Maryland was given the nickname “America in Miniature” because it’s blessed with diverse terrain and locales, from Chesapeake Bay to a portion of the Appalachian Trail and from small charming towns to major metro areas. America in Miniature also fits when considering Maryland’s grand array of off-site event venues that represent many of the country’s notable pastimes, including baseball, theater and fine dining. Throughout the state, groups with various interests will find a home away from the host hotel for memorable receptions, banquets and more. Following are eight great ideas.

Residents of South Carolina and North Carolina were ordered to evacuate coastal areas as Hurricane Florence approaches.

UNITE HERE union workers in Seattle and San Jose, California, confirmed they will hold a strike vote on Marriott properties, joining other union workers holding strike votes in San Francisco, Boston, Honolulu and Maui.

Hospitality industry workers at 26 Chicago hotels are on strike, with four more hotels in jeopardy of a strike.

Hotel Palomar San Diego beer concierge Astrid Naujokaitis – yes, BEER concierge - is the go-to and know-it-all for everything and anything related to San Diego’s beverage of choice. But Naujokaitis’s expertise goes beyond the brews and she can assist with plans and recommendations for attractions, restaurants, activates and more for the Southern California destination.

When I decided to write the September 2018 Friday With Joan blog post with a headline inspired by "Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" and interview families in the business, I asked Marcus Bales, who has been collaborating with Mike Whitney, to consider coming up with a parody of the song famously performed by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings and written by Ed Bruce and Patsy Bruce to go along with it. I am grateful to Marcus for the lyrics and to Mike for his perfect rendition. Were I you, I’d hire them for work for your meetings to add some pizzazz!

Joan Eisenstodt interviews a number of family members who have made careers out of the hospitality industry.

Joan Eisenstodt interviews the Peterson family about multiple generations in the hospitality industry.

Joan Eisenstodt interviews Liz Erikson Marnul about multiple generations in the hospitality industry.

Joan Eisenstodt interviews mother and son Lesa P. Melvin and Jarad Melvin about multiple generations in the hospitality industry.