Writing has always been therapeutic for me. When I sat down to write a blog this week I found myself reflecting on my journey that has brought me to this moment. I have had 30 years of experience in the events and destination management industry. I live for the hustle and bustle of this world, but I tend to treasure the times that are a little more peaceful. A few years ago, my family and I decided to move up to Kezar Lake in Maine. We found our slice of heaven nestled in the beautiful white mountains. I quickly fell in love with Maine! I wanted to share this slice of heaven with the world, so I decided to start Portfire Events and spark exploration for meeting planners and companies to experience Maine. With its breathtaking coastal cliffs, to the sparkling lakes and wild mountains, Maine isn’t just for vacations, but for corporate meetings too! It is uniquely suited year round for meetings, group retreats, and events. I have found my place in Maine, and I can’t wait to show you why.

The more time I spend here, the more I learn and discover how each town has a close connection to nature. What better inspiration for an important meeting and special gathering than a spectacular destination to wow your attendees? The coast offers unlimited possibilities, from York, Cape Neddick, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, Portland to Bar Harbor. Maine is the area’s outdoor playground with something for everyone including,  lighthouse tours, sea kayaking, schooner adventures, outdoor clambakes, hiking, fat tire biking, and so much more.

Inland, you will find stunning sunsets, ski and lakeside resorts that are ideal while offering  golfing, hiking,  snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing as an added opportunity for team building in the great outdoors.

Maine’s hotel and resort meeting facilities also provide all the amenities you need to get right to business. Facilities have state-of-the-art AV, flexible meeting space, and food and beverage offerings that are uniquely Maine. We suggest adding a culinary experience to your meeting, so guests can indulge in delicious Maine blueberry muffins in the morning and a traditional Downeast Clambake serving mouthwatering Maine lobster, clams, mussels, and all the fixings!

Which leads me to one of my favorite things about Maine… the food! Foodies unite in Maine! Finding and enjoying great cuisine is easy in Portland. Compared to San Francisco for boasting the most restaurants per capita, Portland was dubbed  America’s “foodiest “small town, by Bon Appétit, and the New York Times mentioned Portland to be  “one of the best places to eat in the Northeast”. Where else can you get fresh oysters, haddock, lobsters and shrimp pulled from the Atlantic Ocean and placed on your table that same day? Meals are complimented with locally grown and sourced produce, dairy and meats. Not to mention Portland’s many exceptional bakeries sprinkled around the city that offer the most amazing bagels, donuts, croissants, cookies, and cupcakes.

I love Maine- It truly is the perfect pairing for productive meetings and special events. It’s time to regroup and explore Maine with your attendees, colleagues, and friends.