(BALTIMORE – October 29, 2024)—It was wonderful seeing so many of you at the Visit Baltimore FY24 Annual Meeting, which took place last week at the Baltimore Convention Center. The event highlighted activities of the past fiscal year, economic data from Baltimore’s tourism industry, and upcoming initiatives. It also featured an engaging keynote presentation and a local maker showcase that spotlighted Baltimore’s one-of-a-kind creative community.
We thank you for your continued partnership as we collectively move forward with our mission to generate positive economic impact for the city and support our vibrant tourism industry.
MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
- Baltimore has surpassed pre-pandemic visitation levels. In 2023, domestic travel to Baltimore generated $4 billion for the city’s economy, according to data released by Longwoods International, a 7.4% increase from the previous year.
- Visit Baltimore highlighted one of the year’s most significant successes: securing the 2033 American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting and Exposition bid. Known as the “Super Bowl of Conventions,” this meeting will generate an estimated $15-$18 million in economic impact and position Baltimore as the convention city of the future.
- Evita Robinson, Founder of the NoMadness Travel Tribe, inspired attendees with a keynote on how Baltimore’s initiators use momentum to propel us forward. The presentation featured the launch of a three-part video series exploring Baltimore’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and how that revolutionary spirit is reflected in today’s vibrant community.
- Board Member Vanessa Finney presented the Visit Baltimore Annual awards, assisted by Edgar the Robot Dog, who added a fun, futuristic touch to the proceedings. We celebrated the visionary leadership of the following individuals:
– The Charm City Champion Award was given to D. Watkins, author and 2024 James Beard Media Award winner.
– The Bridge Award was presented to Reverend Dr. Al Hathaway, Sr., CEO of Beloved Community Services Corp., for his work rehabilitating historic properties.
– Laurie Schwartz, President of the Waterfront Partnership, received the William Donald Schaefer Visionary Tourism Award for enhancing the city’s waterfront tourism.
- The program also celebrated the launch of “Smalltimore,” Visit Baltimore’s mobile experience. Designed to resemble Baltimore’s iconic row homes, this traveling pop-up brings the city’s history, arts, culture and more, to local, regional and national events and trade shows.
ANNUAL REPORT
Take a moment to read the FY24 Annual Report, which provides a full year in review.
Thanks to all who joined us and continue to share our passion for advancing our city! Let’s keep it going for Baltimore.
Visit Baltimore staff
