Hotel
Please consider using our personalized conference hotel registration link for the Lord Baltimore Hotel, with rooms for $179 (before fees and taxes). The block will close on August 15, 2026.
UPDATE: The instructions will be sent only to those who have registered. Please read the registration confirmation from Eventbrite (or the UMBC McNair account if you submitted an invoice request), which has the link.
Parking
Note: All parking is at your own expense.
- Parking at the Lord Baltimore Hotel (from hotel website)
- Valet Parking – Available at the hotel
- Self Parking – there are several public garages nearby that you can use; the closest garage to the hotel is an underground lot at 100 West Fayette Street. Public garages are not associated with the hotel, so we can not guarantee their rates on any particular day.
Professionalism Defined
The UMBC McNair Scholars Program and Conference Planning Team implement a holistic critical mentoring approach to professionalism. We encourage attendees to come as their authentic selves and dress in a way that makes them feel confident in themselves and their work. We encourage business and business casual but understand that “business/ business casual” might be interpreted differently amongst attendees, and we support their individual interpretations. But most importantly, we encourage attendees to show up as their best selves, whatever that may be. We ask attendees to report to the McNair Conference staff if they feel targeted by anyone due to their appearance, behavior, or conduct during the conference.
WATER – Highly suggest bringing a water bottle, as there will be water coolers in each room.
Meals Provided:
- Wednesday: Crab Excursion (TICKETED): Maryland Steamed Blue Crab, Steamed Shrimp, Steamed Mussels, Chicken Wings, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Watermelon, Cupcakes, and Cookies.
- NOTE: This event centers on a traditional Maryland blue crab feast, and the menu is fixed to reflect the cultural experience. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate seafood allergies, vegetarian/vegan diets, or other dietary restrictions at this event. We understand this may not be suitable for all participants, and we appreciate your understanding as we aim to preserve the authenticity of this culinary tradition.
- Thursday:
- Continental Breakfast/Morning Snacks
- Lunch
- Friday: Brunch (Buffet for all registered) & Dinner (Set menu for Orioles Ballpark for first 275, others will be given a $20 voucher)
- Brunch (buffet):
- Dinner at Orioles Park:
- Saturday: Lunch (Buffet)
- Lunch:
- Note: Grad Reps meal is only lunch on Saturday, except for sponsors who receive all meals. Grad Reps will also be able to attend Orioles game and receive the $20 voucher.
- Note: We will share your meal restrictions with the caterers (except for crab excursion); however, please let the servers know your needs during meal times so they can assist you.
COVID-19 Updates (Updated 03/01/2026)
We highly suggest those traveling to be vaccinated, but we are not limiting participation based on vaccination status. Everyone traveling should be aware of the possibility of contracting COVID-19, and assist in mitigating the risks.
If while traveling you are feeling ill, we encourage you to remain in your hotel room and work directly with the hotel for support. We encourage program leaders to have a plan for their students in case one of them contracts COVID-19. Program leaders should be in communication with the hotels as we will not be providing isolation rooms (nor separate meals) during this conference. We also encourage programs to secure COVID-19 tests in case their students feel the need to check themselves and make arrangements as necessary.
We are not able to provide registration refunds for this conference under any circumstances (unless we cancel the conference). You will have to work directly with the hotel and airline about their cancellation/refund policy.