UPCOMING CONVENTION AND SPORTS EVENTS December 2017 2017 USA Track & Field Annual Meetings | Nov. 29-Dec. 2 The 2017 Track and Field Annual Meetings are scheduled to take place from Nov. 29-Dec. 2 at the Hyatt Regency. Attendance: 1,500 Meals: Attendees are on their own for meals. Location: Hyatt Regency Columbus Website: http://www.usatf.org/About/Annual-Meeting.aspx Group Contact: Desiree Friedman, [email protected] Sports Commission Contact: Ariana Tyler, [email protected] 2017 AT&T Winter National Championships | Nov. 29-Dec. 2 The Winter National Championships will take place at The Ohio State University in the McCorkle Aquatics Pavilion. Attendance: 2,500 Meals: Attendees are on their own for meals. Location: McCorkle Aquatics Pavilion, The Ohio State University Website: https://www.usaswimming.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USAswimming/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/usaswimming Group Contact: Dean Ekeren, [email protected] Sports Commission Contact: Ariana Tyler, [email protected] 2017 Ohio Machine Coaches Convention | Dec. 1-3 The Ohio Machine will host the fourth annual Ohio Machine Lacrosse Convention in conjunction with U.S. Lacrosse on Saturday, Dec. 2 in Dublin. This one-day gathering is the premier lacrosse educational event in the Midwest that brings coaches, referees and program administrators from the youth, high school, club and college levels together to facilitate the growth of the game in the region. Attendance: 1,000 Meals: Attendees are on their own for meals. Location: Dublin Embassy Suites by Hilton Website: https://www.theohiomachine.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MachineMLL/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MachineMLL Group Contact: Ryan Chenault, [email protected] Sports Commission Contact: Ariana Tyler, [email protected] Ohio Turfgrass Foundation | Dec. 4-7 OTF Conference and Show This regional show attracts golf course supervisors, athletic field managers, recreation and parks departments and exhibitors who support the turfgrass industry. They will attend workshops and recertification classes. Ninety-five percent of attendees are men. Attendance: 4,000 Meals: There is a reception Tuesday evening and lunch is provided on Wednesday. Exhibits: 150 companies. Not open to the public. Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites, Red Roof Plus+ Website: http://www.otfshow.org/ Twitter: @ohioturfgrass Group Contact: Brian Laurent, [email protected] Experience Columbus Contact: Bill Behrens, [email protected] Ohio Farm Bureau Federation | Dec. 6-8 2017 Annual Meeting The Ohio Farm Bureau is Ohio’s largest general farm organization. Members include farmers, food enthusiasts, teachers and anyone who enjoys rural Ohio. Attendance: 1,200 Meals: Attendees are on their own for meals. Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hilton Downtown Twitter: @OhioFarmBureau Website: www.ofbf.org Group Contact: Julie Shull, [email protected] Experience Columbus Contact: Sharon Levine, [email protected] 2017 OVR Molten Boys National Preview Tournament | Dec. 15-17 The Ohio Valley Region (OVR), Inc. is one of the largest regional volleyball associations of USA Volleyball. Their main purpose as an amateur athletic sports association is to promote and establish quality volleyball through participation by both adults and juniors. OVR will host its annual Molten Boys National Preview Tournament at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Attendance: 1,500 Meals: Attendees are on their own for meals. Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center Website: https://www.ovr.org/juniors/jt_info.php?id=2 Facebook: OVR Twitter: @OVRegion Group Contact: Ron Wyzynski, [email protected] Sports Commission Contact: Ariana Tyler, [email protected] The Experience Columbus Visitor Centers in the Arena District and at the Greater Columbus Convention Center are here to help your customers find their way around the city. Arena District hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Visitor Center is located on the corner of Nationwide Blvd. and Neil Ave. at 277 W. Nationwide Blvd., 43215. Phone: 614-221-6623. The Convention Center Visitor Center hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and Sunday noon–5 p.m. The Convention and Sports Alert is published monthly to assist area restaurants, hotels and other facilities in anticipating their staffing and supply needs. To add, change or delete an email recipient, please contact Bill Behrens at [email protected]. .