November 6, 2026

THANK YOU MTTS Sponsors

We are just days away! We look forward to welcoming everyone to Baltimore next week for the 45th Annual Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit!

If you’re joining us, get ready for an incredible few days of connection, education, celebration, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate Maryland tourism. If you’re unable to attend this year, don’t worry! Keep an eye on our social media and upcoming newsletters for news, highlights, photos, and recaps from all the action.

And before we kick things off, we want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to all the businesses and organizations that have supported this year's Summit. Your partnership, generosity, and commitment to Maryland's tourism industry help make events like this possible. We couldn't do it without you!

Here's to 45 years of bringing Maryland's tourism community together. We'll see you in Baltimore!

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

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:

• Great Wolf Lodge - Sales Associate
• NEW - Miss Shirley's Cafe - Office Assistant
• US Naval Academy Business Services Division - Multiple positions
• NEW - Wicomico Shores Golf Course - Assistant Superintendent

We also have a industry folks looking for work. Take a peek at the resume!

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.

Please Welcome NEW to MTC

Please Welcome Back to MTC

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.

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

The Go-To Event for the Souvenir Industry

Taking place at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, the Ocean City Resort Gift Expo is the northeast’s leading souvenir and resort trade event with retailers from Maine to Virginia Beach. Attendees can shop the best-selling brands and new discoveries for all price points. Plus, unbeatable travel savings include free parking, discounted hotel rates and on-site buyer amenities.

You’ll find everything you need for your busy season all under one roof, including:

• Destination
• Resort & Tourist Merchandise
• Souvenirs
• Beach Items
• T-shirts
• General Giftware
• Logo Products
• Shell Items
• Coastal & Nautical Gifts
• Decorative Accessories

• Fashion Accessories
• Toys & Games
• Aromatherapy
• Greeting Cards
• Paper Goods & Social Stationery
• Tabletop
• Gourmet
• Garden Gifts
• & Much more!

Attendee Registration

The Ocean City Resort Gift Expo is open to the trade only. You must be an industry professional to register for the show: 

• Buyer: Qualified retail purchasing professional attending the show to source products.
• Manufacturer's Rep: Independent sales representative attending on behalf of one or more manufacturers.
• Non-Exhibiting Manufacturer: Product manufacturer attending without a booth; not permitted to sell or promote on the show floor
• Press: Accredited media representative attending to cover the show. Must submit credentials to oceancitygiftshow@clarionevents.com for registration.
• Guests: Must accompany a qualified buyer and register on-site with a valid photo ID 

It is with our deepest gratitude that Greenwell Foundation provides FREE programs and Recreational Wellness Retreats for our Veterans and First Responders. And YOU can help them continue this tradition.

Through our Veterans and First Responders Program, those who served and sacrificed are supported by donors like you in their wellness journey.

Giving today allows veterans to connect with themselves, nature, and each other in meaningful ways. Learn more HERE!

Join Brampton 1860 for an exquisite afternoon filled with charm and indulgence at Brampton 1860. Indulge in a delightful selection of finest teas and delectable treats that will transport you to a world of refined elegance. Our picturesque venue sets the perfect backdrop for this in-person event. Immerse yourself in the serene surroundings and savor every sip and bite. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a luxurious escape, our Elegant Afternoon Tea promises to be an unforgettable experience! Tap for Additional Information.

November 15, 2026 2:00pm – 3:30pm. More dates are forthcoming. Price is $49 per person plus tax. Gratuity is not included. To purchase your tickets, please give us a call at 410-778-1860 or click the link (select one of the available dates on the calendar and click continue to purchase).

Gaylord National

A beloved holiday story comes to life at ice! featuring "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!." Journey through captivating tunnels, zip down two-story ice slides, and see your favorite characters including the Grinch, Cindy-Lou Who, Max, and more all intricately carved out of 2 million pounds of ice.



Come for the day or make it a Christmas vacation with one of our overnight ice! packages and enjoy the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord National.

Town of Berlin Named an Official Hallmark Christmas Town

One of Only 25 Official Hallmark Christmas Towns in the Country

BERLIN, MD – Berlin, Maryland, has been named an official Hallmark Christmas Town by the Hallmark Channel and will be featured on its website, bringing national attention to our historic downtown, independent businesses and holiday traditions that make this town special.



The Town of Berlin has always been known for its beautiful holiday decor, events, and shopping, and now the Hallmark Channel has noticed too.

Maryland FAMLI Employer Requirements

If your Maryland company has even one employee or staff member working in Maryland, you must: 



• Register with FAMLI
• Submit quarterly wage/hour reports
• Remit contributions (full or reduced rate depending on total employee count)
• Follow notice and job-protection requirements for eligible employees

Representatives from the Department of Labor will be onsite at MTTS in the Tourism Marketplace to answer any questions.

The 2027 Maryland's Best Expo is LIVE! Reserve your space TODAY to ensure you are included in the largest state-wide buyer-grower expo.

NEW THIS YEAR

• Location: Crowne Plaza Annapolis = larger exhibiting room all in ONE space!
• Monday Night Reception for Buyers is BACK! If you are interested in having your food or drink featured, please contact kristin.hanna@maryland.gov. Looking for appetizers and beverages.
• Social Media Mini Lessons - Sign up for one or all and increase your knowledge of how to market yourself.
• New Buyers Offering Info Sessions!!

Apply Today for the MHT

Maritime Heritage Grant Program

The deadline is November 13 at 11:59 pm!

The Maryland Historical Trust launched the Maritime Heritage Grant Program for a second round of applications. This subgrant program is dedicated to our state's maritime heritage. 

With approximately $100,000 in funds from the National Park Service, projects should focus on protecting Maryland’s historic maritime resources. Eligible applicants include local, state, and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, colleges, and universities.

The grant cycle for this program is now open, offering individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 (requires a 1:1 non-federal match). The deadline for this grant cycle is November 13 at 11:59 pm.

Because this program operates under strict federal guidelines, work must be entirely completed by December 15, 2028 — no extensions will be granted. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to review materials on the program webpage. If you have any questions, reach out to the State Underwater Archaeologist, Troy Nowak, at troy.nowak@maryland.gov. 

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.

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.

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

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