Howard County Chamber Events

With over 60 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 300 to 450)

Signature Event – The Chamber’s annual Signature Event has become a can’t–miss 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.
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 close to 500 attendees 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.

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.
Legislative Policy Series – This 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.
Economic Forecast Breakfast – Taking 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.

Networking Mixers – These 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 Tuesdays – These 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.

Women’s Leadership Conference – This 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.
Small Business Summit – A multi-faceted, half-day program focusing on issues relevant to small businesses.
YPN Summit – A half–day event is geared for those in the early stages of their career. Topics are designed for personal and professional growth; event includes networking, seminars, and a keynote speaker.