximum: 30 Duration: 2 hours Meeting professionals may plan and book experiences through Visit Baltimore’s Group Tour and Travel Director Eric Masterton at emasterton@baltimore.org or 410-659-7090. To learn more, visit www.baltimore.org/experiential . About Visit Baltimore Visit Baltimore is the official sales and marketing organization for Baltimore that generates economic benefits for stakeholders through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visitors. For more information, please visit www.baltimore.org .

Meeting Planner Packages

Visit Baltimore Launches New Signature Experiental Program For Meetings And Conventions

Visit Baltimore recently announced the launch of the organization's new experiential program - a collection of 14 immersive and behind-the-scenes tours.

The launch of this new program provides meeting planners with a menu of 14 new products to offer attendees who are either returning to Baltimore or visiting the city for the first time. Activities range from the art of Neapolitan pizza making and the science of wine to a journey into the beginnings of the American railroad and an investigation into the life and legacy of Edgar Allan Poe. Each new experience was specifically designed to accommodate meetings and conventions of various sizes, price ranges and interests.

These new experiences offer meeting and event planning professionals a new and unique way to showcase the city by engaging attendees in hands-on, authentic Baltimore experiences. The programs provide meeting planners with more options for spouse tours, team-building activities and off-site entertainment.

"Baltimore's new experiential program is another valuable addition to the city's affordability, walkability, free transportation options and customized services program already offered to visiting meetings professionals," said Tom Noonan, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore. "We look forward to offering customizable experiences that are easy for meeting professionals to book and their attendees to enjoy."

Visit Baltimore worked with experiential tourism expert Joe Veneto of Opportunities Unlimited to develop the experiences, from scripting, staging and testing the experiences to the training of all staff and volunteers.

"Baltimore has an incredible richness of historic, cultural and iconic attractions that contribute to the city's ideal setting for meetings and conventions," said Veneto. "These new offerings are on-trend to engineer unforgettable meeting experiences and are perfect to complement a truly memorable event in Baltimore. Attendees can go beneath the surface, behind-the-scenes and hands-on to discover Baltimore's unique story."

Visit Baltimore's new signature experiences include the following:

Signature Experiences at the National Aquarium

The National Aquarium offers groups three opportunities for experiential tours.

· Veterinarian Tour

Groups can take the "Veterinarian Tour," a behind-the-scenes tour led by a staff veterinarian where guests learn firsthand how aquarium vets provide medical care to animals.

Price: $55 per person

Minimum: 2

Maximum: 10

Duration: 75 minutes

· Dolphins 101: The Art of Teaching Dolphins

In "Dolphins 101," guests join the aquarium for an exclusive teaching session with its dolphins before the building opens to the public.

Price: $45 per person

Minimum: 10

Maximum: 200

Duration: 90 minutes

· Insider's Tour

In the aquarium's "Insider's Tour," get a head start and see some of its most popular exhibits, including the newest exhibit, Blacktip Reef, before doors open to the public.

Price: $60 per person

Minimum: 2

Maximum: 70

Duration: 2.5 hours

Signature Experiences at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine offers groups two opportunities for experiential tours.

· War in the Chesapeake - The Key Story!

During "The Key Story!" at Fort McHenry, participants learn about the soldiers, sailors and regular citizens who became the unsung heroes of the War of 1812.

Price: $7 per person; groups of children under 16 are free

Minimum: 20

Maximum: 60

Duration: 45 minutes

Note: Student group tours should visit www.nps.gov/fomc for specific information.

· Broad Stripes and Bright Stars: The Flag Talk

During the interactive "Flag Talk," participants join a National Park Service ranger in unrolling the 30-by-42-foot replica Star-Spangled Banner flag on the site where it flew 200 years ago.

Price: $7 per person, groups of children under 16 are free

Minimum: 20

Maximum: 100

Duration: 45 minutes

Note: Student group tours should visit www.nps.gov/fomc for specific information.

Signature Experiences at Terrapin Adventures

Terrapin Adventures offers groups three opportunities for experiential tours.

· Team-Building Adventure Package

Put your teamwork skills to the ultimate test with the "Team-Building Adventure Package." After some icebreaker activities, participants are divided into groups of approximately 12-15 team members and led through a series of low ropes course challenges - mentally and physically stimulating games and exercises, no more than two feet off the ground, that are meant to develop trust and improve communication.

