MPCA 2017 Annual Conference

November 2 & 3
Tidewater Inn, Easton, Maryland

The MPCA Conference offers Planning Commissioners, Board of Appeals members and anyone interested in citizen planning an opportunity to learn, share experiences and exchange ideas.  

The 34th annual conference topics will include (but are not limited to) Annexation Process, Sign Ordinances, Ethics, and Solar and Wind Energy.

Conference Overview
(times and sessions subject to change)

Thursday, November 2

Registration Opens

9 am in the Conference Center Lobby

Planning Commissioner and Board of Appeals Training

10 am (with lunch included)

The first day of the conference includes the Planning Commissioner Training Course* that satisfies the requirements of the law. This course is a must for new commissioners and board members. The training is free and is beneficial for experienced commissioners as well as those interested in learning more about citizen planning. Anyone wishing to take the free training only and not attend the conference are welcome to register. The class will begin at 10 am.

*The training is free but registration is required: 
Register for the training course at this link   

Planning at Work in Talbot County

3:15 pm

Learn how the combined communities of Talbot County have excelled in their planning and economic development efforts. A panel discussion.

Tour of Easton Point Project

Following the Planning at Work in Talbot County Session (approx. 4 pm)

A tour of the Easton Point Project will include a guided walking tour of the project and a local wine and beer tasting. Preregistration and separate fee of $10 is required for the tour.

Thursday Evening Reception Banquet

Start the conference at the Reception Banquet. The banquet is included in the $125 conference fee for attendees. There is an additional cost of $45 for guests. 

Friday, November 3

The specifics of the conference program will be announced soon. The following session topics will be covered at the Friday conference. As is the tradition of the MPCA conference, it promises a full day of back-to-back sessions packed with useful information on timely topics including:  

The Annexation Process

Sign Ordinances

Making Sense of State Planning

Infrastructure and Comprehensive Planning

Solar and Wind Energy

Governor's Cabinet Secretary's Roundtable

Conference Agenda (as of 10/27)

See you at the conference!

Attendee: $125.00
Includes conference, Thursday Reception Banquet, Friday breakfast and lunch and breaks

Guest: $45.00 
Includes conference, Thursday Reception Banquet, Friday breakfast and lunch and breaks

Easton Point Tour: $10.00

Conference registration fees may be paid by credit card via PayPal or check (See mail-in instructions at the bottom of this page).

Register for the Conference Register Now!Pay by credit card, check or PayPal.

For a mail-in registration form, click here. 

Become a conference sponsor

Hotel Accommodations

Contact the The Tidewater Inn to reserve your room.

MPCA room rates: $139.00

Book reservations: (410) 822-1300

Make sure to mention the MPCA conference. 

Conference Policies

Cancellation and refund policy

Registrations may be cancelled up to October 20, 2017.  Fees will be refunded minus a $4 service charge.  Sorry, no refunds after October 27.

Payment by check only

Checks must be received by Friday, October 20, 2017.  Make checks payable to: "Maryland Planning Commissioners Association" and mail to:

Maryland Planning Commissioners Association
c/o Maryland Department of Planning
301 W. Preston Street
11th Floor
Baltimore, MD  21201

Late registration

No mail-in registrations will be accepted after October 20, 2017. Online registration paid by credit card will close at 11:59 pm on October 31.