 It is with extreme pleasure that Maritime Conference Center announces the promotion of John Krikorian from Director of Operations to General Manager!
Effective immediately, John will be accountable for the day-to-day activities and operational functions of MCC and use resources to support the MITAGS East and West Coast Campuses. MITAGS-MCC's Executive Director, Eric Friend, has collaborated closely with John in his previous role as Director of Operations over recent years. Together, they will continue to review current processes and develop strategic paths to the future. John has worn several different hats here over the years with an attitude that says, "if the hat fits, wear it!" Changing hats yet again, John clears another space on his desk in this much-deserved role. John came on board in July 2007, celebrating 15 years this year! Did you know that John was once a customer of MCC? When you stop to congratulate John ask him about it, he would love to tell you! Congrats John, we're all proud of you and grateful for all that you do to contribute to the success of our organizations! Share  Maritime Conference Center (MCC) is excited to welcome Jessica Marshall to the team as one of our Guest Services Representatives. Jessica comes to MCC from the Sonesta (formerly Candlewood Suites), with a background in hospitality since 2014. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to her, and stop by the front desk to say "hi!" next time you're on site!
In an effort to get to know our new crew member, we asked Jessica a few questions about her background and life outside of work! Check out her answers below. Where are you from? Baltimore If you won the lottery, where would you buy a house? Florida What is one thing, place, restaurant, etc. that you would recommend someone go to when visiting our campus in MD? The National Aquarium in Baltimore. What's your best memory on the water? A cruise to the Caribbean in 2019. If you were deserted on an island, what three items would you hope to have with you? My phone, food and my fiancée! What's your favorite movie quote? "You're killing me smalls!" What is your favorite food? Tacos! What's your favorite book? The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton Do you have any pets? What kind? Names? Two cats - Blizzard & Shadow One dog - Harley One bearded dragon - Raffie Share  Last week MITAGS and Maritime Conference Center were thrilled to host several student groups on site as part of the 2022 Engineers Week Program. The week long program, coordinated locally by the Engineers Club of Baltimore and Engineers Week Council, hosts hundreds of middle school and high school students from around the state of Maryland at various locations.
Throughout the week students learn about Engineering, STEM, and this year Maritime, from organizations like the American Council of Engineering Companies Maryland, American Concrete Institute, American Society of Plumbing Engineers, ASHRAE, Maryland Department of Transportation, and many others. Topics included green building technology, considering a career in engineering, plumbing system design and public health, and engineering/technology in transportation. The week culminated with an introduction to maritime training and simulation at MITAGS-MCC’s location in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. MITAGS-MCC teamed up with Sail Baltimore to host a full day of activities that included the following sessions:
Students from Lindale Middle School, Pikesville High School & Wheaton High School attended the event. MITAGS-MCC wishes to thank all sponsors of the 2022 Engineers Week, including our friends at Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P), Wartsila, McAllister Towing, Crowley and Visit Howard County. About Engineers Week National Engineers Week was founded in 1951 by The National Society of Professional Engineers and is celebrated annually at the time of George Washington’s Birthday. Our first president was a military engineer and a land surveyor. Like our first president, today’s engineers are problem solvers. They design, develop and oversee the design, manufacture and construction of products, machines and structures. Engineers Week is a time to recognize the contributions engineers have made to our way of life and to encourage students to pursue engineering careers to perpetuate advancements for future generations. The Engineers Club and its affiliated Associate Societies encourage everyone to come out and support these activities now, and in years to come, at The Garrett-Jacobs Mansion, 11 West Mount Vernon Place, The Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway, and, this year, MITAGS-MCC, 692 Maritime Blvd. Share  MCC's Director of Sales, Jill Porter recently made a guest appearance on Wilka Nascimento's Leadership Talks podcast to discuss Women in Hospitality.
During the conversation Wilka and Jill talked about getting started in the hospitality industry and being a female leader in this industry. Other topics included the importance of personal branding, collaboration, setting boundaries and being a servant leader - supporting your team and lifting them up along the way. Share  Baltimore, MD – February 02, 2022 – On behalf of the MM&P MATES Program, The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) and Maritime Conference Center (MCC) announce the appointment of Eric Friend as the new Executive Director.
