2026 Main Street Maryland Conference – Request for Speakers

Have a success story, strategy, or tool to share?

The Main Street Maryland Conference is seeking speakers for the 2026 Main Street Maryland Conference, which will be held from October 6-7, 2026, in Downtown Hagerstown, MD!

This annual event brings together Main Street managers, local leaders, nonprofit professionals, and community champions from across Maryland to learn, connect, and strengthen downtown and neighborhood revitalization efforts

The Main Street Maryland Conference is the state’s premier gathering focused on:

  • Downtown and neighborhood revitalization
  • Economic development and small business support
  • Community engagement and partnerships
  • Preservation-based development
  • Organizational capacity and leadership
  • Place-making and destination development

Attendees range from seasoned Main Street managers, Economic Development professionals and local government staff to new community volunteers, representing communities of all sizes and stages of revitalization.

Sessions should align with the Main Street Approach™.

Who Should Apply

We welcome proposals from:

  • Main Street managers and staff
  • Local government leaders and staff
  • Nonprofit professionals
  • Economic and community development practitioners
  • Small business and entrepreneurship experts
  • Planners, designers, and preservationists
  • Marketing and tourism professionals
  • Fundraising and nonprofit management experts
  • Community leaders with successful case studies

Both Maryland-based and out-of-state speakers are encouraged to apply.

What We’re Looking For

Strong proposals will:

  • Offer practical, actionable takeaways
  • Include real-world examples or case studies
  • Engage participants (not lecture-only)
  • Address challenges facing Main Street communities
  • Provide replicable strategies for different-sized communities

Speaker Benefits

Selected speakers receive:

  • Visibility among statewide revitalization leaders
  • Opportunity to showcase expertise and success stories
  • Conference registration discount/waiver
  • Recognition in conference materials and promotions

Please complete the online form (below) no later than 9 AM on April 17, 2026.

Late proposals will not be considered.

Any questions regarding this process may be directed to Sandy Dubay sandy@medamd.com