Sunday – Riverside Welcome
Venue: Hyatt Regency Regatta Pavilion
Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: TBD; included in Full & Superfull registrations
Kick off the 2026 NMEA Conference with an evening of community and friendship by the Choptank River. This outdoor social is a great way to meet other marine educators while enjoying the waterfront views and classic lawn games. Join us to celebrate our shared work and build new professional connections at this first conference networking event.
Monday – Maritime Adventure
Venue: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Date: Monday, July 13, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cost: TBD; included in Full & Superfull registrations
Visit Historic St. Michaels, MD and experience the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, where history comes alive. Explore the scenic museum grounds, enjoy food and drinks by the waterfront, stroll through charming downtown St. Michaels, and take part in the exciting reboot of the NMEA Chapter Twister Competition.
Tuesday – NMEA 50th Anniversary Banquet & Auction
Venue: Hyatt Regency Ballroom
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Cost: TBD; included in Full & Superfull registrations
Celebrate 50 Years of NMEA Conferences—1976 Style! Join us for a night of nostalgia with dinner, our annual auction, and great camaraderie among fellow water enthusiasts. Dress in your best ’70s fashion and help us relive the spirit of 1976!
Wednesday (Optional) – Scenic River Cruise and Maryland Crab Feast
Venue: Choptank Riverboat Company
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Time: 6:00-9:00pm (Boarding begins at 5:45pm)
Cost: TBD; included in Superfull registrations only
Embark on a Maryland Crab Feast Riverboat Cruise for a memorable three-hour private charter experience. This cruise offers the quintessential Chesapeake Bay experience, inviting guests to gather around tables covered in paper and use wooden mallets to enjoy freshly steamed blue crabs and all the fixings. Savor the lively, communal atmosphere as you crack, pick, and feast on this regional delicacy while cruising the beautiful Choptank River.
