WHY WE GATHER
BUILT FOR GROWTH. CONNECTION. AND BELONGING
DML Fest 2026 is a three-day celebration of the work we do and the people we do it with. We’re leaning into performance, empowerment and the tools that help us excel. Expect dynamic learning sessions, real time to reconnect with colleagues across the organization, and moments that strengthen our sense of belonging and shared mission.
LOOK AT THE PAST
A LOOK BACK AT THE FUN, BEFORE WE DO MORE OF IT.
THREE DAYS, ONE TEAM
THE AGENDA
DAY 01 • ARRIVAL & WELCOME
Wednesday, October 21
THREE DAYS, ONE TEAM
THE AGENDA
DAY 01 • ARRIVAL & 
WELCOME
Wednesday, October 21
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Lunch & Check-In at Corp
- Light, social start to reconnect and settle in before the sessions begin.
12:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m. | Welcome to DML Fest introduced by Mike Naylor
- Kickoff message setting the tone for collaboration, culture, and production focus.
12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. | Ice Breaker: 5‑Minute Rotations (Do More Loans) – Hosted by Dean Johnson
- Fast‑paced networking to spark new connections and share quick production wins.
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | State of the Industry – Chris/Mike/Ash/Dean
- Market insights and trends to help us position ourselves to Do More Loans.
2:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m. | Break
- Time to recharge with caffeine, stretch your legs, and sneak in a quick email check.
2:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m. | Branch Manager Panel Discussion (Hosted by Dean Johnson)
- Insightful discussion from top producers on strategies, habits, and collaboration that drive volume.
3:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Break
- Fuel up, refresh, and take care of those calls or emails, you’ll be glad you did!
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Marketing Session
- Tools, tactics, and creative ideas to help branches generate more leads and visibility.
4:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Halloween Contest, Fun, Food, Music
- High‑energy kickoff celebration to build camaraderie and enjoy time together. Contest for Most original, Mortgage Themed, Team/Group Collab
*Plus ones welcome.*
DAY 02 • LEARN & BUILD1
Thursday, October 22
DAY 02 • LEARN & BUILD1
Thursday, October 22
8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. | Coffee Truck at Corp: Lattes & Continental Breakfast
- Casual morning meet‑up to fuel up and connect before sessions.
10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Breakout Sessions: Operations
- Collaborative problem‑solving and workflow alignment to support higher production.
11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Break
- Enjoy a snack, stretch your legs, and take a moment to check in before the next activity begins.
12:00 p.m.-12:45 p.m. | Lunch
- Recharge and network across teams.
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. | Guest Speaker: Dr. Arman Taghizadeh (Dr. T)
- Inspiration and actionable insights tied to performance, mindset, and growth.
3:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Break
- Celebrate the day’s wins, and yes, now’s your chance to return those calls guilt-free!
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Products/Pricing
- Deep dive into offerings that help us compete, win deals, and Do More Loans.
5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Unwind at Inverness Brewery
- Evening social event to unwind, connect, and strengthen relationships.
*Uber codes will be provided for transportation.*
*Plus ones are welcome.*
DAY 03 • SEND-OFF1
Friday, October 23
DAY 03 • SEND-OFF1
Friday, October 23
8:00 a.m.-9:15 a.m. | Coffee Truck at Corp: Lattes & Continental Breakfast
- Smooth start to the final day with time to mingle.
9:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Tech – Simple Nexus and additional Workflows to build success
- Hands‑on look at tools that streamline workflows and boost loan volume.
10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | Break
- Grab a treat, mingle with teammates, and take care of any quick to-dos before we move forward.
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Q3 Recognition Meeting: Celebrating Our MVPs & Company Updates
- Celebrating wins, top performers, and the momentum driving us into year‑end.
12:45 p.m.-1:00 p.m. | Depart for Volo
1:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. | Field Day, Crab Feast, Dancing
- A fun, high‑energy finale focused on team bonding, celebration, and DML spirit.
*Bus transportation will be available for Field Day and the Crab Feast.*
*Plus ones welcome.*
DESTINATION DETAILS
DML FEST 2026
We’re excited to show off Direct Mortgage Loans’ hometown – Baltimore, MD.
Destination
DML Fest 2026 will take place at the Corporate office in Hunt Valley, Maryland – just north of Baltimore, Maryland by 20 minutes.
Reservations
We have two hotel options this year, both in Baltimore Hunt Valley: Residence Inn by Marriott and Embassy Suites by Hilton.
Questions? Contact: Jamie Lopez
Option 1
Residence Inn
Marriott
Option 2
Embassy Suites
Hilton
Transportation
The Residence Inn and Embassy Suites are both located ~ 30 minutes from BWI Airport – and just a few minutes from the corporate office.
Uber codes will be provided for Inverness, and bus transportation will be available for Field Day and the Crab Feast.
What To Pack
Keep it business casual and show your DML spirit! We encourage everyone to wear DML shirts or DML colors throughout the event. On the Day of Fun, we’ll be providing you with a special DML shirt.
Remember: Maryland weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast before you pack to ensure you’re prepared for any conditions.
- Business Casual
- DML Gear
- Laptop Charger
- Comfortable Shoes
- Jacket For Evenings
- Halloween Costume
