Homebuilders set meeting to forecast real estate trends

The Home Builders Association of Maryland will hold its 2003 Maryland Real Estate and Construction Forecast Conference from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at Ten Oaks Ballroom, 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville.

Experts in the real estate industry will review recent trends and discuss future opportunities. Discussion will focus on specific areas of the Baltimore-Washington region.

The cost is $95, including a continental breakfast, lunch and conference materials. Information: 410-265-7400.

Earth Treks gym nears completion in Timonium

Earth Treks, the Columbia-based climbing school and international mountaineering guide service, is finishing construction of its second indoor climbing gym, a $1.3 million facility in Timonium. The new gym will have 25- to 50-foot climbing walls, a weight-training and cardio-fitness area, a juice and coffee bar and an expedition-outfitting shop.

Earth Treks, which offers birthday parties for 6-year-olds and guides clients to the summit of Mount Everest, opened its Columbia facility in 1997.