5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love Maryland

Year-round appeal: Maryland is a fantastic location for meetings and events no matter the time of year, whether it be spring’s cherry blossoms and waterfront events, summer’s beachfront gatherings and festivals, fall’s scenic foliage and cozy mountain retreats or winter’s holiday themes and historic indoor venues.

Sustainability initiatives: Eco-forward initiatives abound in Maryland, from a 100% clean energy goal for 2035 and green certification programs from Sustainable Maryland to conservation of the state’s beautiful estuaries and the Oyster Recovery Partnership, which focuses on improved water quality and marine biodiversity.

Read More: Sustainable Event Planning: Action Steps to Lasting Strategy

Support for meeting profs: The Maryland Office of Tourism and local CVBs provide resources, incentives and professional support to help you flawlessly execute your next meeting or event.

Venue variety: Maryland features a wide array of beautiful venue options, whether it be Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore (situated in the city’s famous Inner Harbor), the luxurious 134 Prince (located in the heart of historic Annapolis), Roland E. Powell Convention Center nestled in the beachside paradise of Ocean City or numerous other options.

Culinary excellence: Maryland is world-famous for its seafood, particularly its blue crab, as well as a thriving farm-to-table movement. The state’s rich culinary traditions are deeply rooted in its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, which provides an abundance of fresh, local ingredients. From waterfront crab shacks to upscale dining establishments, Maryland offers a diverse and unforgettable culinary experience for food lovers of all tastes.

Read More: Beyond the Plate: The Art of Culinary Event Planning

 

5 Places to Meet

MGM National Harbor offers meeting profs luxury accommodations, world-class dining and cutting-edge technology. Situated in Oxon Hill near Washington, D.C., with Potomac River views, it blends convenience with outstanding amenities.

50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 308 guest rooms.

Ashore Resort & Beach Club in Ocean City features an elegantly designed conference center, five sumptuous dining options and a private beachfront. A property-wide renovation was completed in 2023 and highlights the venue’s panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and tranquil Assawoman Bay.

40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 250 guest rooms.

Smokey Glen Farm in Gaithersburg is a favorite option of the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., areas. The venue features catered old-fashioned barbeque F&B, which has been served at the White House to a former president.

56,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with a standing capacity of 8,000.

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is another great Oxon Hill option, and is built for meetings and events. Highlights include recently refreshed guest rooms, over $10 million in restaurant renovations and 94 event rooms.

546,889 sq. ft. of meeting space; 1,996 guest rooms.

Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Autograph Collection features newly renovated event rooms alongside 6,500 sq. ft. of event space with stunning harbor views. Options are available for meetings large and small.

14,778 sq. ft. of meeting space; 150 guest rooms.

This article appears in the March 2025 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.