Roland E. Powell Convention Center | Ocean City

The Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland, stands as the city’s premier multi-purpose event facility, encompassing over 214,000 square feet of flexible space designed to accommodate a wide variety of gatherings ranging from conferences, trade shows, and sporting events to concerts, theatrical performances, and community celebrations. Strategically located at 4001 Coastal Highway, the center’s bayside setting provides stunning views of Isle of Wight Bay, complementing its modern architecture and expansive interiors.

Architectural Design and Facility Layout

The convention center’s design emphasizes versatility, spaciousness, and accessibility. The complex includes several distinct areas:

Main Exhibit Halls (A & B):
These two large, column-free exhibit halls span a combined 45,400 square feet, each featuring soaring 30-foot ceilings. The absence of internal columns ensures unobstructed views and maximum flexibility for event setups, including large trade shows, exhibitions, and conventions. The halls can collectively accommodate up to 5,000 attendees.

Dockside Exhibit Hall:
Covering 14,000 square feet, this hall features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bay and offers direct access to the adjacent boardwalk, creating an ideal atmosphere for expos and events that benefit from natural light and scenic surroundings.

Bayfront Ballroom:
The center boasts a grand 20,000 square-foot ballroom with 35-foot ceilings and panoramic waterfront views. The ballroom is divisible into two separate sections, allowing simultaneous smaller events or a grand space for large banquets, galas, weddings, and conferences.

Ocean City Performing Arts Center:
Integrated within the complex is a sophisticated 1,200-seat theater designed to host concerts, Broadway-caliber shows, keynote presentations, and community performances. The theater’s acoustics and seating layout provide an intimate yet spacious environment.

Outdoor Terrace:
Adjacent to the ballroom, the outdoor terrace offers a scenic setting for receptions, cocktail hours, and networking events, capitalizing on the waterfront ambiance.

Recent Expansion and Enhancements

In January 2022, the Roland E. Powell Convention Center completed a major expansion adding 45,000 square feet of new space, significantly enhancing its event-hosting capabilities. The expansion included:

A 30,000 square-foot multi-purpose exhibit hall, adding substantial capacity for larger trade shows, conventions, and sporting events.

A 15,000 square-foot bayside gallery, designed for receptions, smaller gatherings, and additional exhibit space, featuring large windows that showcase beautiful bay views.

A fully equipped business center and additional support spaces such as meeting rooms, storage, and administrative offices, improving operational efficiency and visitor services.

This expansion has not only increased the facility's physical footprint but also enabled the hosting of an estimated 30 more events annually, contributing significantly to the local economy by supporting over 500 jobs in the area.

Sustainability and Green Initiatives

The convention center is deeply committed to environmental responsibility, partnering with Go Green OC, a local sustainability initiative focused on reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. Key aspects of their sustainability program include:

Implementing zero-waste event guidelines, emphasizing recycling and composting.

Utilizing compostable food service products and minimizing single-use plastics.

Donating surplus food from events to local charities to reduce food waste.

Offering event planners certification and consulting to ensure environmentally responsible event management.

These efforts align the facility with modern green standards and appeal to organizations prioritizing sustainability.

Services and Amenities

The Roland E. Powell Convention Center is equipped with a range of visitor-friendly services:

On-site Catering and Food Service:
Professional catering teams provide a diverse selection of menus and customized dining options suitable for banquets, receptions, and casual gatherings.

Advanced Audiovisual and Technical Support:
State-of-the-art sound systems, lighting, and staging equipment are available, supported by skilled technicians ensuring smooth event execution.

Accessibility:
The entire facility is ADA compliant, featuring accessible entrances, seating, restrooms, and assistive listening devices, ensuring all guests can comfortably participate.

Parking and Transportation:
Ample parking is available nearby, with shuttle services offered during large events for convenient access.

Events and Programming

The convention center hosts a dynamic mix of local, regional, and national events year-round, including:

Trade Shows and Expositions:
Industry-specific expos covering topics from technology and health to arts and crafts.

Conferences and Corporate Meetings:
Spaces configured to support both large general sessions and smaller breakout rooms for workshops and seminars.

Cultural and Performing Arts Events:
Concerts featuring national touring acts, Broadway shows, and community theater productions held in the Performing Arts Center.

Sporting Events:
Indoor sports competitions such as volleyball tournaments and cheerleading championships make use of the exhibit halls and gymnasium spaces.

Community and Social Events:
Banquets, weddings, charity galas, and holiday celebrations utilize the ballroom and terrace areas.

Visitor Experience and Location

The convention center’s waterfront location on Coastal Highway offers guests spectacular views of Isle of Wight Bay, with easy access from major highways and proximity to Ocean City’s hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The facility’s modern design, combined with efficient event management and diverse amenities, creates a welcoming atmosphere for attendees.

Visitors often note the spaciousness of the venue, professional staff, and the convenience of combining business with leisure, as the center’s location allows for quick trips to nearby beaches and boardwalk activities.

Summary

The Roland E. Powell Convention Center is a cornerstone of Ocean City’s event and cultural scene, providing over 214,000 square feet of adaptable space, including expansive exhibit halls, a grand ballroom with waterfront views, and a state-of-the-art performing arts theater. Its recent expansion, commitment to sustainability, and comprehensive amenities position it as an ideal venue for a broad spectrum of events-from large-scale conventions to intimate social gatherings-supporting Ocean City’s economy and enriching the community’s cultural life.