Event Planner's Guide 2018

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MEET IN MAINE

Once you hold a meeting in Maine, you’ll see why the state’s renown as a vacation destination is becoming matched by its reputation as a first-class meetings destination. Stunning natural beauty, rich culture and entertainment, exciting outdoor adventures, exceptional shopping, and extraordinary service all come together to create a magical place for your delegates to gather. And gather they will—the mystique of the country’s most northeastern state is in part responsible for the large attendance of meetings held in Maine. The quality of service you’ll experience here will ensure your event is one of the most successful ever.

BY THE NUMBERS Combined Total Meeting Space 112,500 Sq. Ft. Downtown Portland Hotel Rooms 6,000 in Greater Portland One-Stop Connections 2,000 Cities Nonstop Flights 100 Daily

Great Destination

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

“Top Fourteen Places You Should Visit in the World…” —Businessinsider.com “America’s Favorite Food Cities” —Food & Wine Magazine “Top 10 Destinations on the Rise” —TripAdvisor

CONTENTS

2-7

Free Bureau Services Area Introduction

8-17

13-15 Festivals &

Annual Events Transportation Maine State Map

18 21

22-23 Downtown

Portland Map

24 Planner FAQs 26-33 Vendor Directory CAPACITIES & AMENITIES CHARTS 35 Exhibit Halls & Auditoriums 35-40 Facilities & Restaurants 41 Outdoor Retreats with Lodging 42-45 Accommodations 45-56 Featured Properties 57 Index of Businesses

VISIT PORTLAND 94 Commercial Street, Portland, Maine 04101 (207) 772-4994 | (207) 874-9043 fax sales@visitportland.com , visitportland.com Group Marketing contact (207) 772-4994 ext. 227 or sales@visitportland.com

Online RFP available at visitportland.com/meetings

President & CEO Lynn Tillotson / ext. 233 | ltillotson@visitportland.com Editor + Ar t Director Amy Tolk / ext. 236 | atolk@visitportland.com ON THE COVER: Fort Gorges, built on Hog Island Ledge in Casco Bay from 1858 to 1864, guards Portland Harbor. Photo by James Chatmas PHOTOS THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Woods Wheatcroft; Benjamin Williamson; Portland Museum of Art; Tim Greenway; Amy Tolk

RELY ON US

Visit Portland’s Group Marketing team has the expertise and connections to help you plan one of the most pleasurable events or meetings you’ll ever hold. We’re the only point of contact you’ll need, from site inspections through attendance building. Gather in Maine Our goal is to provide you with the assistance you need to make your meeting in Maine well attended, successful, and enjoyable. And our services are completely free of charge for planners; check out how we can help! • Letters of Invitation • Overnight Accommodations & Function Space Availability • Bid Proposals & Assistance with Presentations • Site Inspections & Area Tours • Logistical Assistance (such as obtaining city or state permits) • Publicity/Promotional Materials • Referrals to Convention Service Vendors • Itinerary & Program Ideas • Destination/Attendance Building Brochures • Images, Video, PR distribution for events open to the public • Delegate Gift Ideas • Visitor’s Guides and Maps for Attendees Whatever your preference or budget, we can help you find the perfect facility in which to hold your meeting, convention, or event. Choose from sophisticated urban settings, elegant coastal resorts, rustic lakeside cabins, and charming bed and breakfasts. The listings and ads, starting on page 34, highlight the amenities of our accommodations and function facilities. Our Group Marketing staff can provide more information to help you choose an event location. Small or large, your group will enjoy traditional New England hospitality, with extra ordinary attention to your meeting’s details. AT THE PRE-BOOKING STAGE AT THE POST -BOOKING STAGE

SMALL TOWN TAKEOVER Looking for a convention center in New England? While you won’t find one in Portland, Maine, do talk to our staff and learn how we accommodate groups of more than 500 by utilizing our Cross Insurance Arena and larger conference hotels, all within walking distance of each other, in the beautiful arts district. Portland’s compact downtown and closely interwoven neighborhoods ensure you are always near the action or your next meeting. Groups have the convenience of large, flexible space within many distinctive offsite venue options to get your attendees out exploring the city and experiencing all that is unique to Southern Maine. Be a big fish in a small pond by bringing your convention to Portland! Small town, large hospitality. 11th annual event. Thank you for all your assistance.” —Kevin Cunningham, National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare Familiarization Tour? Check out visitportland.com/meetings/ plan-your-event/fam-tours to see the upcoming opportunities. We’d love to show you around! KEEP CURRENT Sign up on meetinmaine.com to have our bi-monthly e-newsletter delivered to your inbox. Our conference went amazingly well; a lot of people said it was the best one we ever held and this was our SEEING IS BELIEVING Interested in joining us on a

PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Chris Riccardo/Visit Portland; Dean Sweets, Focus Photography (3)

COMPETE IN ST YLE

From the mountains to the sea, Maine sports venues have played host to youth, amateur, international, university-level, and professional-level sports. In 2017, forty pro bowlers traveled from around the world to compete in the PBA Elias Cup at Portland’s recently expanded Bayside Bowl, and a Maine Shootout tournament is scheduled prior to the Elias Cup weekend events in 2018. Play in Maine Maine and sports—it’s a natural fit. With its diversity of terrain and changing climate, Maine is fortunate to have an array of distinct, unique four-season sports activities. Maine has the space to hold large competitions and the services to ensure they run smoothly. From marathons & triathlons, to cycling, golf, and much more, the state’s natural resources allow for the widest range of sporting events. Last September, Maine Ultimate welcomed 57 teams from around the Northeast for tournaments held at the South Portland Recreation Complex and Wainwright Farms. Fight the Night, an indoor Ultimate tournament held each January at the Portland Sports Complex, draws New England competitors who raise money for Camp Sunshine, which provides retreats for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. WE’LL CHEER YOU ON Greater Portland is geared up for the excitement of organized sports and our Group Marketing team is eager to help you navigate the logistics of hosting a major league event in Maine. In partnership with the Maine Sports Commission, we have the resources to help promote and make sure your sporting event is a slam dunk.

