Tourism Resources
news & updates
 
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October 9, 2026

Fall Membership Drive!

Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit

Make Plans NOW to Attend

Make Plans to Attend! One Day Passes Now Available!


The plans are coming together, nominations are officially in, and MTTS 2026 is shaping up to be one of our best programs yet! 🎉

Here’s what’s happening:

  • Awards nominations are in!
  • One-Day Registration Rates are now available!
  • Awards Dinner tickets are on sale!
  • Speaker announcements are coming soon!


With the program taking shape, now is the time to get registered! Don’t wait until the last minute — secure your spot and get ready for an exciting MTTS experience in Baltimore!


Member Rate Reminder: To receive the MTC Member Rate, you must be logged into your Personify account when registering. Need help logging in or accessing your account? Please contact Stuart Rice at stuart@mdtourism.org.


And while you’re at it… plan ahead!

Bundle your MTTS 2026 registration with your MTC 2027 membership dues and head into the new year ready to connect, learn, advocate, and grow with Maryland’s tourism industry.


MTTS 2026 is coming — are you registered yet?

Updates made daily so check checking back!

Rates for One-day Passes and Awards Dinner are now live!!! Register today!!

Room Block Open


The Royal Sonesta Harbour Court in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers a prime location a short walk away from the Baltimore Convention Center!


Room rate is $169 plus tax and fees. Rate valid Saturday, November 14 – Sunday, November 22, 2026. 


Room Block will close, Tuesday October 27, 2026

MTTS Sponsorship Opportunities

Last Call

MTTS is Maryland tourism’s most prestigious industry gathering. Sponsorship provides unparalleled opportunities to network, and to promote your business to the top tourism professionals from across our state. Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved in a meaningful way – and to align your business with what we anticipate being the best MTTS yet. If you are looking for more exposure, become an ANNUAL sponsor for year-round recognition for all MTC sanctioned events! Can’t attend this year but still want to be an Annual Sponsor? Contact Ruth Toomey, MTC Executive Director for more information.


Sponsorship opportunities will still be available throughout the next few weeks but we cannot guarantee logos will be included in printed materials.

Thank you to all of the sponsors who have invested in MTTS as of 9.16.26

Employment Opportunities

The MTC Job Board is FREE for Members ONLY. You do need your Personify Login information in order to post and can find the access in your member profile or you can use this link. If you need assistance with your login info, please email Stuart Rice. We are sharing the Job Board on social media, newsletters and working on a live link on the website.

Current Postings:

Saturday, November 7, 2026


The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, in partnership with the Veteran Services Center at Goodwill, invites veterans, service members, military families, caregivers and community members to Mission Maryland 2026: Veteran Resource & Career Fair.



Mission Maryland will bring together employers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, higher education partners and veteran service providers in one location to connect Maryland's military-connected community with resources, services and opportunities.

Welcome Members for 2026

Please Welcome NEW to MTC

  • Tyler Daniel Entertainment

Please Welcome Back to MTC

  • Enradius
  • Lexington Park Hotel Group

Thank you for your membership!!!!


*This member offers a discount, coupon or special offer to fellow members of MTC. Want to offer your own discount or coupon? Contact Ruth to get set up or follow the instructions from the Personify.

Member Events

View ALL upcoming Member events on the MTC Events Calendar. MTC Members can post events through their Personify Portal.

Guinness Roktoberfest

Who says Oktoberfest has to end? Guinness Open Gate Brewery is cranking up the volume and extending the party with ROKTOBERFEST! Join them on October 9-11 to close out our season with lederhosen and live music. They are keeping the Oktoberfest vibes alive with one final weekend of delicious food and beer, while also turning the volume up with five amazing rock bands.


Band Schedule:

FRIDAY 10/9

Goodbye Vienna - 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

SATURDAY 10/10

Local Souls - 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Skies In Chaos - 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Shake The Room - 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

SUNDAY 10/11

Nelly’s Echo - 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Doc Marten & The Flannels - 3:00PM - 6:00 PM


This event is open to the public, and general entry is free.

Layers and Light: A Bright Night for the Arts

On Friday, October 23, 2026, the Chesapeake Arts Center invites you to join us for Layers and Light, CAC's signature 25th Anniversary Gala. More than 200 donors, members, community leaders, business executives, artists, and supporters will gather for an immersive evening of art, music, interactive experiences, extraordinary visuals, a silent auction, exceptional food, signature cocktails, and celebration.


AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED

Celebrate CAC’s 25th Anniversary by donating an item to our Layers & Light Gala Silent Auction on Oct. 23! Your support helps fund arts education, performances, exhibitions, and creative opportunities for the community. 

Explore Maryland beer, wine, spirits and more at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. Get your tickets before Early Bird ends after tomorrow!


Wanderland brings Maryland’s craft beverage community together in one place, with beer, wine, spirits, cider, food, makers, and outdoor experiences spread across the park.


Taste Maryland beer, wine, spirits, cider, and mead.

Wander Merriweather Park at your own pace.

Discover local food, makers, and outdoor experiences.

Explore Maryland’s five regions in one afternoon.

Meet the people behind Maryland craft.

Leave with new favorites to visit again.


Wanderland isn’t just for sampling. Shop beer, wine and spirits from participating producers and stock up on favorites from across Maryland. Make Mine a Maryland will provide complimentary bottle bags and bottle and can check, so you can leave your purchases with us, keep wandering, and pick everything up on your way out.


Participating MTC Members include: Cultivate+Craft, Brewers Association of Maryland, Maryland Wine, Pathfinder Farm Distillery, Brewer's Alley, Checkerspot Brewing Company and Mully's Brewing (member of St. Mary’s Liquid Assets).

