Howard County Chamber Event Descriptions

With over 70 events a year, it can be confusing to decide which events to attend, based on where you’ll get the most benefit. Here is a guide to give you a better idea of what our events are to help you decide which events to be put on your schedule.

Flagship Events (attendance is 200 to 300)
  • Howard County Business Outlook Luncheon – For more than ten years, the Howard County Chamber has partnered with the Howard County Executive on the annual State of the County Address. This open forum provides the opportunity to hear direct updates on the County’s fiscal and development status. The Howard County Executive provides guests with an overview of the previous year’s accomplishments and sheds light on goals and priorities for the year-to-come.
  • Women’s Leadership ConferenceThis one-day forum for Women examines all aspects of how to help women be most successful in their professional lives. The event includes networking opportunities, breakout sessions, panel discussion, and keynote speakers.
  • Annual Meeting the Chamber recognizes outstanding volunteers, incoming/outgoing Board members, and inducts a new Board Chair. The Awards for Chamber Excellence (ACE) are also presented to deserving members who have demonstrated a continued commitment to the Chamber’s mission, from Large and Small Business of the Year to Entrepreneur of the Year, Community Impact Award, and more.
  • Signature EventThe Chamber’s annual Signature Event has become a can’tmiss evening in Howard County. In recent years, attendees have gathered to celebrate the local business community with a fun themed event, ranging from the Roaring ’20s and ’80s Prom to a Bridgerton-themed “Night on the Ton.” The event includes a fabulous dinner, cocktails, dessert, countless networking opportunities, and live entertainment.
  • Economic Forecast BreakfastTaking place in the fall, the Economic Forecast Breakfast invites area economists to share their opinions on current economic conditions and pressing business issues as we look ahead to the coming year in business. 
Core Events (attendance is 100 to 250) 
  • Legislative Policy SeriesThis series allows members of the business community an opportunity to interact directly with Howard County delegation members on the prospective policy and related outcomes from the most recent legislative session. Chamber members are provided an opportunity for public discourse with elected officials, and a forum to present the concerns of the business community to our legislators. Events in this series include Business Day in Annapolis, Legislative Preview & Wrap Up Breakfasts, and the Elected Officials Meet & Greet.
  • Small Business Summit A multi-faceted, half-day program focusing on issues relevant to small businesses.
  • Summer Social – The Summer Social offers a casual setting to build new relationships, reconnect with familiar faces, and strengthen your professional network. Each year features a unique theme brought to life through creative décor, interactive entertainment, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
  • YPN Chamber Games – This halfday event is most closely compared to an adult field day…great for fun and even better for networking team-building. While competing in a series of casual games, attendees have the opportunity to bond with their coworkers on one team, or register as an individual to join a team of other local professionals. In between events, attendees enjoy refreshments and interacting with our Vendor Village.
Networking & Information Events (attendance is 50 to 150) 
  • Networking MixersThese bimonthly events are the Chamber’s networking cornerstone, drawing up to 100 guests to enjoy food, drinks, and networking in a relaxed atmosphere — sometimes at the start of the day and other times at the end.
  • Member Orientations No-cost, bimonthly orientations provide a great opportunity for new or prospective members to get to know the benefits of Chamber membership from Chamber staff, board members, and ambassadors. A networking mixer immediately follows, at no cost to orientation attendees, so they can dip their feet into what the Chamber does.
  • YPN Turn Up TuesdaysThese quarterly mixers are a great opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow young professionals in a more casual atmosphere. Although put on by the Young Professionals Network, these mixers are for everyone – both those young in age and young at heart.

Legacy Partners