“This area of Maine has the perfect combination of beautiful farmland and proud rural communities for our Farm to Fork Fondo and supports the symbiotic relationship between cyclists, farmers, and open space.” —Tyler Wren, Wrenegade Sports

US National Toboggan Championships Feb 9-11 Camden Snow Bowl America East Women’s Basketball Championships March 2-4, Portland PBA Elias Cup Bowling Playoffs Apr 20-22, Portland Travis Mills Foundation – Miles for Mills May 28, Augusta Maine Summer Adventure Race June, Midcoast Trek Across Maine Jun 15-17, Sunday River to Belfast Annual Bay of Fundy SMALL SAMPLING OF UPCOMING SPORTING EVENTS IN MAINE

International Marathon June 24, New Brunswick, Canada to Lubec, USA Rock Lobster Relay June, Bar Harbor to Portland Maine YogaFest Jul 7-8, Portland Tri for a Cure Jul 22, South Portland

TD Beach to Beacon 10k August 4, Cape Elizabeth Farm to Fork Fondo August, Freeport Casco Bay Island SwimRun Austust 12, Peaks Island Ironman 70.3 Maine August 26, Old Orchard Beach Fly-in 5k Walk/Run September 8, Greenville Lobsterman Triathlon September 15, South Freeport North American Wife Carrying Championship October 6, Newry The Maine Marathon October 7, Portland The Dempsey Challenge Oct 6-7, Lewiston

Millinocket Marathon December 8, Millinocket

PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: (All photos provided courtesy Maine Sports Commission) Lobsterman Triathlon; Casco Bay SwimRun; Tom Couture Photography; Color Run; America East Conference

T IE THE KNOT

Your guests will fall in love with Maine even as they’re celebrating your marriage. With breathtaking scenic views and an inherent allure, Maine is the perfect wedding backdrop in which to make memories to treasure for a lifetime. Marry in Maine. Thinking about a forest fairyland or island idyll? From barns to farms, lakeside resorts to mountaintop retreats, urban chic to coastal elegance, a Maine location can enhance your wedding with its stunning natural beauty. Maine is a wonderful wedding destination that will excite your guests, and one that they can easily incorporate into a longer vacation. Your wedding is one of the most special days of your life and we want it to be perfect! Our seasoned staff provides personal assistance throughout the planning process and is your one- stop connection to all the services you’ll need to create your magical wedding. If you want someone to take care of all the details for you, consider engaging one of the area’s excellent event planners; we can point you in the right direction there too.

LET US HELP YOU WITH

• Wedding Venue • Guest Accommodations • Rehearsal Dinner • Tent & Other Rentals • Photographers • Caterers

• Entertainment • Florists

• Transportation • Hiring a Maine Wedding Consultant • Bachelor/Bachelorette Party • Honeymoon/Mini-moon

• Visitor Literature • Wedding Favors • Printers

If you are looking for a friendly, coastal town to get married in then Portland is your spot. Full of world-class food, genuinely friendly people, and breathtaking ocean views – what’s not to love about that?” —Gillian Ellis, CoastalBride.com “

MAKE IT SPECIAL MAKE IT MAINE

Even if you don’t hold your wedding in Maine, consider joining us for a rousing bachelor or bachelorette party or a romantic mini-moon. Maine is so close for many yet a world away from the ordinary. Create lasting memories of your pre- or post-wedding event by having it in Maine. Email us at weddings@visitportland.com

or visit us online marryinmaine.com CLIMATE

The sea influences Maine’s climate, making for temperate winters and cool summer breezes. Temperatures range from comfortable 60’s–80’s (with low humidity) during the summer months to 20’s–40’s during the winter.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

MONTHS HIGHS LOWS January 34° 17° February 35° 17° March 42° 25° April 54° 35° May 64° 44° June 75° 55° July 79° 59° August 79° 59° September 70° 50° October 61° 39° November 50° 32° December 38° 22°

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Nadra Photography; emile inc. photography; Russell Caron Photography; emilie inc. photography (2)

CAST A WIDE NET

Our Region Within a 15-mile radius of Maine’s largest metropolitan hub, you’ll find a variety of landscapes and towns to explore. Both surrounding and within Portland, parks and preserves allow access to the tranquil natural beauty Maine is renowned for. Your attendees can enjoy a stroll on a sandy beach or a team-building canoe trip through a salt marsh in Scarborough. Westbrook’s Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art venue, minutes from downtown Portland in a burgeoning arts and tech riverfront town. Grab an authentic lobster roll and photograph renowned Portland Head Light while watching surf crash upon Cape Elizabeth’s rocky coast. The state’s largest retail center is located in South Portland, near the airport and several hotel and conference centers. Freeport entices travelers to find fabulous outlet bargains, but your group can also experience active adventures with L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery School. Portland is perched on a peninsula, jutting out into island- studded Casco Bay. In Portland, older architecture blends gracefully with the new as you stroll along the working water- front or the cobblestone streets of the Old Port section of town. Portland is easy to navigate by foot, taxi or bus. Small parks and squares dot the landscape, offering comfortable respite for urban explorers. Intriguing shops and cozy coffee and tea houses beckon to passersby. Harbor cruises, historic buildings, and galleries nestle along the waterfront. On a stroll through the Old Port, one of the country’s more successful warehouse revitalization efforts, you’ll hear the squall of gulls and the low moan of bell buoys as you watch fishermen unloading their daily catch. Portland’s waterfront is still very much a working port, an integral part of the local economy. Underlying the latest tech, fashion, and culinary scene is a natural authenticity and a deep sense of continuity. With sophisticated style and artistic sensibilities, Greater Portland is never-the-less unpretentious and welcoming. WELCOME TO GREATER PORTLAND BOTH REFINED AND RELAXED

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • Art Museums & Galleries • Professional Dance, Theatre, Symphony & Opera • Local & National Musicians • Entertainers, Performers, Downeast Humorists ATTRACTIONS & AMUSEMENTS • Brewery & Distillery Tours • Lighthouse Photography Tours • Baseball & Basketball Teams • Parks & Wildlife Viewing • Group Art Experiences • Sightseeing Tours / Land & Sea • Maine Indoor Karting • Salt Pump Climbing • Casino Gaming • Scenic Railroad Tours • Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens • Portland Observatory

