For Release on August 26, 2010

Mobile Bay CVB Announces Multi-million Dollar Convention for 2012

Mobile, AL – The Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors (MBCVB*) is very proud to announce that the City of Mobile will host the 2012 National Convention of the Marine Corps League**. The convention, which is held annually at locations throughout the U.S., will bring between 4,000 and 5,000 Marine Corps League and Auxiliary members and guests from throughout the nation to Mobile for the weeklong event. It is scheduled for August 12-18, 2012, and will be hosted by the Mobile based P.L. Wilson Detachment #447 of the Marine Corps League. “It is a tremendous opportunity and privilege to be able to host the 2012 National Convention in the great city of Mobile,” commented Cal Walters, Chairman of the Local Convention Bid Committee. “This is a first not only for Mobile, but the entire State of Alabama, and we are excited to show off all that the Mobile area has to offer in 2012.”

With an estimated economic impact of between $17 and $18 million, this convention has been on the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau’s radar for quite some time. Leon Maisel, President and CEO of the MBCVB, remarked “This is the perfect example of the ideal convention and meetings business that we go after. Hosting a convention of this size in what is typically one of our slower months for both business and leisure visitors translates into a tremendous opportunity for many businesses throughout our city to experience a marked increase in sales and activity.”

Mobile was selected to host the 2012 Convention during the recent convention held in Greensboro, NC, winning the event over rival bids from Irving, Texas (Dallas area) and Charleston, South Carolina. Members of the local Detachment were joined by representatives from the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Renaissance Riverview and Battle House Hotels, and Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean to promote Mobile’s bid during the course of the week. Voting was conducted on the Thursday of the convention and Mobile won with an overwhelming majority.

Commissioner Dean stated, “We went up against some stiff competition to get the Marine Corps League here. Not only is this the first time the Marine Corps League will hold its convention in Mobile, but it’s the first major veterans organization to have a convention here. When you think about it, the Marine Corps convention ties in with Mobile’s long military history going back to the War of 1812 and the Battle of Mobile Bay. There’s a great amount of interest in our history. Add to that the USS ALABAMA battleship, a new maritime museum, a veteran’s memorial and a taste of Mobile Mardi Gras and you have an invitation that’s hard to resist.” On a personal note, Commissioner Dean added, “I am very proud to host these great patriots here and look forward to their landing in August of 2012.”

The Battle House and Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotels will serve as anchor hotels for the event and due to the size of this convention many other local hotels will help to house a portion of the attendees as well. The Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center will be the site of the group’s business sessions, exhibits and training sessions. The week’s events will include daily business meetings for both the League and the Auxiliary, a memorial service in remembrance of fallen members, and a Friday evening banquet and awards ceremony. Attendees will also be treated to numerous excursions and activities throughout Mobile County and the surrounding area. "We're certainly pleased that the Marine Corps League has selected Mobile for its upcoming convention," Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said. "The city is a perfect site to host this convention, which highlights the value and importance of the men and women in the Marines. We welcome their visit and applaud their decision to be in Mobile."

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Contact:
Harriet Shade Sharer
(251) 208-2017 – ofc
(251) 401-1034 – cell
harriet-sharer@mobile.org



*The MBCVB is a private, not-for-profit organization and is contracted by the city to be the marketing arm of the Mobile
Bay area. The MBCVB is charged with attracting visitors and conventions to the Mobile Bay area to experience and
enjoy our history, culture, event, cuisine, attractions and more in order to further strengthen Mobile’s image as a national destination, increasing economic stability and enhancing the region’s quality of life.

**The Marine Corps League is the only Federally Chartered Marine Corps related veterans organization in the country. The P.L. Wilson Detachment, located in Mobile, was chartered on April 15, 1979, and consists of current and former Marines and FMF Corpsmen from World War II to the present, as well as associate members, boasting a membership of over 250. For additional information on the Marine Corps League, contact Public Relations Officer Tom Claxton at (251) 767-8489 or visit www.mobilemarines.org.