OCEAN CITY, Md.- After 14 years leading the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, Director Larry Noccolino is preparing to retire from the Town of Ocean City.
Noccolino joined the town in May 2012 after a career spanning hospitality, convention and club management, including at the Valley Forge Convention Complex. According to the town, his time as convention center director included several major expansion projects that significantly increased the facility's size and capabilities.
When Noccolino joined the town, the convention center was in the first stage of an expansion that added the Bayfront Ballroom and Dockside Exhibit Hall. A second phase was completed in 2014 with the addition of the Ocean City Performing Arts Center.
Ocean City says one of the largest expansions followed in January 2021, adding about 30,000 square feet of exhibit space along with the 15,000-square-foot Bayfront Gallery.
The projects gave the convention center additional space to host meetings, conventions, performances and other events, helping support Ocean City's tourism economy beyond the traditional summer season.
Over the years, Noccolino worked with a wide range of organizations that brought events to the convention center. Those included the Maryland Municipal League, Maryland State Firefighters Association, Maryland Association of Counties and Maryland State Education Association, along with cheer and dance competitions, the Seaside Boat Show and various conventions and conferences.
Noccolino said the people he worked with throughout his career were among the most meaningful parts of his professional life.
“I have been blessed with two incredible staffs, not only here at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center but also at the Valley Forge Convention Complex,” said Noccolino. “Forty-plus years of working with people that I called family will be missed dearly.”
According to Ocean City, Noccolino’s final day with the Town of Ocean City is scheduled for Sept. 4.