• Cryptozoology Museum • Portland Science Center • The Escape Room

DINING • Lobster, Seafood & Clambakes • “Taste of Maine” Receptions • Local Microbreweries • Culinary Tours • Wine Education & Pairings • Chef Classes

SHOPPER’S DELIGHT

• Old Port Boutiques • Maine Made Gifts • Arts District Galleries & Shops • Freeport & Kittery Outlets • L.L.Bean • The Maine Mall

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Corey Templeton; L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery School; CFW Photography; Summer Feet Cycling

SET SAI L FOR FUN

Don’t be fooled by Portland’s small-town flavor—you’ll find a diversity and sophistication of cultural, historic, and entertainment offerings typically encountered in much larger metro regions. Be sure to leave some free time on the itinerary for your attendees to experience and explore our sights and attractions. Have fun in Maine. Portland, the cultural hub of northern New England, is home to professional theater and dance troupes, a fabulous art museum, and its own opera company and symphony orchestra. Historic homes and maritime museums honor the past’s legacy and bestow an appreciation for how a long and fruitful association with the sea continues to shape the region today. The region’s culinary scene is also bustling. You can’t walk down the street in Portland without bumping into several ways to treat your taste buds. Maine lobster continues to have a devoted following and a lobster and clambake with all the fixings, on the beach or other setting, can add extra excitement that your delegates will long be talking about. In addition to the freshest of seafood, a smorgasbord of culinary tastes is on offer in a wide variety of casual to elegant venues. Greater Portland’s microbrew movement is also thriving; locally brewed beer is served at most restaurants and pubs, and tour companies will drive you to sample drinks from Maine’s local breweries, distilleries, and wineries. I felt Portland itself was really a draw. From the first day we announced the location, we had positive feedback, and the conference attendees relished the city and great food they enjoyed there. Now I just need to find an equally attractive location for next year–no small order.” —Gwen Henson, American Society for Indexing “

HISTORICAL SITES • Transportation Museums • Museum Homes • Center for Maine History • Architectural Walking Tours • Poland Spring Preservation Park • Museum at Portland Head Light • Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village • Portland Observatory • Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

ON & AROUND THE SEA • Harbor Cruises

• Lobster & Clambakes • Kayaking & Canoeing • Sunset Sailboat Charters

• Lighthouse Museums • Windjammer Cruises • Fishing (Deep Sea & Fresh Water) • Lobstering Tours • Whale & Puffin Watching • Land & Sea Tours OUTDOOR ADVENTURES • Sailing, Canoeing, Kayaking • Whitewater Rafting • Golf • Moose Watching • Nature Walks • Ice Skating & Sleigh Rides • Snowshoeing • Skiing (Downhill & X-Country) • Bicycle Touring & Trail Riding • Challenge Course & Zip Line • Horseback Riding • L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Jonathan Reece; Waterfront Concerts; Portland Lobster Company; Cellardoor at the Point; Jennifer Kearns

INSPIRE YOUR CREW

Looking for a way to reward your valuable employees or host a memorable team building experience? With miles of breath- taking coastal scenery, gorgeous inland vistas, and attentive hospitality staff, Maine is an ideal incentive destination. Adventure in Maine The Western Lakes and Mountains region offers superb Alpine skiing, snowmobiling and rafting, while most other outdoor activities are easily accessible in Greater Portland. You can canoe through the state’s largest salt marsh in Scarborough or take in a panoramic view of brilliant foliage on a fall hike up Bradbury Mountain in Pownal. Maine Audubon sanctuaries in Portland, Falmouth and Freeport are the ideal place for bird watchers to roam, while golfers will find excellent links, both inland and oceanside. Biking and kayaking with experienced guides are two of the most popular outdoor activities that can be done as a group. Or you can don rubber gloves and haul traps with a Maine lobsterman. Elegant schooners will sail your party down the bay for a close-up view of forts and lighthouses. Try ice-fishing or whale-watching, or let L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools introduce you to archery, paddle-boarding, fly-fishing, or a host of other exciting activities. Since Maine is one of the nation’s great outdoor playgrounds, you may want to combine your business meeting or convention with an exhilarating recreational outing. Or let your delegates discover their own adventure; just knowing what’s available to them is likely to make them more eager to attend your event. “ There’s a lot of flavor in Portland that I think most people don’t know about. Our schedule has Chicago, Indianapolis, Los Angeles— a lot of big name cities—but we’re really excited we added Portland. We 100% want to come back.” — Aaron Del Mar, Adrenaline Sports Management MIX IT UP

FESTIVALS & ANNUAL EVENTS 2018 FEBRUARY 17-19 / Flavors of Freeport

Enjoy samples from some of Maine’s best chefs and local brews and beverages at

the Ice Bar. MARCH

1-11 / Maine Restaurant Week Specially-priced three-course meals celebrate Maine’s culinary scene from the South Coast to Maine’s Mid Coast. 21-25 / The Maine Flower Show in Portland Displays by Maine’s best garden and landscape companies. 23-25 / Maine Boatbuilder’s Show Portland’s gathering of the finest craftsmen & boatbuilders on the East Coast JUNE 10 / Old Port Festival in Portland Crafts & food booths, kids’ activities, music & live entertainment. 13-17 / Greek Heritage Festival in Portland Greek foods, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. 20-23 / Maine Festival of American Music in New Gloucester Music by the Shakers & American composers at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village. 24-30 / Windjammer Days in Boothbay Harbor Fully rigged windjammers sail into the harbor. Concerts, antique boat parade, & fireworks. JULY 1-29 / Bar Harbor Music Festival Celebrating outstanding up and coming talent from jazz to new composers to a string orchestra at various venues. 20-22 / Yarmouth Clam Festival Celebration includes a parade, races, games, entertainment & all the clams you can eat. AUGUST 1-5 / Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland New England’s fun festival where lobster is king. 9-18 / Portland Chamber Music Festival in Portland Evening performances by outstanding young musicians.

