Event Planner's Guide 2018

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 “

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