“The trustees’ decision to select Eric as the next Executive Director has made the transition much easier. Eric has been running the Academic Division for several years, and {been] involved in most major decisions,” said Glen Paine, former Executive Director, now retired. “Eric is smart, dedicated, and respected by the trustees, students, and industry. He has all the attributes to take the school to the next level.” With young aspirations of originally wanting to fly and aiming to seek a flight billet from the US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Eric’s ambitions quickly changed after spending his cadet time at sea on International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P) vessels. Every vessel he sailed was an MM&P ship. The officers aboard were incredible mentors thus deepening his love for the maritime industry. After graduating from USMMA in 1998, Eric became a sailing member of the MM&P, experiencing MITAGS’ training as a student, the same year when Glen Paine took the helm. Eric witnessed firsthand the improvements made under Glen’s leadership, and in 2003, he became a MITAGS instructor. For several years, Eric taught a variety of subjects including Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch and several maritime safety courses. In 2007, under the mentorship of Walt Megonigal, Eric began a succession plan and in 2008 became the Director of MITAGS Academic. Eric also simultaneously spent time in the Navy Reserves from 1998 to 2009. His last unit was with an Inshore Boat Unit with one of his duties being the officer in charge of training. Later, he earned his Masters of Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from the American Military University. Eric holds a Masters License (1600 ton) and a Second Mate license (any Gross Tons Upon Oceans). As the new Executive Director, Eric intends to continue to cultivate and grow the relationships and deepen the level of trust that MM&P members and other MITAGS-MCC clients have now, taking care of all their training and business needs. “We remain steadfast as ever to our mission and vision, evolving with the ever-changing world around us,” said Eric. “I’m looking forward to carrying on Glen’s legacy, and leading an amazing team of people, while continuing to advance MITAGS-MCC as the thought-leaders in their respective industries.” MM&P President and Plans Chairman Captain Don Marcus stated, “Eric has a challenging mission carrying on the outstanding achievements of Glen Paine. The trustees of the MATES program have no doubt that Eric has the ability and personal commitment necessary, not only to keep our flagship propelling forward, but to further enhance its position as the premier training facility in the industry.” In Eric’s free time, he is often found volunteering in his community. One of Eric’s greatest hobbies and passions is being a National Weather Service Skywarn Spotter. After a storm, Eric can be found assisting in disaster responses, cleaning up storm debris or helping to organize food trucks to feed a community without power. For more information about MITAGS and current staff transitions, please visit www.mitags.org/news. Media Contact: Lindsay Moran, Director of Marketing 410.684.7413 lmoran@mitags.org ### About Maritime Conference Center Maritime Conference Center (MCC) sits on the beautiful 40-acre campus of the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS), and is a 232-room hotel and conference center, offering 100,000 square feet of meeting space, including an auditorium with seating for 350 and a dining room with seating for 500. MCC also offers a fitness room, a recreation room, an indoor swimming pool, a Deck Club Lounge, and an abundance of outdoor space. Conveniently located within minutes of BWI Airport, MCC is a central hub for a variety of gatherings in the Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, D.C. regions. Whether it's conference rooms, dining services or lodging that you need, MCC has you covered. For more information, visit us online at www.mccbwi.org. About MITAGS MITAGS is a nonprofit, vocational training center for individuals seeking to enter the maritime profession and for professional mariners seeking to advance their careers. With campuses in Baltimore and Seattle, it is the leader in maritime training, pilot programs, ship simulation and operational research, providing customized solutions for both individual companies and mariners, and members of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots. To learn more, visit our website at www.mitags.org. MITAGS-MCC’s Nondiscrimination Policy can be viewed in its entirety at www.mitags.org/about-us and www.mccbwi.org/policy.html. Share  The Maritime Conference Center is currently looking for a Guest Services Representative for our front desk operation. This full time (40 hour week) opportunity offers competitive salary and excellent benefits including health, dental, and vison coverage for employee and qualified dependents with zero $ payroll deduction. We offer paid vacation, personal and sick time, and 13 paid holidays. We currently offer combined employer contributions of 15% to Pension and IRAP Plans plus a 401K employee contribution plan. MCC sits on a beautiful campus-like setting with employee discounts on limited overnight stays when available, use of indoor pool and gym, free parking and one meal per scheduled shift! With revenue at the forefront, the daily tasks include, but are not limited to, the sale of 232 hotel guest rooms at the current or better rate, upselling additional services, entering and confirming reservations, guest check in/check out, answering and directing telephone calls and in person inquiries, retail sales in the onsite store, and other duties as outlined below. This position has a flex schedule geared to cover the business needs of a 24 hour hotel. I. MAJOR DUTIES AND REPONSIBILITIES RESERVATIONS AND FRONT DESK OPERATIONS
II. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
For immediate consideration send your resume in confidence to jsibiski@mitags.org. This position will fill quickly! EOE AA Share Glen Paine, Executive Director, MM&P MATES Program, Retires After More Than 23 Years at the Helm1/18/2022
 Eric Friend, appointed by MATES Program trustees, to assume the Executive Director role effective January 17, 2022. Baltimore, MD – January 18, 2022 – On behalf of the MM&P MATES Program, The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) and Maritime Conference Center (MCC) announce the retirement of long-time Executive Director, Glen Paine. Glen initially began his maritime career sailing for the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) after graduating from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1978. Glen had been a MITAGS student for many years, before joining the staff as an instructor in 1986, teaching a variety of classes including Radar, ARPA, Electronic Navigation Systems (EINS), weather, hazardous materials, and occasionally LAP subjects. He also provided curriculum support for the shiphandling department, helping them to implement new BRM courses and custom simulation programs, eventually moving up the ranks to department head. Glen went on to earn his master’s degree in general administration from the University of Maryland, University College (UMUC). A degree he states served him well when he became the Executive Director of the MATES Program in 1998. “In 1998, we hit the deck running and tackled a multitude of pressing issues including improving academics, infrastructure replacement, and building a first-class conference operation,” said Glen. “What I’m truly most proud of, though, is the people working at MITAGS-MCC and the mission they continue to serve!” “MITAGS was up and running when Glen took over from Captain Pillsbury in 1998, but Glen’s tireless work, vision and dedication transformed it from just another union training school, to one of the premier maritime training facilities in the world,” said Don Marcus, President of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, AFL-CIO (MM&P). “MITAGS is recognized internationally as a leader, and has set the standards for maritime training in the USA, as well as the rest of the planet.” Under Glen’s direction and leadership, MITAGS-MCC has become a world-class institution and conference center, winning numerous awards over the years for its Navigation Skills Assessment Program (NSAP)®, Workboat Academy Program, and advancements in simulation technology and research for the maritime and offshore wind industries. MCC has also previously been named “Best Venue for Conferences” by Unique Venues. “Glen has personally dedicated his years on and off the job to maritime training and to the U.S. flag Merchant Marine and MM&P. He is an expert in his field and has contributed more than his full measure of blood, sweat and tears in protecting and advancing our great institution,” continued Don Marcus. Glen’s successor, as selected by the MATES Program trustees, is Director of MITAGS, Eric Friend. “The trustees’ decision to select Eric as the next Executive Director has made the transition much easier. Eric has been running the Academic Division for several years, and involved in most major decisions,” said Glen. “Eric is smart, dedicated, and respected by the trustees, students, and industry. He has all the attributes to take the school to the next level.” “It’s been a true honor serving under Glen and witnessing firsthand the trust and respect he has earned around the industry,” said Eric Friend. “His perseverance, tenacity and leadership constantly drove us forward, allowing MITAGS to forge its own path, leaving a trail and a huge legacy for the entire industry to follow. I would never be able to fill Glen’s shoes, but intend to stand on his shoulders and reach farther advancing his legacy.” Diane Ford, Glen’s executive assistant, has also retired. Diane started her career at MITAGS in 1974 as a receptionist for several years, leaving briefly and returning in 2001 as MITAGS’ registrar. She then became an academic coordinator in 2003, before becoming Glen’s assistant in 2010. “Diane has been a tremendous executive assistant. She was heavily involved in a wide range of areas that were crucial to the MATES Program including the trustees, admissions, academic operations/audits, student services, legal, etc.,” said Glen. “If I was involved, she was as well. Her talents and willingness to tackle almost anything, allowed