Maine Makes Winter Meetings Magical
With four full, scenic seasons, any time of the year is the best time to meet in Maine. While each season gives groups the opportunity to enjoy unique outdoor activities, the beauty is the majority of world-class cuisine, arts and culture, and attractions stay open year-round. And we’ll let you in on one of our destination’s best kept secrets: Locals might argue that winter is their favorite season. Here’s how to plan your winter meeting in Maine.
Photo Credits (clockwise from top): CFW Photography, Pineland Farms, NNEPRA, Serena Folding
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR WINTER MEETING IN MAINE
From December to March, Maine transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland that gives attendees a memorable meeting experience — think blankets of crisp white snow outside and wood-burning fireplaces inside. All you have to do is get your group here — and it’s easy!
Attendees can fly into Maine’s largest airport, Portland International Jetport (PWM), only 15 minutes from downtown. PWM offers more than 90 daily flights to major cities, as well as on-site car rentals, shuttle service, and more. Another option is Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), just a two-hour drive to Portland. If you’re coming from Boston you can also ride the Amtrak Downeaster – connecting Boston, MA to Brunswick, ME. Find out more about getting here + parking.
The Greater Portland area is also convenient for attendees driving from multiple cities in the Northeast. It’s a four-hour drive from Hartford and a five-hour drive from New York City. Once here, your attendees can meet at one of our versatile venues, with Portland offering a combined total of 155,000 square feet of meeting space.
OPEN ACCOMMODATIONS
Maine is known for its all-season hospitality, and winter is no exception. The notable exception is winter is one of the value seasons in Greater Portland, which has more than 6,000 hotel rooms. So, during the chillier months, you’ll find room rates are lower, helping you stretch your budget further while providing your group with comfortable accommodations to warm up and relax.
ADVENTUROUS OUTDOOR GROUP ACTIVITIES
The winter months in Maine bring a frosty elegance, setting the stage for outdoor group activities that allow attendees to connect with nature and the community. In Greater Portland, the rink at Thompson’s Point offers open-air ice skating with breathtaking views of the city and the Fore River. Plus, there’s a warming room, heated lounge and on-site eatery. And with a roof and well-maintained ice, you can plan a group outing without worrying about Mother Nature’s cooperation.
To experience the destination like a true local, attendees can join Portland’s residents for “urban skiing” — cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the Eastern Promenade and Green Belt trails. Or venture about 30 minutes outside the city for cross-country skiing along groomed Nordic trails at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester. For downhill skiing, attendees can extend their time in Maine before or after their meeting in Portland with a day trip to the state’s famous ski areas, just a short drive away.
While in Portland for their meeting, attendees can even stroll the beaches for a truly bucket-list experience in Maine. No special gear is required, and the tides keep the sand exposed, so it’s easy to walk. The sound of the waves breaking against the rugged coastline and the sight of a fresh dusting of snow create a serene scene.
YEAR-ROUND INDOOR GROUP ACTIVITIES
After experiencing the magnificence of Maine’s great outdoors in the winter, attendees will find that Portland has a wide assortment of indoor activities and welcoming spots to cozy into. This is a great time of year to take in the New England city’s passion for the arts. Your attendees can view eye-catching art pieces and interesting exhibits at:
Or they can enjoy live performances:
- Theater
- Ballet
- Symphony
- Opera
For a culinary expedition, try Portland’s vibrant restaurant scene, offering fresh local seafood, like cold water oysters, and dishes with Maine ingredients. Attendees can also sip and socialize at one of Greater Portland’s many breweries, charming spaces with crackling fires and even heated igloos!
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MAINE WELCOMES WINTER MEETINGS
Host a Maine meeting in the winter — or any season — with the help of the Visit Portland team — your Maine meetings connection that can help you with any area of the state. Submit your RFP to start working with us.
