Graduate Annapolis Hotel Launch Programming

ABOUT

As a tradition for the opening of each Graduate property, Graduate Hotels kicks off with a large, celebratory event to bring locals and college students together at the hotel. These launch events tie in the university’s culture as well as culture local to the area.

MY ROLE

For the launch of Graduate's Annapolis hotel, my job was to research local traditions and those at the Naval Academy to create an appealing launch event for Annapolis residents. I started this research by conducting interviews with current Naval Academy students and alumni to inquire about campus life, school traditions, and students' favorite off-campus events. I continued my research about the Annapolis area by interviewing current residents about the city and learning about their favorite things in Maryland.

With this research, I helped to conceptualize a Graduate sponsored sailing race with Annapolis' local yacht club and with a crab boil reception at Graduate Annapolis to follow. I then assisted in planning the launch event by contacting Annapolis vendors and negotiating work contracts between Graduate and these vendors.