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Rippleffect; New England Outdoor Center; Maine Island Kayak; Spruce Point Inn; Sunday River

CHOOSE YOUR SEASON

New England is fortunate to have four seasons that each brings its own distinct pleasures: crisp autumn days, winter’s frosty elegance, the new growth and brilliant floral hues of spring, and summer’s salty sea breezes. Year-round in Maine. Your delegates will want to take advantage of the seasonal flavors on tap when they’re here. Curling up by a winter’s fire, rafting during a spring high-water release, picking apples, sailing on the bay—there’s always something special to do to make the most of the time you’ve chosen to meet in Maine. Maine is a safe and comfortable destination where delegates often combine a family vacation with business travel. Throughout the summer, the skies fill with the sounds of outdoor concerts. Annual festivals celebrate everything from the bounty of autumn’s harvest to the delights of winter. When you hold your next meeting in Maine, you may run out of time, but never things to do! Meeting in Maine during the peak season can be a challenge for budget-conscious groups, but you can still have a budget-friendly meeting in the summer by choosing the right venue. Head to the mountains where ski resorts welcome groups at off-season rates and state parks are nearby. Or take over a college campus! When school’s out, you can enjoy the robust meeting and leisure space of several colleges near the ocean. Book a multi-functional arena or theatre for your peak season space and shout “Bravo” at the savings. Winter and spring are the value seasons in Greater Portland; your budget will stretch further during these months. Not only are room rates less but the region is filled with fine dining, sports, and an abundance of arts and entertainment. You’ll enjoy performances of professional theater, dance, the Portland Symphony, and headliner concerts, all of whose primary programming correspond with Portland’s value dates. A VALUE PROPOSITION

FESTIVALS & ANNUAL EVENTS 2018 (Continued from page 13) AUGUST 10-12 / Italian Street Festival in Portland Ethnic celebration featuring band music, children’s games & Italian food. 11 / Art in The Park in South Portland Paintings & prints by artists from the entire Eastern Seaboard. 24-26 / American Folk Festival in Bangor Music, song & dance from across the country & the world, held on the Bangor waterfront. SEPTEMBER 23-29 / Cumberland Fair Large agricultural fair with crafts. OCTOBER 5-7 / Freeport Fall Festival Over 100 artists will exhibit at this annual event. TBD / Harvest on the Harbor in Portland Food & Wine Festival celebrating Maine’s culinary arts. NOVEMBER Nov 23-Dec 16 / Light Up Your Holidays in Portland Downtown is alive & merry with joy-filled celebration on its streets. Nov 23-Dec 23 / Polar Express in Portland Ride the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad to the North Pole. Nov 30-Dec 9 / Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport Annual celebration with tree lighting, candlelight ceremony, caroling & crafts fairs. DECEMBER 6 / Merry Madness in Portland Come downtown for a night of shopping and merriment with your friends. 7-9 / Sparkle Weekend in Freeport Parade, carol singing & horse-drawn carriage rides.

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Alan LaValle; Chris Cavallari; CFW Photography; Corey Templeton

ST ICK AROUND

Your delegates may want to extend their stay in Maine with a variety of pre- and post-conference trips. Our service team can suggest daytrips or weeklong outings; from the mountains to the sea, there’s so much to discover and so many reasons to turn a business trip into a real vacation. Popular Pre-/ Post-Conference Trips THEMED TRIPS There’s something for everyone in Maine! Art lovers can follow the Maine Art Museum Trail and immerse themselves in works of art from ancient to contemporary. If lighthouses set you aglow, you can seek out the more than 60 beacons that illuminate the craggy coast. Moose watching, whale watching, and other wildlife tours are also available in various regions throughout the state. SOUTH & MID-COASTAL MAINE Charming towns and villages dot the coast both south and north of Portland, boasting terrific art galleries, shops, and cruises. Enjoy forts and lighthouses, amusement parks and maritime museums, salt marshes and beaches. Kittery and Freeport are home to wonderful outlet shopping, and outdoor outfitter L.L.Bean in Freeport is a destination unto itself. DOWNEAST MAINE & THE CANADIAN PROVINCES Acadia, Maine’s only national park, is located less than four hours northeast of Portland, near the resort town of Bar Harbor. Hiking trails and carriage paths offer spectacular views. On your way, visit the quaint villages of Boothbay Harbor, Rockport and Camden, boasting art galleries, shops and windjammer cruises. The CAT Ferry makes the trip from Portland to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in 5 1 / 2 hours, the perfect spot to begin exploring Canada’s ocean playground. MOUNTAINS & LAKES REGION Rustic cabins, camping, swimming, and boating in the clear waters of Maine’s lakes… if you love to be active outdoors, this is the region for you! Enjoy mountain biking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, whitewater rafting, cross-country or downhill skiing, and the wildlife of these unspoiled landscapes. The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument invites discovery of northern Maine’s outdoor playground. Get a different kind of adrenalin rush as you try your luck at table games and slot machines at Oxford Casino, a mere 40 minutes from Portland.

“The reunion was fantastic. Every- one raved about Portland and the great time they had! Folks went to Freeport, Peaks Island, Old Orchard Beach, and took ferry rides. Our lobster bake was just the best. Maine knows how to welcome guests!” — Nancy Warner November Platoon

STAY ONE MORE DAY Just off the coast of Portland, several Islands await your discovery. Hop a Casco Bay Lines ferry for an overnight stay on Peaks, Chebeague, or Great Diamond and enjoy the serenity of island life for a spell. As you relax in Adirondack chairs, you’ll find it hard to believe you’re only 30 minutes to an hour away from Maine’s largest city. GO CAR FREE It’s easy to explore Greater Portland with- out a car. Trolleys offer narrated tours, and boats are lined up along Commercial Street ready to take you out on the bay. You can get between the Portland Transportation Center (train and bus), the Portland Jetport, The Maine Mall, and up to Freeport on the METRO bus, and the Amtrak Downeaster gets you north to Freeport and Brunswick and south to Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Wells without the hassle of driving and parking. Several tour companies will customize an itinerary for a half to several days and take you where you most want to go. So don’t hesitate to extend your visit if you arrive without a car—Maine awaits.

