Accelerate Maryland Economic Forum 2026

What the legislative session means for Maryland businesses, and what comes next.

MAY
13

M&T Bank Exchange
Get 3 Tickets, Save $10/each!

Accelerate Maryland Economic Forum

After the 2026 legislative session, what comes next for Maryland’s business climate?

Join business leaders, policymakers and industry experts for a forward-looking discussion on the decisions shaping Maryland’s economy — from energy costs and infrastructure to competitiveness and investment. This is where the business community gets aligned on what to do about it. Walk away with the insight you need to understand where Maryland stands today, and what it means for businesses in the year ahead.

Get clear on what happened. Get ahead of what’s next.

Event Details

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 7:30 AM - 11:15 AM

M&T Bank Exchange, 401 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD

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Why Attend

If Maryland’s business climate affects your decisions — or your bottom line — you should be in this room. Attend if:

You want a clear, honest breakdown of what actually happened this session — and what it means for your business, employees or your clients
You need to prepare for what’s coming next — not after it happens, but before decisions are made
You’re making decisions about pricing, hiring, investment, or growth — and want a better read on where Maryland's future is heading
You advise businesses, organizations, or stakeholders — and need to connect policy decisions to real-world impact
You’re frustrated with the direction of Maryland’s business climate — and want to be part of the conversation about what needs to change

Agenda Overview

7:30 a.m. Check-In, Networking & Coffee

8:30 a.m. Opening Remarks

8:40 a.m. Session in Review: What the 2026 Legislative Session and Recent Years Signal for Business
- Moderated by Grason Wiggins, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
- A clear look at what this session produced, how it fits a broader pattern, and what it means for the road ahead. Panelists:
  - Senator Antonio Hayes, Vice-Chair, Finance Committee
  - Senator Nick Charles, Vice-Chair, Senate Democratic Party Caucus
  - Delegate Jason Buckel, House Minority Leader

9:05 a.m. Fireside Chat: Running a Business in Maryland
- An unfiltered conversation about what it actually looks like to operate, hire and grow here right now
  - Joe Ochipinti, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Mid-Atlantic Region
  - Erin Appell, Director of Government Affairs, UnitedHealthcare Mid-Atlantic Region

9:20 a.m. Powering Maryland’s Future: Energy, Infrastructure & Competitiveness
- Moderated by Hannah Allen, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
- Why energy costs and reliability are now central to Maryland’s competitiveness — and what needs to change. Panelists:
  - Senator Brian Feldman, Chair, Education, Energy and Environment Committee
  - Amber Perry, Vice President and Regional President, Pepco
  - Rachelle Whitacre, SVP of Regulatory Affairs, Washington Gas

9:55 a.m. Fireside Chat: What Other States Are Getting Right
- Moderated by Mary Kane, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
- How competing states are attracting investment — and what Maryland can learn. Panelists:
  - Mike Quaranta, President, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
  - Victor Hoskins, Virginia-Based Economic Development Expert

10:20 a.m. Accelerating Maryland: What Businesses Need to Stay, Grow & Invest
- Moderated by Reza Jafari, Advisory Council Member, Maryland Economic Council (MEC)
- A frank closing conversation on root causes, real solutions, and what it will take to move Maryland forward. Panelists:
  - Senator Stephen Hershey, Senate Minority Leader
  - Delegate Marlon Amprey
  - Delegate Mark Edelson
  - Aaron Tomarchio, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Tradepoint Atlantic

10:55 a.m. Closing Remarks

Secure Your Spot Today

Securing a seat at this event guarantees your spot in the room with Maryland’s most influential leaders for high-impact discussion on how we continue to move Maryland forward.

Questions? Contact Whitney Harmel, Executive Vice President at wharmel@mdchamber.org.

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