The Mid-Appalachian Region (MAR), an internal organization of the National Speleological Society, is group of associated caving clubs and grottos within the geographical region consisting of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey, and has two (2) field meets per year. The weekend field meets are usually conducted in the Fall and Spring, generally in October and May. The purpose is largely social. There are numerous cave trips, a Saturday evening dinner, and other various activities throughout the weekend.
MAR meets, along with VAR meetings, are a great way to meet other cavers and see some new caves. They usually have led and self-guided trips for both novice and experienced cavers. The Fall meet is being hosted by the York Grotto.
A registration form and more information are at https://yorkgrotto.org/fall-mar-2026/
The Fall MAR meeting is only about a two hour drive from DC while the VAR meeting is about six hours away. Both are good events.