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Robert Witkowski; Amy Tolk; Kim Seng; Alan LaValle

STEER THE COURSE Air access to Portland is excellent, averaging nearly 100 arrivals and departures daily from hub cities. Given its frequency of flights and convenient schedules, Portland offers attendees availability and service that cannot be matched by most destinations its size. Get to Maine. The Portland International Jetport is conveniently located just three miles from downtown Portland, and many hotels offer free shuttle service. Rental car, taxi, van and stretch limousine, and

livery services are also available at the Jetport. Other nearby airports offer limousine, bus and van services as well.

For motorists traveling from northeast cities, access by auto is a breeze; Portland is situated adjacent to Interstate 95, just two hours north of Boston and less than four hours from Hartford. Portland is also serviced by national and regional bus lines, offering numerous routes into the city. You can also ride the rails to Portland on the “Downeaster,” Amtrak’s passenger service between Boston and Brunswick. And ferry service between Portland and the Canadian Maritimes on the CAT offers an entertaining travel experience. Once here, you will find it a city easy to navigate. The METRO bus system offers convenient public bus service from outlying regions to downtown as well as express service to Yarmouth, Freeport, and Brunswick. Our service team can also hook you up with local motorcoach companies to provide a shuttle bus for your delegates and help you find parking for large city-wide conventions. COMPACT AND CONVENIENT.

SCHEDULES Air: portlandjetport.org Train: traintomaine.com Bus: concordcoachlines.com Ferry: cascobaylines.com

PHOTO TOP: CFW Photography

COMMERCIAL AIRLINES SERVING PORTLAND • American Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Elite Airways • JetBlue Airways • Southwest Airlines • United Airlines

OTHER AIRPORTS

Miles to Portland Augusta....................................................... 60 miles Bangor.........................................................130 miles Bar Harbor...............................................160 miles Logan (Boston)........................................100 miles Manchester (NH)..................................90 miles Pease (NH).................................................50 miles

Make an ordinary trip, extraordinary We invite you to make an ordinary trip extraordinary, and enjoy affordable luxury travel without the worry. Maine Limousine Service specializes in corporate travel, airport transfers, weddings and all special occasions. Situated just minutes from the Portland International Jetport, Maine Limousine Service has been providing professional, reliable luxury transportation for Northern New England since 1987.

FROM OTHER CITES

NONSTOP FLIGHT CITIES Atlanta

Approx Approx Miles Flt. Times

Atlanta

1220 3:30 520 1:30 100 :30 1095 2:30 1840 5:00 3265 6:20 320 :60 3250 6:30 1500 3:30 535 1:40 415 1:15

Baltimore Charlotte Chicago

Baltimore

Boston

Detroit Halifax Melbourne* Newark New York/JFK & LaGuardia Orlando* Philadelphia Washington, DC/Dulles & Reagan The Jetport also offers easy connections from many other destinations. *Seasonal non-stop service

Chicago

Dallas London

New York Philadelphia San Francisco

Tampa

Washington, D.C.

Toll Free: 800-646-0068 • Local: 207-883-0222 Online Reservations available at www.mainelimo.com Email inquires to info@mainelimo.com

Your first choice for safe, efficient, reliable & comfortable

transportation, tours & related travel services.

VIP Tour & Charter Bus Company

A modern fleet of vehicles, accommodating 6 to 55 passengers, with wheelchair accessibility, Wi-Fi, Restroom, Luggage Storage, DVD monitors, Seatbelts and USB Outlets.

• Wedding Shuttles • Corporate Events • School Trips • Sporting Events • Convention Shuttles • Shopping Excursions

• Private Charters • Preplanned Tours • Multi-Day Tours • Senior Trips • Airport & Hotel Shuttles

Tour & Charter Bus Company 129 Fox St. Portland ME 04101 (ph) 207-772-4457 (f) 207-772-7020 vipchartercoaches.com / vip@vipchartercoaches.com

Request a Quote Online

AT A GLANCE

WAY BETTER

Non-Stop Destinations

Non-Stop Service

Halifax

Atlanta Baltimore Charlotte Chicago O’Hare Detroit

Portland

*Halifax

JFK LaGuardia

Chicago (O’Hare)

NYC (JFK & LaGuardia)

Newark *Melbourne *Orlando Philadelphia Sarasota

Detroit

Philadelphia

Newark

Baltimore

Washington DC (Dulles)

Washington DC (Reagan)

*Washington Dulles Washington Reagan

*Seasonal Service

Charlotte

One-Stop Connections Over 2,000 Cities worldwide

Atlanta

Airline Market Share

29% 25% 20% 15% 11%

Seasonal Flights

Orlando

Melbourne

Sarasota

0.3%

portlandjetport.org

DAILY NON-STOP FLIGHTS TO

MAINE

The following resources offer information on leisure travel throughout all regions of Maine: Maine Office of Tourism (888) 624-6345 visitmaine.com Maine Tourism Association (207) 623-0363 mainetourism.com

Fort Kent

Caribou

AROOSTOOK COUNTY

Presque Isle

Quebec, Canada

New Brunswick, Canada

THE MAINE HIGHLANDS

State Park Baxter

Houlton

Mt. Katahdin

To Quebec City

Millinocket

157

Moosehead Lake

Jackman

201

Greenville

The Forks

VALLEY KENNEBEC & MOOSE RIVER

Calais

Carrabassett

Rangely

East Port

& MOUNTAINS MAINE LAKES

Bangor

Lubec

DOWNEAST & ACADIA

Skowhegan

Machias

Farmington

Rumford

Bethel

New Hampshire

Bucksport

Belfast

Bar Harbor

Augusta

Oxford

Castine

Acadia National Park

Camden

Bridgton

North Conway, NH

302

Atlantic Ocean

Auburn

Rockland

THE MID COAST

Lewiston

Gray

Naples

Brunswick

Sebago Lake

Owls Head

MILES TO PORTLAND

295

Wiscasset

Bath

Monhegan Island

Windham

Auburn/Lewiston. 38 Augusta. . . . . . . . . . .60 Bangor. 133 Bar Harbor. 160 Bath. 32 Bethel/Newry. 67 Boothbay Harbor. 59 Brunswick. 26 Camden . 105 Cape Elizabeth. 9 Carrabasset Valley. 108 Casco/Naples . 35 Cumberland. 12 Falmouth. 7

