Maine’s Regional Activities Drive Meeting Attendance Year-Round
Maine’s Regional Activities Drive Meeting Attendance Year-Round
Searching for an appealing meeting destination that drives attendance is a tall task. To attract attendees away from home, you need to select a setting that provides an engaging and meaningful group travel experience. Hosting a meeting or conference in Portland puts your attendees near activities in different regions of Maine, giving them the opportunity to get out and explore or stay and play post-meeting — and giving you a strategic attendance driver. While each of the state’s regions offers unique year-round and seasonal activities, explore some of the offerings that build upon your itinerary.
WINTER in Maine
GREATER PORTLAND
Attendees don’t have to venture far from their Portland meeting for quintessential Maine experiences. Those who prefer urban vibes can continue their stay at downtown Portland’s hotels — offering 2,089 rooms just 15 minutes from Portland International Jetport (PMW) — and play. The urban hub’s indoor and outdoor winter activities range from ice skating and sipping cocktails in heated igloos to warming up by inviting fireplaces at local pubs to attending live theater performances. This port city has plenty of year-round appeal, too, so groups can savor seafood and more at innovative restaurants, admire the art scene, go island hopping on a Casco Bay ferry and experience the nightlife.
Photo Credit: Rachel Epperly Film and Photo
AROOSTOOK COUNTY
Maine’s northernmost region, Aroostook County, is where attendees can escape the noise of everyday life and rejuvenate when they extend their stay in New England. This area, known to locals as “The County,” is the place to embrace winter’s frosty elegance and the height of the snow season. Here, outdoor enthusiasts can go snowmobiling and snowshoeing on the abundant trails. They may even spot a moose while out exploring the awe-inspiring terrain. Attendees who travel to the largest county east of the Mississippi River can find comfortable stays at hotels in its largest city, Presque Isle.
Less than 4 ½ hours from Portland to Presque Isle.
Photo Credit: Capshore Photography
Spring in Maine
MIDCOAST
Spring is when Maine’s MidCoast really begins to shine before the arrival of summer crowds. Attendees can venture from their meeting destination in Portland to this adjoining region’s blossoming food scene, miles of rugged coastline and picturesque waterfront villages. There are sweeping seascapes and Boothbay’s Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to view, boat cruises to enjoy, and lighthouses to spot — all complimented by springtime’s daytime temperatures extending to the high 60s.
About 1 hour from Portland to Boothbay.
Photo Provided by Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
LAKES & MOUNTAINS
The Maine Lakes & Mountains region is home to some of Maine’s highest peaks and glacial lakes, including Sebago, Flagstaff and Rangeley Lakes. Attendees can go hiking or boating in the mountain village of Bethel. South of the Androscoggin River, open-water fishing in lakes and ponds is open year-round. But spring brings the opportunity beginning April 1 for open-water fishing north of the Androscoggin River, including below Saddleback Mountain: a hiding place for picture-worthy landlocked salmon and brook trout.
About 1 ½ hours from Portland to Bethel.
Photo Credit: Capshore Photography
Summer in Maine
MAINE BEACHES
It wouldn’t be a summer in Maine without a trip to the beach, and the South Coast of Maine, referred to as “The Beaches” region, boasts miles of sandy shores, pristine ocean waters, famed lighthouses and lobster shacks. Stroll 30 miles of white-sand beaches spotlighted by ample sunshine. Hop on a ride at Maine’s only beachfront amusement park in Old Orchard Beach. Head to Kennebunkport for high-end accommodations, fine dining and shopping. This is an accessible stop along the way for attendees driving to their Maine meeting after flying into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
Less than an hour from Portland to multiple South Coast towns.
Photo Credits: Serena Folding
DOWNEAST & ACADIA
Maine’s national treasure, Acadia National Park, awaits in Downeast Maine, and it’s the bucket-list adventure your attendees will be jumping at. Beautiful Bar Harbor, once called home by the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts, serves as a home base for an extended stay in Maine with easy access — just about a mile — to the park’s Cadillac Mountain entrance. The unparalleled outdoor setting, voted one of Travel + Leisure readers’ 25 favorite National Parks of 2023, has 120 miles of hiking trails that promote wellness, leading to the 1,532-foot peak and unmatched views; on a clear summer day, attendees can see nearly 100 miles.
About 3 hours from Portland to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
FALL in Maine
THE HIGHLANDS
Fall is when the colors of Maine are in full effect, with canopies of red, yellow and orange foliage. The Maine Highlands region in the center of the state is great to visit in any season, yet the average daytime temperatures ranging from the low-50s to the low-70s lend themselves to taking in nature in this area that’s been preserved to be forever wild. The Maine Highlands is where attendees will find the pristine, majestic Baxter State Park and its 201,000 acres of mountains, lakes, streams and forests, more than 50 interconnecting trails and the highest point in the state — Mount Katahdin — at 5,267 feet. The cultural center of Bangor is convenient for attendees wishing to fly out of the region after their post-meeting vacation, with over 1,500 hotel rooms within seven miles of Bangor International Airport (BGR).
About 2 hours from Portland to Bangor.
Photo Credit: Capshore Photography
KENNEBEC VALLEY
Inland water adventure and more await in the Kennebec and Moose River Valley regions, also the host of Maine’s capital, Augusta, located only an hour from Portland. For attendees seeking a thrilling excursion, the Forks is the starting point for running the rapids. Ranging from a peaceful pond to the most challenging whitewater in the East – there are trips for all levels of adventure seekers running through the beginning of Fall. Find opportunities for the group to explore more of the Maine coast from stand-up paddleboarding to a canoe/kayak excursion.
About 2 ½ hours from Portland to The Forks.
Photo credit: Lone Spruce Creative | Maine Office of Tourism
MAINE DRIVES MEETING ATTENDANCE
Build attendance by hosting a meeting or conference in any season or region of the state with the help of the Visit Portland team, your Maine meetings connection. Submit your RFP to start planning.
