Nearly 800 Gather for Connection, and Conversation at Maryland’s Fight Back & Win Summit & Gala

A day of ideas, training, and civic engagement brought elected officials, candidates, organizers, nonprofit leaders, business professionals, volunteers, vendors, and community members from across Maryland to Maryland Live! Casino & Hotel, highlighting the work that continues long after Election Day.

For most attendees, June 27th was a full day of learning, networking, and celebration.

For the people responsible for making it happen, it marked the successful completion of months of planning behind one of Maryland’s largest statewide political gatherings of the year.

Hosted at Maryland Live! Casino & Hotel, the Maryland Democratic Party’s Fight Back & Win Summit & Gala welcomed nearly 800 attendees for a day that combined educational programming, campaign strategy, advocacy discussions, exhibitor experiences, and an evening gala featuring former President Joe Biden as keynote speaker.

Throughout the day, guests attended panel discussions, campaign workshops, messaging sessions, fundraising conversations, and advocacy presentations while also connecting with elected officials, candidates, community organizations, businesses, and fellow attendees from across the state.

While much of the public attention centered on the evening gala, the daytime summit offered opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships, discover community resources, and learn from campaign professionals and public leaders working across Maryland.

Days before the event, Maryland Democratic Party Digital Director and publicist Dasia Scott appeared on DC Now Events’ Small Biz Takeover, where she discussed the work required to produce large-scale experiences. During the conversation, she emphasized the importance of thinking through every stage of the attendee experience, from communication and accessibility to programming, sponsors, logistics, and event technology.

After the event concluded, Scott reflected on what the experience meant personally.

“Planning the Fight Back & Win Summit and Gala was one of the most fulfilling events of my career. Being entrusted by my leadership to execute something this meaningful challenged me to grow, lead with excellence, and push myself to new heights.”

Her comments echoed what many attendees never see, the months of preparation required before registration opens, speakers arrive, exhibitors set up, and the first guest walks through the doors.

Maryland Democratic Party Executive Director Karen Darkes shared that planning began at the end of the previous year.

“We worked for six months to plan a statewide convening to rally, inform, and motivate Democrats to ‘Fight Back & Win’ in 2026 and beyond.”

She also credited the staff, volunteers, speakers, partners, and vendors whose work helped make the event possible.

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For those unable to attend, the summit offered far more than a series of speeches. Participants moved between educational sessions, exhibitor booths, networking opportunities, leadership discussions, and community conversations before gathering for an evening program that recognized party leaders and featured remarks from former President Joe Biden.

The event also created opportunities for first-time attendees to meet experienced organizers, nonprofit leaders to connect with community partners, businesses to engage with civic organizations, and volunteers to build relationships that often continue beyond a single event.

As Maryland looks ahead to another election cycle, the Fight Back & Win Summit & Gala demonstrated that campaigns are supported not only by candidates, but also by thousands of hours of preparation from staff, volunteers, community partners, and advocates working behind the scenes.

For those who missed this year’s program, the event offered a glimpse into the people and partnerships that help shape civic engagement across the state. Based on this year’s turnout and participation, attendees can expect future editions to continue bringing together Maryland’s public officials, community leaders, campaign professionals, volunteers, and organizations for another day focused on education, collaboration, and public service.