Freeport . 17 Gray. 21 Hallowell. 53 Kennebunkport . 29 Kittery. 48 Lincolnville . 86 Millinocket. 200 New Gloucester. 24 Newfield. 30 Newagen. 63 North Conway, NH. 65 Northport. 90 Ogunquit. 35 Old Orchard Beach. 14

Owls Head. 32 Oxford. 39 Poland Spring. 30 Rangeley. 128 Rockland. 105 Rockport. 103 Saco. 17 Scarborough. 10 Standish. 20 The Forks. 144 Westbrook. 7 Windham. 26 Yarmouth. 11 York Beach/Harbor. 41

Freeport

Boothbay Harbor

Portland

GREATER PORTLAND

BEACHES THE MAINE

Old Orchard Beach

Saco

Casco Bay

Kennebunkport

Ogunquit

York

Kittery

Portsmouth

Westbrook

Spring St

Stroudwater

Cummings Rd

Running Hill Rd

47 Exit

114

46 Exit

45 Exit

Maine Mall Rd

Capisic St

Johnson Rd

Westbrook St

Fore River Sanctuary

Portland International Jetport

The Maine Mall

295

Western Ave

Foden Rd

Mussey Rd Payne Rd

Gorham Rd

Kaplan University

Jetport Plaza

1 Exit

Stevens Ave

Portland Transportation Center

Brighton Ave

Congress St

2 Exit

St. John St

Clarks Pond Rd

THOMPSON’S POINT

3 Exit

5B Exit

5A Exit

295

Deering Ave

5 Exit

4 Exit

Hadlock Field

Deering Oaks Park

Portland Expo

South Portland South P rtl nd

Park Avenue

St. John St

Veterans Bridge

Deering Ave

Lincoln St

Brattle St

Post Office

West St

Valley St

PARKSIDE

Evans St

Pine St

Hannover

Vaughn St

Portland St

Cumberland Ave

Western Promenade Chadwick St

Carleton St

State St

Paris St

Pine St

Neal St

Broadway

Vaughn St

High St

Spring St

Danforth St

Forest Ave

Oak St

Fore River

Public Library

Casco St

State St

Brown St

Brackett St

Congress St

Kelsey St

Free St Civic Center

Emery St

Clark St

Spring St

Center St

Chestnut

DOWNTOWN

Park St

WEST END

West Commercial St

Elm St

Oak St

High St

Pleasant St

Danforth St

Brackett St

Fore St

State St

Union St 16 15

York St

Center St

Wharf St

Cross St

Anthoine

Maple St

Waterman Dr

Dana

Commercial St

Casco Bay Bridge

Highland Ave

WATERFRONT

Market St

Mill Creek

Union Wharf

Ocean St

High St

Mussey

South Portland

Front St

Sawyer St

Pine St

Sawyer St

Broadway

Breakwater St

Mitchell Rd

Bug Light

Cape Elizabeth

Cottage Rd

Pillsbury St

Preble St

Shore Rd

Fort Rd

Southern Maine Community College

Willard Beach

Fort Williams Park

ATM P

KEY

Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

Portland Head Light

ATM

? F

X HOSPITAL AIRPORT BUS STATION

ACCOMMODATIONS INFO CENTER PARKING

OLD PORT DISTRICT ARTS DISTRICT

Ram Island Light

P ?

Blackstrap Rd

Riverside St

48 Exit

53 Exit

Maine Turnpike

52 Exit

302

Warren Ave

W a s h i n g t o n A v e .

Stevens Ave

Allen Ave

Woodfords St

Falmouth Spur - to Rt 295

Pleasant

100

Devonshire

Walton St

Read St

Forest Ave

Dartmouth St

Canco St

Vannah St

Ocean Ave

William St

Falmouth St

Baxter Blvd

Payson Park

Washington Ave

xit

Bedford St

Back Cove

Presumpscot

Veranda St

8 Exit

7 Exit

9 Exit

er St

BAYSIDE

295

Marginal Way

Kennebec St

Oxford St

reble St

Somerset St

Lancaster St

Chestnut St

Cumberland Ave

Fox St

Anderson St.

Elm St

EAST BAYSIDE

City Hall

Post Office

Walnut St

Franklin St

Washington Ave

Myrtle St

Cumberland Ave

Congress St

Federal St

emple St

North St

EAST END

Pearl St

Middle St

Newbury St

Monument

Exchange St

Milk St

Market St

Eastern Promenade

Fore St

Commercial St Silver St

Boat Launch

Montfort St

India St

Long Wharf

Fore St

Thames St

Hancock St

St. Lawrence

Portland Pier

Custom House Wharf

East End Beach

Morning St Fort Allen Park

Ocean Gateway Terminal

Maine State Pier

Nova Scotia Ferry

Cruise Ship Pier (P2B2)

Cruise Ship Pier (POT)

ACCOMMODATIONS – LOCATED ON THIS MAP

ID BUSINESS

ADDRESS

GRID ID BUSINESS

ADDRESS

GRID

14 Homewood Suites by Hilton 15 Hyatt Place Portland Old Port

1 A Piece of ME

481 Danforth St

C3 F10

200 Southborough Dr, Scarborough A2

2 AC Hotel by Marriott

Thames St

433 Fore St 468 Fore St

3 Best Western Merry Manor Inn 700 Main St, So. Portland

16 Portland Harbor Hotel E7 17 Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks 200 Sable Oaks Dr, So. Portland A3 18 Portland Regency Hotel & Spa 20 Milk St E8 19 The Press Hotel 119 Exchange St D8 20 Ramada Plaza Portland 155 Riverside St A8 21 Residence Inn Portland 145 Fore St E10 22 Super 8 Motel 8 Larrabee Rd, Westbrook A8 23 University of New England 716 Stevens Ave A10 24 USM Dept of Conferences 88 Bedford St, PO Box 9300 B7 25 Westin Portland Harborview 157 High St C6

