IN BRIEF: TOURISM, FILM AND THE ARTS NEWS

Governor O'Malley to announce executive order to commemorate War of 1812
On September 8, Governor Martin O’Malley is expected to announce an executive order creating a state commission to plan Maryland’s commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812. The announcement will be made as part of the annual Defender’s Weekend activities at Fort McHenry - the 193rd anniversary of the successful defense of the city, state and nation from British attack and the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner. The Maryland commemoration is expected to set ambitious goals for tourism, education, inclusion and statewide participation. For more information on the commission and the bicentennial planning, contact bpencek@choosemaryland.org.


MSAC welcomes new program director for public art
The Maryland State Arts Council welcomes Lauren Dugas Glover as the new program director for public art. Lauren joined the arts council as a part-time program director in August. She brings a high level of interest and expertise in this field to manage the statewide public art initiative. Since 2001, Lauren has been the director of the Prince George’s County Art in Public Places program. Lauren can be reached at lglover@msac.org.

Gary Jobson joins Maryland Tourism Development Board
Office of Tourism Director Margot Amelia welcomes sailing legend Gary Jobson to the Maryland Tourism Development Board as a legislative appointee. Gary is a world-class sailor, television commentator and author based in Annapolis. He has won many championships in one design classes, the America's Cup with Ted Turner in 1977, the infamous Fastnet Race and many of the world's ocean races. In college, he was an All-American sailor three times and was twice named College Sailor of the Year. On the Net: http://jobsonsailing.com


Register now for the Maryland Governor's Tourism Industry Conference!
Registration is filling up fast for the Maryland Governor's Tourism Industry Conference, which is set for November 14 - 16 at the Holiday Inn Select in Solomons Island. The conference facilitates the education of the tourism community, provides networking opportunities, teaches about the role of the Maryland Office of Tourism and creates a strong industry to encourage elected leaders to increase funding. For more details and a quick and easy registration, click here.


Calling all new events for state profile sheet
The Office of Tourism Development will be attending several group tour-focused marketplaces, such as the National Tour Association, American Bus Association, and Ontario Motorcoach Association. At these events, OTD is permitted to distribute a one-page profile sheet, which includes information on new openings, additions, special tour packages and major upcoming exhibits. If you have any special events, new openings, or new tour offerings for 2008 and beyond, please send a 50-word or less description with contact information to Rich Gilbert at rgilbert@visitmaryland.org. Information must be received by September 14.

IN THE NEWS

Great Escapes: Fishing in Maryland
When it comes to deep sea fishing, the focus is on Ocean City, says Connie Yingling. "Different captains often specialize in certain species, such as shark," she says. "And the White Marlin Tournament is a huge event … people pay to enter and whoever has the largest fish can win as many as hundreds of thousands of dollars." (Daily Record; August 24)

Movie sequel begins production in city
Film crews are tapping Baltimore. Photographers have begun working on "Step Up 2 The Streets," a sequel to the 2006 film "Step Up," also filmed in Baltimore. (Baltimore Business Journal; August 30)

EVENTS CALENDAR

XVIII Annual Latin American Film Festival
The XVIII Annual Latin American Film Festival, presented by the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, will run September 18 through October 7. The festival offers an extensive exploration of filmmaking throughout Latin America, Spain and Portugal. The diverse slate of films includes multiple award-winners, festival favorites, local box-office hits and debut works by promising new talents from 18 countries. On the Net: www.AFI.com/Silver


Marketing Calendar
Maryland Tourism's Sales Team prepares to hit the road. Upcoming marketing opportunities:

• Travel Expo New York (Corning)
  Travel Expo will be held September 11 - 12 at the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center in Horseheads, NY. More than 700 group leaders and 100 Motorcoach/Tour Operators are expected to attend.
• MSTA Convention
  OTD will purchase booth space at the Maryland State Teachers Association (MSTA) Convention. The convention will be held in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City on October 19 - 20, 2007. As part of the convention, MSTA has a trade show for the 1,500+ teachers in attendance.
• Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association
  The Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association (GNJMA) will be holding their group leader show on Tuesday, November 27, at Trump's Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. This will be the third year for this event. An estimated 700 group leaders are expected to attend.

Please contact Rich Gilbert with any questions regarding the sales and marketing opportunities at 410-767-6288 or rgilbert@mdwelcome.org.


Events on the horizon

Maryland Renaissance Festival, Crownsville, Through October 21
Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival, McHenry, September 8
The Maryland Wine Festival, Westminster, September 15 and 16
St. Mary's County Fair, Leonardtown, September 20 - 23
Sunfest, Ocean City, September 20 - 23
Motocross of Nations, St. Mary’s, September 22 and 23
Calvert County Fair, Barstow, September 26 - 30