Meet the State: Where Maryland's Future Takes Shape

Join legislators and experts to explore Maryland’s economic competitiveness

JAN
29

Governor Calvert House
This is event is sold out

Meet the State 2026: Where Maryland's Future Takes Shape

This event is sold out.

Join policymakers, cabinet leaders and business executives for the must-attend policy event of the year — coming just one week after the Governor's budget release.

Event Details

January 29, 2026

Event Check-in and Networking: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Morning Program: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM at The Governor Calvert House, 58 State Circle, Annapolis, MD

Evening Reception: 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Galway Bay Irish Restaurant and Pub, 63 Maryland Ave, Annapolis, MD

Shape the Conversation on Maryland's Economic Future: Join us for Meet the State 2026, Maryland’s premier gathering of business leaders, policymakers and industry experts — where we explore the challenges and solutions defining our state’s competitiveness and future.

What You'll Experience

Coming just days after the Governor releases his budget, this year’s event offers a first look at the leaders shaping Maryland’s fiscal priorities, infrastructure and economic policies.

But this isn’t just about today’s difficulties. These conversations will look ahead to the solutions that will drive Maryland’s success in 2026 and beyond. From the economic outlook and business climate to transportation priorities and housing affordability, we’ll explore how collaboration and innovative policies can build a more prosperous Maryland for the future.

Direct Access to Leadership: Exclusive conversation with Senate President Bill Ferguson, plus a discussion with the Governor's Chief Legislative Officer Jeremy Baker.

Three dynamic policy panels featuring legislators, cabinet secretaries and policy experts discussing:

State of the Economy: Budget outlook, funding priorities and fiscal opportunities
Maryland in Motion: Infrastructure, innovation and how transportation policy drives the success of our state’s economy
Cabinet Leaders Panel: Deep dives with Secretaries of Housing, Commerce and Labor

After the event programming concludes at 12:00 noon, lunch will be available for attendees to enjoy while they connect and conversate.

Evening Reception (4:00 – 6:00 PM): Continue the conversation with legislators, business leaders and colleagues at Galway Bay Irish Restaurant and Pub

Why Attend

Be in the know on Maryland's budget priorities and economic outlook for 2026
Connect directly with the policymakers and cabinet leaders driving actual change
Network with 200+ business leaders, policy experts and industry executives
Secure insights you won't find anywhere else — and your seat, because last year's event sold out!

Meet the State is a hard-hitting continuation of a critical conversation about Maryland's future. This is your chance to be part of shaping it.

Featured Speakers

Keynote Speaker: Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer & Head of Strategic Advocacy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Senate President Bill Ferguson
Secretary Harry Coker, Jr., Department of Commerce
Secretary Portia Wu, Department of Labor
Acting Secretary Jake Weissmann, Department of Budget & Management
Acting Secretary Katie Thomson, Department of Transportation
Secretary Meena Seshamani, Department of Health
Jeremy Baker, Chief Legislative Officer, Governor's Office
Senator Stephen Hershey
Senator Guy Guzzone
Delegate David Moon
Delegate Marc Korman
Delegate Jesse Pippy

Any additions or modifications to this list will be made as soon as that information is available.

About Meet the State

For years, Meet the State has been Maryland's premier gathering for business and policy leaders to engage directly with state government on the issues that matter most. Timed strategically during legislative session, this event offers unmatched access to the policymakers, cabinet officials and thought leaders shaping Maryland's economic future.

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