4 Clarion Hotel

1230 Congress St

5 Courtyard by Marriott

100 Southborough Dr, So. Portland A2

6 Courtyard by Marriott Downtown 321 Commercial St

7 Danforth Inn / Tempo Dulu 8 DoubleTree by Hilton 9 Embassy Suites by Hilton 10 Fairfield Inn Maine Mall 11 Hilton Garden Inn / Airport 12 Hilton Garden Inn Downtown

163 Danforth St

363 Maine Mall Rd, So. Portland A2

1050 Westbrook St

2 Cummings Rd, Scarborough

145 Jetport Blvd 65 Commercial St

A5 F9 D5

13 Holiday Inn By the Bay

88 Spring St

GET A CLUE

Meeting Planner FAQs Q:WHAT GROUP SIZE CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE? A: The largest meeting space in Greater Portland is just over 35,000 sq ft. There is a combined available square footage of 112,000 sq ft from conference venues in Portland’s downtown. Q:WHEN IS PEAK SEASON? A: June-October is considered peak season for Portland. For a more budget-friendly meeting, consider our region during the winter season. Our city is a vibrant meetings destination year-round! Q:DO I NEED A MEETING PLANNER? A: Our sales team can act as your local liaison while planning your event at no cost to you. From choosing the ideal venue to assisting with vendor referrals, our goal is to provide you with services to make your meeting a success. Q:CAN YOU HELP MARKET & BUILD ATTENDANCE? A Yes! We are happy to help market your event. We can post your meeting’s details to our Events Calendar and use our social media channels to help promote it. Additionally, we provide our printed marketing materials and high resolution destination images and promotional videos. Q:DO YOU HAVE GIFT BAGS WITH LOCAL PRODUCTS? A: Our team can provide your guests with our complimentary Visitor’s Guide publication. We are also happy to connect you with local makers that will work with you to craft Maine-made gifts for your swag bag. Q:WHERE DO WE GET THE BEST LOBSTER? A : Maine Lobster is the sweetest, most flavorful lobster you can eat—hand-caught by local fishermen committed to sustainable fishing for generations. Many restaurants offer a variety of lobster dishes but all are made with the freshest of Maine’s most sought-after delicacy. Q:WHERE CAN I HAVE A LOBSTER BAKE? A: There are several ways you can host your own lobster bake for your group. You can bring in a local caterer to one of our unique venues, dine at one of Portland’s mouth-watering restaurants, or even take a scenic cruise on Casco Bay as you crack into those lobsters.

PORTLAND’S NEIGHBORHOODS

Arts District The cultural epicenter of Maine, Portland’s Arts District encompasses an art school, world-renowned art museum, numerous galleries, professional theatre, and live performance venues. East Bayside This former industrial area is now exploding with coffeeshops, breweries, distilleries, and other innovative businesses. East Bayside is definitely Portland’s new hot zone. Eastern Prom cannot be matched elsewhere in the city. Once a neglected neighborhood, the East End is on the rise and has become the hip area to live in Portland. The Observatory, situated among a bevy of restaurants and small shops, crowns Congress Street. Old Port/Waterfront Portland’s working waterfront is an attraction in and of itself. Renovated brick warehouses and tour boats line Commercial Street. Cruise ships dock daily in the fall. The Old Port is the heart of Portland’s shopping, dining, and nightlife scene. Parkside Taking its name from 55-acre Deering Oaks Park, this district is also home to the Portland Exposition Building, University of Southern Maine, the Portland Ice Arena, and Hadlock Stadium, home of the Portland Sea Dogs baseball team. Thompson’s Point Imaginative and dynamic, this newly developed waterfront district combines entertainment and conference facilities, an outdoor skating rink, quirky museums, a distillery, a brewery, and the training and performance company, Circus Maine. West End Industrial age mansions and Victorian era architecture line the quiet streets of the city’s most elegant quarter. Enjoy a stroll along the Western Prom and dine in great restaurants favored by locals. East End The panoramic harbor views from the

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Kim Chapman Photography; Maine Office of Tourism; James Chatmas

DIRECTORY LISTINGS

TRANSPORTATION Air & Train Travel................................................................................................... 27 Bus, Van, Limousine & Charter Companies........................................... 27 ACTIVITIES Adventure, Sports & Recreation..................................................................... 27 Arts, Culture & History ....................................................................................... 29 Cruises, Charters & Tours.................................................................................. 29 SERVICE VENDORS Audio Visual & Electrical Services............................................................... 30 Catering & Lobsterbakes.................................................................................... 30 Display & Exhibit Services / Rentals.......................................................... 30 Entertainment............................................................................................................ 31 Event, Meeting, Trade Show & Wedding Planners............................ 31 Florists............................................................................................................................ 31 Promotional Items & Gifts................................................................................. 32 Photographers & Videographers................................................................... 32 Printers / Publishers.............................................................................................. 32 Special Services........................................................................................................ 33 Receptive Tour Operators / Travel Services........................................ 33

{ Vendor Directory }

Why not cruise Casco Bay with us? Charter a Casco Bay Lines ferry for your own private cruise around Casco Bay. We welcome groups of all sizes looking to host a private cruise or charter transportation to an island. Add entertainment, catering, or even a lobster bake on Peaks to your outing. We provide the boat and crew and, if you like, complete bar service. PLANNING AN EVENT?

Casco Bay Ferry Terminal 56 Commercial Street • Portland, Maine For more information visit cascobaylines.com or call (207) 774-7873

TRANSPORTATION AIR & TRAIN TRAVEL AMTRAK DOWNEASTER 100 Thompson’s Point Rd, Portland, ME 04102 (800) USA-RAIL / info@nnepra.com traintomaine.com The Amtrak Downeaster operates five round trips daily between Portland, ME and Boston, MA. Connect via Amtrak to cities to the south and west. A great trip starts with good planning; visit us online for some helpful tips. Group discounts of up to 50% available.

