Portland at a Glance
Location: Southern Maine, along the Atlantic coast
Access: Portland International Jetport; Interstate 95
Hotel Rooms: 3,400 (6,000 in the Greater Portland area)
Contact Info:
Visit Portland
207-772-4994
Holiday Inn by the Sea
Guest Rooms: 239 rooms
Meeting Space: 30,000 square feet
Other Meeting Spaces: State of Maine Grand Ballroom, 13 meeting rooms, boardroom, exhibit hall
Meeting Hotels
The Westin Portland Harborview
Guest Rooms: 289
Meeting Space: 13,000 square feet
Portland Regency Hotel and Spa
Guest Rooms: 95
Meeting Space: 7,782 square feet
The Press Hotel
Guest Rooms: 110 guest rooms and suites
Meeting Space: 2,000 square feet
With its charming cobblestone streets, a working waterfront rich in historic character and a bustling food scene that rivals cities twice its size, Portland, Maine, is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. Tucked along the rocky shores of Casco Bay, this coastal city blends New England’s maritime heritage with a fresh, modern energy.
Groups looking for a destination that’s equal parts scenic and walkable, and packed with personality, will find plenty to love in Portland. From a conference overlooking the harbor to a gathering in a historic mansion or an off-site dinner featuring the freshest seafood imaginable, events here come with a side of quintessential Maine charm.
Destination Highlights
Portland may be Maine’s largest city, but it still holds onto the warmth and charm of a small-town coastal retreat. The historic Old Port district — lined with red-brick buildings, gas lanterns and seafood shacks — sets the stage for an authentic Maine experience. Portland is also a city of creatives, a place where local chefs, brewers and artists are constantly reinventing the scene, giving visitors something new to discover on every visit.
For groups, this balance of history and innovation is part of Portland’s appeal. It’s an easy city to navigate, with a compact downtown that makes it simple to move between hotels, venues and after-hours activities.
“In Portland, you’ll find 112,500-plus square feet of downtown meeting space, 2,000-plus downtown hotel rooms, and 90-plus daily flights from major cities in the US to and from Portland International Jetport,” said Abby Traver, vice president of group sales and marketing at Visit Portland. “Portland offers an exceptional setting for any meeting.”
Sustainability is a priority here, from farm-to-table restaurants to eco-conscious event spaces, making it a great fit for groups that value green initiatives. And, of course, there’s the undeniable draw of the ocean. Whether groups are watching fishing boats roll in at sunrise or unwinding with a waterfront cocktail after a long day of meetings, there’s something about being by the water that makes meetings in Portland feel a little more special.
Distinctive Venues
“Portland offers a variety of unique meeting venues,” said Traver. “We have sophisticated urban settings, elegant coastal resorts, out-of-the-box venues and charming luxury hotels.”
For something truly unique, groups can take to the water with a Casco Bay Lines private charter for a scenic networking event. The ferry company offers charters of various sizes, perfect for everything from small gatherings to larger corporate outings. Another standout is Cellardoor Winery at Thompson’s Point, where groups can host private events surrounded by scenic river views and a contemporary tasting room.
“Groups can also enjoy flexible meeting space with panoramic oceanfront views at Old Port’s waterfront venue Ocean Gateway or soak in Portland’s culture with a meeting at the Portland Museum of Art,” Traver said.
For smaller gatherings or executive retreats, the Press Hotel offers a uniquely Portland experience. Located in a former newspaper building, the hotel features a design inspired by the world of journalism, with vintage typewriters, letterpress-style decor and a warm, literary vibe. The meeting spaces range from intimate boardrooms to a 1,000-square-foot gallery space, and the hotel’s farm-to-table catering options make every meal memorable.
Major Meeting Spaces
“Portland, Maine, combines big-city appeal with a charming small-town feel,” said Traver.
It’s at its highly walkable downtown — perfect for exploring on foot — that the larger meeting venues are located.
“The Holiday Inn By the Bay and The Westin Portland Harborview, located nearby, offer a combined 46,000 square feet of meeting space,” he said. “Their convenient proximity creates a ‘small-town takeover’ experience for downtown gatherings.”
The Holiday Inn By the Bay is one of the city’s most versatile event spaces, offering 13 meeting rooms and the 12,500-square-foot State of Maine Grand Ballroom — the largest in the state. With stunning views of Casco Bay and full-service event planning, it’s a reliable option for gatherings large and small. For an event with a touch of elegance, the Inn by the Sea is a stunning coastal retreat just minutes from downtown. Set on a stretch of pristine beach, it offers both indoor and outdoor event spaces, making it a breathtaking location for receptions, networking events or team-building retreats.
Another top choice is the Westin Portland Harborview, a landmark hotel that dates back to 1927. Fully restored and modernized, the hotel now offers 11 flexible meeting rooms, including the elegant Eastland Grand Ballroom. The views are unbeatable. Perched high above downtown, it’s one of the best places in the city to soak in Portland’s coastal beauty while hosting an event.
After the Meeting
When the meetings wrap up, Portland has no shortage of ways to unwind.
Food is a huge part of the city’s identity, and groups won’t have to go far to find something incredible to eat. From lobster rolls at waterfront shacks to James Beard Award-winning restaurants, the dining scene here is on another level. And for those who prefer to sip their way through the city, Portland is home to one of the country’s highest concentrations of craft breweries — Allagash Brewing Company and Rising Tide Brewing are two local favorites that offer tastings and tours.
For a bit of culture, the Portland Museum of Art is a must-visit, home to an impressive collection of works from renowned artists like Winslow Homer and Andy Warhol.
“Entertainment, attractions and hidden gems are scattered all through downtown Portland,” said Traver. “The Arts District is near the center and is home to concerts, symphonies, ballet, museums and many art galleries.”
Not far from there, Old Port’s cobblestone streets lead visitors to countless boutique shops, rooftop bars and breweries. Outdoorsy types can head to the Eastern Promenade, a scenic park with panoramic views of Casco Bay, walking trails and picnic spots perfect for a midday break.
“There’s also a variety of experiential tours, by land and by sea, that give groups a first-hand look at Portland’s sights and history,” Traver said.
For a fun team-building experience, Portland is perfect for a classic lighthouse tour that lets groups experience Maine’s rugged coastline up close.
