Planning an event in College Park?
College Park is the home of the University of Maryland’s flagship campus, so its event scene orbits the university: a modern hotel across Route 1, an alumni center, a major performing arts center and a historic airfield museum. It is served by the Green Line at College Park-U of Md station.
Which venues should you look at?
The Hotel at the University of Maryland
Opened in 2017 on Baltimore Avenue at the edge of campus, the hotel offers 43,000 square feet of flexible space in 18 meeting rooms, including the Terrapin and Calvert Ballrooms and outdoor terraces. It is a natural fit for university-linked conferences, alumni galas and Discovery District business events.
For photos: rooms with natural light and modern finishes; outdoor terraces add an easy reception backdrop.
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
The Clarice is the University of Maryland’s performing arts center, with six performance venues linked by its Grand Pavilion. The pavilion and other spaces rent for receptions, ceremonies and events beyond the stage season.
For photos: big, airy pavilion with brick and glass; stage venues add dramatic lighting for program moments.
Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center
The Riggs Alumni Center is the university’s own venue for meetings, conferences and receptions, close to I-495 and the College Park Metro. Its large hall divides into sections, so it handles both seated dinners and expo-style events.
For photos: a large divisible hall plus smaller rooms; good for award dinners and banquet coverage.
College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Formerly the UMUC Inn & Conference Center, this Marriott on University Boulevard East sits minutes from the UMD campus near I-495. It has dozens of meeting rooms and exhibit space, making it one of the larger conference hotels in Prince George’s County.
For photos: conference-center layout with many breakouts; plan for room-to-room coverage.
College Park Aviation Museum
The museum sits on College Park Airport, founded in 1909 when the Wright brothers trained military aviators here, and widely called the world’s oldest continuously operating airport. A Smithsonian affiliate run by Prince George’s parks, it rents its gallery of historic aircraft for business meetings, trainings and receptions.
For photos: vintage aircraft overhead make one-of-a-kind backdrops for small receptions.
How do you plan the photos?
A good venue makes good pictures easier. If you’re comparing quotes, start with event photography rates and how many hours of coverage you really need. Then see the work: conference photography, corporate events and charity gala photography. Closer to DC, DC-area venues that photograph well has more ideas.
What else is nearby?
Event venues nearby: Silver Spring, National Harbor, Annapolis. For event photography in College Park and nearby, see Prince George’s County event photographer.
What should I send you?
Just send me the date and any other details that matter, and I’ll get back to you. You can see my pricing here, and if your event needs a custom quote, I’m happy to put one together once I have the details.
