Innkeeper
Experience Weekend
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at running a Bed and Breakfast?
January 30 – February 1, 2026 | Inn at Mary’s Land Farm in Ellicott City, MD
Enjoy the Knowledge Brought by Experience
The Innkeeper Experience Weekend is a concentrated program held at the beautiful Inn at Mary’s Land Farm in Ellicott City, MD from January 30 to February 1, 2026, designed for anyone interested in high-level hospitality operations, B&B management, or the agritourism business model.
Over the weekend, you will gain hands-on operational experience in making breakfast and turning rooms, learn unique strategies from our Agritourism team about running a thriving property on an active farm, and acquire essential business insights covering guest management and profit expansion.
The program includes four delicious, hosted meals and offers comfortable, discounted onsite overnight accommodations if booked by January 1, 2026. So don’t miss your chance and scroll down below!
What You'll Gain Over the Weekend
Hands-On Learning
Get practical experience by participating directly in key operations like making breakfast and managing guest rooms, giving you a real feel for the job.
Comfortable Accommodations
Guests staying onsite will enjoy a cozy, relaxing environment and a 20% discount on their stay at the historic Inn.
Farm Tour with Q&A
Explore the unique working farm setting and learn from our agritourism team how operating on a farm influences the B&B business model.
In-Depth Sessions
Dive deep into topics like guest management strategies, profit expansion through add-ons, and sourcing decor with expert-led instruction.
4 Meals Included
Your registration covers four delicious, locally sourced meals (two breakfasts and two lunches) hosted by the Inn during the program.
2 1/2 Day Planned Program
This focused weekend runs from Friday afternoon check-in through Sunday check-out, providing a comprehensive, structured learning agenda.
Your Investment
Weekend Program is Priced for
$280 Per Person
Onsite overnight accommodations available at 20% Discount if booked before January 1st, 2026!
(2 Night Minimum)
Key Learning Pillars
Essential Knowledge: Session Focus Areas
Pillar 1: Hands-On Operations
Go beyond theory and dive into the daily reality of managing a successful Bed and Breakfast. This pillar includes practical, active sessions where you will join the team to learn the crucial timing and preparation involved in making breakfast for guests and mastering the efficient, high-standard process of turning guest rooms between stays. Understand the physical logistics and attention to detail required to maintain seamless daily operations.
Pillar 2: Unique Agritourism Setting
Discover the incredible competitive edge of operating an Inn within an active farming environment. Our Agritourism team will walk you through the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when combining hospitality with agriculture, covering topics like integrating farm-to-table sourcing, hosting farm-related guest activities, and effectively marketing your unique property positioning to attract niche guests seeking an authentic rural experience.
Pillar 3: Business Strategies & Profit Expansion
This session focuses on the essential strategies needed to keep your business financially healthy and your guests delighted. Learn proven guest management techniques to ensure positive reviews and repeat business, get insights into sourcing unique decor to create an inviting atmosphere, and, most importantly, explore smart methods for expanding your profit through strategic add-ons, event hosting, and other revenue streams.
Weekend Agenda
What the Inn Has Got in Store for You!
Check-in: 3:00 PM for Onsite Overnight Guests to settle into their rooms. 4:00 PM for Non-overnight guests.
Welcome Reception: Join the Inn owner for a relaxed reception featuring charcuterie and beverages. This is your chance for introductions to fellow attendees and to hear the captivating history of the Inn at Mary’s Land Farm.
Hosted Dinner: Enjoy a delightful dinner hosted by the Inn and engage in casual conversation before the serious learning begins tomorrow.
Break for Evening: Guests are free to relax, network, or enjoy the tranquility of the farm property.
Session 1: Breakfast – Timing is Key: Learn the logistics of volume breakfast service. Focus on preparation strategies, ensuring food safety, and maintaining quality while serving multiple guests efficiently and on time.
Session 2: Is Owning an Inn Right for You / Farm Tour: Part one is an honest discussion on the lifestyle, commitment, and financial realities of running a B&B. Part two is an exclusive tour of the operating farm led by the Agritourism team, detailing how the farm supports and integrates with the Inn experience.
Break for Lunch: A delicious lunch will be provided by the Inn, offering a chance for further discussion and networking with presenters and peers.
Session 3: The In(n)s and Outs of Room Turning: A practical, hands-on session covering the detailed, high-standard process required for quickly and efficiently preparing guest rooms (the turnover) while maintaining strict cleanliness and presentation standards.
Break: A short afternoon break for coffee and refreshment.
Session 4: What Makes a Space Inviting / the Modern B&B Experience: Dive into interior design and decor sourcing to create unique, inviting spaces. Discuss the modern guest’s expectations—from technology and amenities to personalized service—and how to deliver an elevated B&B experience.DinnerDinner is not included.
Local restaurant recommendations will be provided, encouraging attendees to explore Ellicott City.
Session 5: Breakfast – The Importance of Menu Planning & Sourcing Locally: Move from logistics to strategy. This session focuses on cost-effective menu planning and the benefits of sourcing ingredients locally to enhance guest experience and support the farm’s ethos.
Check Out / Final Discussions & Questions: Onsite guests check out, followed by a final open Q&A session where you can ask any remaining questions about operations, finance, or marketing.
Register Interest for Future Workshops: An opportunity to sign up for a mailing list to receive information about future, more specialized Innkeeper workshops or events.
Please Note that the Agenda is Subject to Change