Price: $99 per person

Minimum: 10

Maximum: 150

Duration: 4 hours

· High Ropes Adventure Challenge

Soar through the air and defy gravity! The "High Ropes Adventure Challenge" course features three levels of physical, strategic fun. Test your skills and challenge yourself as you traverse your way across obstacles like the Burma Bridge, Wobbly Log, Cargo Net, Vine Walk and more.

Price: $49 per person

Minimum: 10

Maximum: 30

Duration: 2 hours

· Escapade Party Package

During the "Escapade" experience, guests enjoy a series of fun, hands-on games and activities and two low ropes course elements, all of which are full of high-energy fun. Work with teammates to get everyone through a human-sized spider web, test balancing skills on the Wild Woozy, figure out how to operate the Flying Carpet or try to get everyone on the giant Teeter Totter. Afterward, experience one of two thrill challenges, either the zip line or giant swing.

Price: $30 per person

Minimum: 10

Maximum: 40

Duration: 2 hours

Additional Baltimore Signature Experiences

· In Full Glory Reflected: Maryland in the War of 1812

The "In Full Glory Reflected: Maryland in the War of 1812" experience at the Maryland Historical Society teaches participants about the heroes and symbols that emerged during the War of 1812. Travel back in time 200 years and explore the area where the war was fought; hear gripping stories of devastating raids, heroic defense, gallant privateers, fugitive slaves and threatened lands; and see firsthand one of America's greatest national treasures - the original manuscript of Francis Scott Key's "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Price: $20 per person

Minimum: 10

Maximum: 20

Duration: 90 minutes

· America Transformed: A Journey from Roads to Rails

At the B&O Railroad Museum, groups can journey back to 1827 to see how a small group of Baltimore businessmen came together to fund a new type of transportation - the American railroad in "America Transformed: A Journey from Roads to Rails." The highlight of this experience is a behind-the-scenes tour of the B&O Office Car #908, a private rail car that was used by railroad executives, businessmen and even former U.S. presidents.

Price: $21 per person

Minimum: 10

Maximum: 50

Duration: 90 minutes

· Edgar Allan Poe: His Life, Literature and Legacy

Discover the secrets of Edgar Allan Poe's life in Baltimore at the Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum. Participants get an exclusive look at the library's exciting Poe collection, which features rarely seen artifacts. Next, travel to the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, an important National Historic Landmark where Poe lived in the 1830s, to walk on the same floors and stairs as Poe and see more one-of-a-kind artifacts.

Price: $21 per person

Minimum: 10

Maximum: 15

Duration: 2 hours

· Science of Wine Uncorked

In "Science of Wine Uncorked" at the Maryland Science Center, novices and connoisseurs alike learn the basics of wine production and consumption. The interactive program includes a sit-down learning session, tasting and time for the group to socialize.

Price: $49 per person

Minimum: 40

Maximum: 80

Duration: 2 hours

· Ms. Masie's Jim Crow Maryland

At the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, travel with your guide, Ms. Masie, to immerse yourself in the African American experience. Through dramatic interpretation, discover pivotal moments in history as Ms. Masie leads you on a journey of her memories of Jim Crow Maryland.

Price: $15 per person, $20 per person with add-on enrichment experience (a genealogy session, Q&A with the actor or a learning session focused on the museum’s hat collection)

Minimum: 15

Maximum: 30

Duration: 75 minutes, additional hour for add-on enrichment experience

· The Art of Neapolitan Pizza

AtVerde, discover “The Art of Neapolitan Pizza,” a hands-on, interactive group activity where guests feel fresh, fluffy dough; sample house-made mozzarella; and taste at least three different pizza offerings. This experience is a “must” for foodies and pizza fanatics alike!

Price: $35 per person; option to upgrade to $48 per person (price includes experience and two beer or wine beverages)

Minimum: 20

Maximum: 30

Duration: 2 hours

Meeting professionals may plan and book experiences through Visit Baltimore’s Group Tour and Travel Director Eric Masterton at emasterton@baltimore.org or 410-659-7090.

To learn more, visit www.baltimore.org/experiential .

About Visit Baltimore Visit Baltimore is the official sales and marketing organization for Baltimore that generates economic benefits for stakeholders through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visitors. For more information, please visit www.baltimore.org .