me to successfully deal with the myriad of issues that comes with the Executive Director position. Additionally, she is just a wonderful person. She is constantly thinking of others. I literally could not have done my job without her, and I am deeply grateful that she decided to stay on until I retired. She is truly one of the unsung “heroes” of the MATES Program.” “Diane has always had a way of keeping what matters most at the forefront of her responsibilities, putting our mariners and MM&P members first,” said Eric. “Her steadfastness and desire to take care of everyone around her will truly be missed!” Due to the on-going pandemic, a private reception was held for Glen at MITAGS-MCC earlier this month. An October Glory Maple Tree and park bench will be dedicated to Glen on the MITAGS campus sometime this spring. The entire staff at MITAGS-MCC wish both Glen and Diane smooth sailing in their retirements and look forward to new leadership under Eric Friend. ###
About MM&P MATES Program The Masters, Mates, and Pilots’ Maritime Advancement, Education, Training, and Safety Program (MATES) is a non-profit trusteeship set up in the 1960’s by the I.O.M.M.&P. and contracting companies. Its initial mission was assisting Able Seafarers in becoming Third Mates, Oceans. This was due to the officer shortage during the Vietnam War. When the war ended, the Program shifted focused toward continuing education. Employers contributing to the joint labor-management trust (MATES Program) recognized the benefit of having well trained captains and deck officers serving on board their ships. The concept proved so successful that training was extended to pilots and non-members as well. About MITAGS MITAGS is a nonprofit, vocational training center for individuals seeking to enter the maritime profession and for professional mariners seeking to advance their careers. With campuses in Baltimore and Seattle, it is the leader in maritime training, pilot programs, ship simulation and operational research, providing customized solutions for both individual companies and mariners, and members of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots. To learn more, visit our website at www.mitags.org. About Maritime Conference Center Maritime Conference Center (MCC) sits on the beautiful 40-acre campus of the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS), and is a 232-room hotel and conference center, offering 100,000 square feet of meeting space, including an auditorium with seating for 350 and a dining room with seating for 500. MCC also offers a fitness room, a recreation room, an indoor swimming pool, a Deck Club Lounge, and an abundance of outdoor space. Conveniently located within minutes of BWI Airport, MCC is a central hub for a variety of gatherings in the Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, D.C. regions. Whether it’s conference rooms, dining services or lodging that you need, MCC has you covered. For more information, visit us online at www.mccbwi.org. MITAGS-MCC’s Nondiscrimination Policy can be viewed in its entirety at www.mitags.org/about-us and www.mccbwi.org/policy.html. Share  Photo of Diego Garcia, as shared in gCaptain article.  As most are aware, the COVID-19 Pandemic greatly impacted our hospitality community. Maritime Conference Center (MCC), on the campus of MITAGS, produces revenue for the 501c3 non-profit school by hosting conferences, meetings and other training events. This revenue stream quickly came to a halt and the campus closed for a couple of months in March 2020. Like most organizations, we quickly migrated to remote and hybrid solutions to keep our business moving and, by the end of May 2020, we safely reopened the campus to host maritime training students. As Chris Fertig explains in an article he wrote regarding Operation DGAR, “By the spring of 2020, COVID-19 restrictions on travel had stranded hundreds of mariners on 13 commercial and U.S. government-owned ships based on and around the remote island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The pandemic had shut down the normal military flights between Bahrain, Singapore and Diego Garcia, leaving the mariners and the island’s land-based personnel with no way on or of the atoll.” MITAGS-Maritime Conference Center learned that the team with Maersk Line, Limited was attempting to create a solution to solve the crew relief challenge, and that they were utilizing a hotel in Virginia to provide a 14-day quarantine. They were testing the mariners, transporting them to a private air terminal and then providing a private aircraft to Diego Garcia, then to their ship for job assignment. The team at MITAGS-MCC knew it could assist and provide everything needed to make the operation a success for as long as necessary. Maritime Conference Center’s team quickly began working through logistical planning, to include securing clean transportation services, ensuring a chartered aircraft would be able to depart from BWI Airport to the island, creating relationships with a testing company, etc. In conjunction with Patriot Contracting Services, Maersk Line, Limited and others, we developed an ongoing ROM (Restriction of Movement) event for mariners for “Operation DGAR” and began housing mariners