Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Opens Registration for Grand Hire Event

Candidates May Register Starting Today to Reserve a Preferred Interview Date and Time

Those interested in career opportunities at the region's most exciting new resort destination should start practicing their best smiles and register themselves soon. That's because the area's most highly anticipated hiring event is drawing near.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center will hold a four-day Grand Hire event, January 30 through February 2, 2008, to hire individuals to staff its 2,000-room resort located in the new National Harbor development in Prince George's County, just south of Washington D.C. When fully staffed for the April 25, 2008 grand opening, Gaylord National will employ 2,000 STARS (employees) in a variety of full-time, part-time and on-call positions.

"Our hiring efforts have picked up tremendously in the past few months," said Sheldon Suga, Senior Vice President and General Manager. "We are concentrating on building out the teams for the departments within our hotel, and finding the best and brightest individuals to fill key positions on these staffs. This includes everything from mid-level managers to frontline operations roles."

Based on previous Grand Hire events the company has held in other cities, Gaylord officials anticipate a strong turnout and interest from the local region. At a 2002 Grand Hire event in Orlando for the Gaylord Palms Resort, more than 14,000 people attended. And, at a 2004 Grand Hire event in Dallas for the Gaylord Texan Resort, more than 13,000 people attended.

"We are known as one the top employers of choice in our other cities based on the incredibly fun and rewarding work environments we create," said Jesse Stewart, Jr., Vice President of Human Resources. "If our two previous Grand Hires are an indication of what to expect here, then we're prepared for a fantastic turnout. We've already received more than 15,000 applications online, and we look forward meeting many of those individuals at the Grand Hire. The most exciting part is that the very best and most qualified candidates will actually receive job offers on the spot."

More than 1,600 positions are currently available in more than 200 different categories. They range from administrative support to front desk clerks, bell persons, restaurant staff, food and beverage staff, retail-outlet staff, spa, salon and fitness-center staff, housekeeping, building maintenance, horticulture, safety and security, convention services, banquet staff, training and many more.

Those interested in submitting applications or learning more about Gaylord career opportunities should visit www.gaylordcareers.com. A list of all available positions can be found there, as well as a "Career Match" section, which can help candidates identify what types of roles might be a best fit for them. For general information about the resort, visit www.gaylordnational.com.

Grand Hire Registration Process

The first three days of the event – January 30, January 31 and February 1 – will be open to registered applicants only. The last day of the event – February 2 – will be open to anyone interested in job opportunities at the resort.

Online registration will open Monday, Jan. 14, at 8 a.m. Applicants should visit www.gaylordcareers.com and click on the Gaylord National page to register. Advance registration is strongly encouraged because applicants will be able to select their preferred date and time to attend (the earliest dates/times are expected to fill quickly). They can also submit their professional qualifications online, which will help reduce their wait time at the event. Applicants can also call 301-965-2220 to register via telephone. Registrations for the event will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis and are expected to fill quickly.

Grand Hire Details

The Grand Hire event will take place onsite at the new Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. However, no onsite parking or drop-off will be available due to surrounding construction activity. Participants will be required to ride a complimentary shuttle bus to the event departing from either the nearby Rosecroft Raceway or the Southern Avenue Metro Station. At the event, participants should expect to spend several hours participating in a series of interviews with Gaylord representatives to determine their qualifications for specific positions. Employment offers will be made immediately onsite to those individuals who meet Gaylord's unique qualifications.

Event Dates/Times
Wednesday, Jan. 30 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pre-registered applicants only
Thursday, Jan. 31 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pre-registered applicants only
Friday, Feb. 1 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pre-registered applicants only
Saturday, Feb. 2 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to all applicants

Parking/Drop-Off Access
Rosecroft Raceway, 6336 Rosecroft Drive, Fort Washington, MD 20744
Complimentary parking and continuous shuttle service will be available from the Rosecroft Raceway, departing every 15-30 minutes. No parking or drop-off will be available at the National Harbor/Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center site due to surrounding construction activity.

Public Transportation Option
Southern Avenue Metro Station
Continuous shuttle service will be available from the Southern Avenue Metro Station located in Prince George's County, departing every 30-45 minutes.

About Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Opening April 25, 2008 along the banks of the Potomac River in National Harbor, Md., Gaylord National is located less than eight miles south of the nation's capitol. The largest convention resort on the Eastern Seaboard, the Gaylord National Resort offers 2,000 guest rooms; more than 470,000 square feet of convention, meeting and exhibit pace; seven acclaimed restaurants and eateries; Relâche™ Spa & Fitness Center; Pose™ Ultra Lounge; and a soaring 18-story glass atrium. National Harbor is a new 300-acre waterfront community located in Prince George's County, Md., offering world-class dining, retail and entertainment options. Visit www.gaylordnational.com for more information. Gaylord National Resort offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits and compensation package. Gaylord National Resort is a Drug-Free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

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Media Contacts:
Amie Gorrell
Director of Public Relations
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
301-965-2111 571-251-2774
agorrell@gaylordhotels.com

Wayne Henninger
Public Relations Director
RedPeg Marketing
whenninger@redpegmarketing.com