Industry News & Opportunities

2026 Maryland Governor’s Cup Wine Competition Results

The results are in from the 35th Annual Maryland Governor’s Cup Wine Competition, held September 20 at The Royal Sonesta Baltimore.


This year, 163 wines from 27 Maryland wineries were evaluated by a diverse panel of sommeliers, wine educators, retailers, hospitality professionals, writers and other wine industry experts.


“The 2026 competition reiterated the diversity and quality of Maryland wines made from Maryland-grown ingredients,” said Janna Howley, executive director, Maryland Wineries Association.


“From brand new wineries to those with decades of experience, Maryland wineries are producing wines that hold their own against any other winemaking region. After a difficult April freeze, it’s especially meaningful to see our wineries’ hard work recognized and have something to celebrate.”


Congratulations to Port of Leonardtown Winery & Corteau Vineyards, who are a part of the St. Mary's Liquid Assets Association


Best in Show for the Governor's Cup Award and Jack Aellen Cup Award will be announced November 5th!

The 2027 Maryland Meeting & Event Planning Guide is coming. The inaugural 2026 issue was a big success. 

 

Brought to you by Today Media Custom Communications, publisher of the Visit Baltimore Visitors Guide, Port of Baltimore magazine, Garrett County Visitors Guide and 30+ additional publications.


They are looking forward to an even better issue in 2027. And they will have a website to support it.

 

The Guide will be the ultimate resource for orchestrating unforgettable events across the Free State.


From the scenic waterfront venues on the Chesapeake Bay to the historic charm of Hagerstown, Maryland offers a diverse array of locations, venues, and experiences to suit every occasion from a corporate meeting or retreat to a wedding.

 

Click HERE to link to the 2026 edition is below

 

If your business has anything to do with group events this is a good way to market your business.


The Guide will be distributed to over 4,000 planners and C-Suite executives and emailed to over 50,000 quarterly.

 

Contact Stacey for advertising information. Deadline is October 29th. Space is limited!


Stacey Lynn Munsell

443.622.5825

smunsell@todaymediacustom.com

Maryland 250 Resources

For a full list of Maryland 250 events across the state, please visit the MD Two Fifty Commission website mdtwofifty.maryland.gov.

Maryland 250 Commission has a new Ice Cream Trail, thanks to their partners at the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Enjoy a tasty treat during this hot summer!


Learn more and check out the map here: https://mdtwofifty.maryland.gov/programs.../ice-cream-trail/

Still looking to do something this weekend? The Maryland 250 Commission has partnered with Rallie Inc. to help you find events around the state on the Let’s Rallie app on Androids and iPhones. You can also find a complete list on the website https://bit.ly/446hgdA

Miles for Maryland

To commemorate the MARYLAND 250, Maryland State Parks is challenging you to hike 250 miles in State Parks this year! Complete the “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge as either an individual or as a team. The program kicks off on January 1st with First Day Hikes across Maryland State Parks. Register online, explore Maryland’s State Parks’ trails, track your miles, and earn great prizes!


You can do hikes in ANY Maryland State Park! With over 80 State Parks across Maryland, there is probably a State Park within minutes of your home. Everyone who registers for the “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge will receive a commemorative keepsake item for participating. Additional prize drawings will be available for those who complete 250 miles.


Grant & Resources

New Name, More Funding for African American Heritage Preservation in Maryland

$250,000 available for funding non-capital projects through the newly named Speaker Adrienne A. Jones African American Heritage Preservation Program! 


The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) and the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) are pleased to announce $250,000 in funding for non-capital projects through the newly renamed Speaker Adrienne A. Jones African American Heritage Preservation Program. This grant invests in the people, planning, and programming of organizations dedicated to preserving African American heritage and culture across Maryland.


Applications open October 1 and close November 20, 2026, with award notifications expected in March 2027. Interested organizations are encouraged to visit the program webpage, watch the recorded webinar, or contact MCAAHC Research Specialist Alexandria Anderson at alexandria.anderson@maryland.gov or MHT Capital Programs Administrator Stacy Montgomery at stacy.montgomery@maryland.gov for more information.

Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing

Promotion Fund

Nonprofits and government agencies invited to apply for grants that promote the advantages and attributes of state breweries, wineries, and distilleries and their products manufactured in the state through research, promotion, and agricultural business development, reinforcing Maryland as a world-class producer of craft beverages and a desirable destination for craft beverage lovers to visit. Application Period Open through October 13, 2026

Winery and Vineyard Economic Development Grant Program (WVEDG)

This program provides financial assistance to individuals and corporations to establish a new winery or vineyard in the State or complete capital improvements at an existing winery or vineyard. Through the grant program, eligible applicants can receive reimbursement for up to 25% of Calendar Year 2026 qualified capital expenses. Application Period Open through January 19, 2027.

Credit Card Processing Fees

Maryland Tourism Coalition accepts the following credit cards: American Express, Visa, Discover, and MasterCards.

​Any credit card payments made will incur a 3% surcharge. To avoid this surcharge, you can choose to make your payments via:

ACH: Contact Stuart Rice for info

Check: Payable To: Maryland Tourism Coalition Address: 626 C Admiral Drive #311, Annapolis, MD 21401


We deeply apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

MTC Annual Sponsors 2026

Thank you for your support of MTC!

Want your logo here?? Contact MTC Executive Director, Ruth Toomey, for more information to maximize your brand!

Connect-Educate-Advocate


Leave us a GOOGLE REVIEW. Investing in the Maryland Tourism Coalition is investing in the tourism industry.



Mission: To elevate and improve the tourism industry statewide through advocacy, education and connection.

 
Maryland Tourism Coalition
 
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