at the end of September 2020. The ROM event included accommodations, COVID-19 testing, meals, and clean transportation to/from BWI Airport to meet their chartered aircraft. We also housed returning mariners needing accommodations before catching their flights home. In addition, there were times that MITAGS was able to provide mariner training during the mariners’ time in quarantine. MCC also created an orientation video, provided welcome and departure briefings, and created a “ROM Manager” position to provide operational oversight of the reservations process, on-site event, and billing. The landing page for the ROM event and video can be found here: https://www.mccbwi.org/rom.html According to Chris Fertig of Maersk Line, Limited, “Between May 2020 and July 31, 2021, Operation DGAR completed eight airlift missions from the U.S. East Coast to Diego Garcia, moving 1,849 commercial and civilian mariners, regulatory personnel, contractors, and active-duty military personnel from the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force and Space Force. Additionally, those flights carried over 10,000 pounds of critical spare parts and supplies needed to sustain more than 13 different ships supporting government operations in the Indian Ocean region.” Operation DGAR continues today, and a new group of mariners arrived for ROM/Quarantine mid-September 2021. The full article written by Chris Fertig can be read here: https://gcaptain.com/operation-dgar-a-collective-effort-to-repatriate-stranded-mariners-during-a-global-pandemic/  Once we developed the ROM/Quarantine capabilities, MITAGS-Maritime Conference Center worked to spread the word to other shipping companies, military organizations, and anyone else that might be able to utilize the service. In November 2020 the U.S. Air force began working with us on a need to quarantine as well, but since it conflicted with the mariner ROM we worked with one of our off-site partner hotels, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Baltimore-BWI Airport North (a Baywood property) to assist them in landing the much needed business. Roxanne Rivera, General Manager, stated that the group was with them December 2020 through May 2021 and brought in approximately $276K in revenue. This business was helpful in maintaining employment for many staff members.
In conclusion, Maritime Conference Center worked with multiple maritime organizations and vendor partners to ensure safe quarantine of hundreds of mariners throughout the pandemic. These efforts also generated much needed revenue to ensure employment for MCC’s front desk, dining room and housekeeping staff during the exceptionally difficult pandemic time period. It also allowed MCC to bring some staff members back from furlough to support the mission. As part of the mission we also moved the charter flight to fly through BWI Airport instead of Virginia and provided Superior Tours out of Baltimore, MD with approximately $24,000 in revenue through end of July 2021. While Covid-19 testing kits and lab processing was initially handled through Future Care and our own staff administrators, we ultimately switched to local Maryland vendor Avalon Lab Solutions and provided approximately $44,000 in revenue to that vendor so far. And in our efforts to spread the word about safe quarantine/ROM capabilities, we were also able to assist a partner property with landing much-needed business during the pandemic. Share
Share  Last month, MCC Director of Sales, Jill Porter, spoke at the 2021 Unique Venues Virtual Conference. The panel session was titled, Doing the “Pandemic Pivot” – Making the Best of Challenging Circumstances.
As described by Unique Venues: "When the industry came to a screeching halt in March of 2020, we all thought it would only last a few months. As we approached the summer months and it became obvious that the restrictions and closures would extend much longer than anticipated, some venues began exploring alternatives to hosting traditional in-person meetings and events. Could events be transitioned to a virtual environment? Could they continue in-person within stringent social distancing and health guidelines? Could they package and sell their expertise to clients, instead of just their space? Did the venue have experiential elements that could be provided to groups that were meeting virtually? Was it possible to make many of these things available on-demand? The venues that were able to identify opportunities, work through challenges, and pivot their business model quickly were able to find new ways to engage both existing and new clients, keep staff employed, generate revenue for their operations, and open their venue up to new business verticals for the long term." This panel discussion included various venues that successfully made a “Pandemic Pivot." Jill specifically discussed MCC's ever-changing COVID-19 protocols to keep up with local restrictions and clients' needs, supporting hybrid meetings and events at MCC's facility, and quarantining mariners as they prepared to travel around the country and overseas. Other panelists included:
The session was moderated by: Alyson Salem, Director of Marketing, Unique Venues Share |
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