31st Annual Maryland Land Conservation Conference
"Gaining Ground: Plan. Connect. Communicate."

#GainingGround

The 2024 Maryland Land Conservation Conference will be held on September 4th and 5th, at the Crowne Plaza Annapolis, in Annapolis, MD. This year’s theme - “Gaining Ground: Plan. Connect. Communicate.” - examines how planning, stronger partnerships, and better communications can lead to change that benefits all.

With conservation, we must gain ground, no matter what. Maryland’s lands and natural resources are far too important to be left unsupported or unprotected. We face immense challenges of development, species loss, the numerous impacts of climate change and more – all while having to balance the need for greater housing, local foods, clean water, energy production and so much more.

“Gaining Ground: Plan. Connect. Communicate.” is a multi-day conversation to help attendees understand:

• The vital role of land use planning and the importance of local government planning;

• The basics of land conservation and best practices for nonprofit success;

• The intersection of goal setting and results;

• How to effectively communicate their work to the public and to decision-makers; and

• The importance of trails in conservation, connecting people, providing alternative means of transportation, protecting wildlife and more!

EXPLORE THE CONFERENCE AGENDA!

Click below to view our conference agenda, discussion topics and session content.

*This agenda is tentative and subject to updates. Please check back closer to the conference date for any changes or additions.

CONFERENCE DETAILS

When: Wednesday, September 4th and Thursday, September 5th, 2024
Where: Crowne Plaza Annapolis, 173 Jennifer Road, Annapolis, MD 21401

Hotel & Lodging Information
Crowne Plaza Annapolis
173 Jennifer Road
Annapolis, MD 21401

RESERVE YOUR ROOM: Attendees are responsible for making their own hotel reservations.

Online: Click Here

Phone: Call Crowne Plaza Reservations at 1-855-223-1441, referencing the group Forever Maryland.
For any problems occurring when booking with a reservation specialist or for those who choose to book through the hotel directly, call 410-571-1501 to reach the hotel's Group Housing Coordinator.

ROOM RATES: $109.00 / Standard Double or King
Includes: Breakfast for two per room per night. All rooms are non-smoking with complimentary parking and Wi-Fi.

*Rates are available from 9/3/24 - 9/6/24. If booking online, click ‘change search’ to select your dates.
*Rates are subject to both county occupancy and MD State taxes (currently 14%).

NOTE: The reservation deadline for our group rate has passed, rooms will be subject to prevailing rates and availability.

All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card when booking. Individual reservations must be cancelled no later than 24 hours prior to intended arrival to avoid cancellation charges (one night's room plus tax). Please obtain a cancellation number for reference. If you experience any difficulty when attempting to make hotel reservations, please contact Forever Maryland’s Executive Director, Josh Hastings, at (410) 251-5268 for assistance.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Please note that the last day to cancel registration for this event, should you need to do so, is Wednesday, August 28, 2024. If you cancel after this date a refund will not be issued. All cancellations or refund requests must be in writing and sent to josh@forevermaryland.org. Conference registration is transferable to another person at no additional charge. Cancelled registrations are non-transferable. Please note, some refund requests may be processed after the event. No refunds will be issued on-site.

Health & Safety Information

COVID-19 Safety Information

Forever Maryland continues to proactively monitor health protocols based on guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of Maryland to ensure a safe meeting for all attendees. As necessary, attendees will agree to:

• Using hand-sanitizing stations as they are available.

• Washing hand frequently.

• Act in a responsible manner and observe and comply with COVID-19 safety protocols outlined by Forever Maryland and the event venue.

• When possible, physically distance in indoor spaces.

• Stay home in the event of exposure to COVID-19, a positive COVID-19 test, or if symptoms arise.

• If you are already on site at the conference, stay in your room if you are feeling sick and contact Forever Maryland staff for further instructions.

2024 Conference Scholarships Available!

Click below to learn more about our 2024 Underserved, Disadvantaged and Agricultural Communities Conference Scholarships. Deadline to apply: August 14th, 2024.

THANKS TO OUR 2024 CONFERENCE SPONSORS!

PRESENTING SPONSORS

FOUNDING SPONSOR

KEYNOTE SPONSOR

LUNCHEON SPONSOR

EVENING SPONSOR

ADVOCATE SPONSORS

SUPPORTER SPONSORS

EXHIBITORS