ACTIVITIES ADVENTURE, SPORTS & RECREATION THE ESCAPE ROOM 496 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101 (207) 619-3775 / info@escaperoomme.com escaperoomme.com Perfect for team building or company outings. The Escape Room brings people together to reach a common goal; unlocking the door. In order to accomplish this, people need to work together. Book now and see if you have what it takes to escape in 60 minutes or less! L.L.BEAN OUTDOOR DISCOVERY SCHOOLS 15 Casco St, Freeport, ME 04033 (888) 270-2326 / outdoor_discovery@llbean.com llbean.com/adventure Corporate team building, group trips, private lessons, kids’ birthday parties – our expert guides will help you create an experience that’s right for your group. From paddle boarding to fly casting to overnight trips, we offer a wide range of exciting outdoor programs – let us plan a fun event for you. MAINE INDOOR KARTING 23 Washington Ave, Scarborough, ME 04074 (207) 885-0058 FAX: (207) 885-0314 info@maineindoorkarting.com maineindoorkarting.com Look no further than Maine’s only premier indoor karting facility. We offer parties and group outings for most any size group. With speeds approaching 40MPH, we are known as the fastest team builder around. You are guaranteed to be adrenaline-filled and leave with memories to last a lifetime! OXFORD CASINO 777 Casino Way, PO Box 777, Oxford, ME 04270 (207) 539-6700 / info@oxfordcasino.com oxfordcasino.com Oxford Casino offers a unique entertainment experience with contemporary table games and slot machines. Grab your friends and have some fun at southern Maine’s only casino. Excitement goes 24/7 and there’s always a reason to celebrate. Just minutes from Exit 63 off the Maine Turnpike. See ad page 28

GOOD TIMES SHUTTLE 36 Shannon Lane, Saco, ME 04072 (207) 400-4560 / bruce@goodtimesshuttle.com goodtimesshuttle.com Based in the Portland area. We provide service to many Maine Destinations; restaurants, theaters, sports events, casinos, etc. Corporate functions, weddings, trade shows, conventions, airport service. Our 14 passenger van has individual coach style seats, a high ceiling, providing a very comfortable ride along with low rates and friendly service. MAINE LIMOUSINE SERVICE 184 Main St, Suite 1A, South Portland, ME 04106 (207) 883-0222 FAX: (207) 885-5415 info@mainelimo.com mainelimo.com Maine Limousine Service’s professional, knowledgeable, uniformed chauffeurs will escort you to any destination. Our fleet of immaculate, late model vehicles includes Sedans, SUV’s, Limousines, Shuttle Buses, Vans and a 1962 Antique Bentley. Specializing in corporate and leisure travel, airport transfers, weddings, sightseeing and all special occasions. Online reservations available. See ad page 19

{ Vendor Directory }

NORTHEAST AIR 1011 Westbrook St, Portland, ME 04102 (207) 774-6318 FAX: (877) 354-7881 info@northeastair.com northeastair.com

Northeast Air is Portland, Maine’s finest fullservice FBO (Fixed Base Operator), offering aircraft fueling, maintenance, concierge, charter and more. For more than 45 years, Northeast Air has provided top quality customer service and support for charter and private flights arriving at and departing from the Portland International Jetport.

NORTHEAST CHARTER & TOUR CO. 235 Goddard Rd, Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 784-3159 FAX: (207) 786-0579 sriccio@northeastchartertour.com northeastchartertour.com

PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL JETPORT 1001 Westbrook St, Portland, ME 04102 (207) 874-8877 FAX: (207) 774-7740 pwmadmin@portlandmaine.gov portlandjetport.org

Northeast Charter & Tour offers extensive passenger transportation services to get you where you need to go. Our variety of group transportation ranges from town cars and limousines to stylish minibuses and, of course, our fleet of full 56-passenger charter buses. Sporting events, airport service, casino trips, we can do it all.

One of New England’s fastest growing airports serving nearly 1.8 million passengers a year. The Jetport offers travelers easy access off of the Maine Turnpike, easy parking across the street from the terminal and great airlines offering low airfares. Convenient location, convenient terminal and great airfares make Portland a great choice. See ad page 20

PORTLAND HARBOR WATER TAXI 68 Berkley St, Portland, ME 04103 (207) 200-8691 captain@portlandharborwatertaxi.com portlandharborwatertaxi.com

BUS, VAN, LIMOUSINE & CHARTER COMPANIES

Portland Harbor Water Taxi provides safe, affordable and reliable water transportation for small and large groups of up to 37 people. We offer harbor shuttle service between Portland and South Portland along with sunset cruises that allows us to view 5 different light houses and historic forts along the way.

CUSTOM COACH AND LIMOUSINE 19 Bartlett Rd, Gorham, ME 04038 (207) 797-9100 FAX: (207) 797-9090 info@customcoachandlimo.com customcoachandlimo.com

VIP TOUR & CHARTER BUS CO. 129 Fox St, Portland, ME 04101 (207) 772-4457 FAX: (207) 772-7020

PORTLAND SEA DOGS 271 Park Ave, Portland, ME 04102 (207) 874-9300 FAX: (207) 780-0317 seadogs@seadogs.com seadogs.com

We have earned a reputation for consistently providing the finest in transportation service since 1988. Providing vehicles for 1 to 57 passengers. Whether it be a bachelor(ette) evening, hotel shuttle, bride/groom transportation, airport shuttle or any other event, Custom Coach has what you need. “You’ll get accustomed to Custom.”

aviptour@maine.rr.com vipchartercoaches.com

Variety of transportation services including weddings, convention shuttles, corporate & sporting events, school trips, shopping excursions, multi-day tours, private charters and more. Vehicles range from Deluxe 55 passenger Coaches, 41-44 passenger Activity Coaches, Mercedes Sprinter seating 14, Ford Flex seating 6. ADA accessibility, Wi-Fi, DVD, USB & luggage storage. Travel in style. See ad page 19

The Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. You can see the future stars of the Boston Red Sox today. The Sea Dogs provide fun, affordable, family entertainment. For groups of 20 or more the Portland Sea Dogs offer discounted ticket rates. Perfect for family outings & corporate events.

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