Daily Schedule
Saturday, March 2
5:00pm - 6:30pm - Cocktails & Conversation 50th Celebration - Exhibitor Networking Welcome Event - Ocean 13 Restaurant - 106 32nd Street - brought to you by The Maryland Restaurant & Hospitality Self Insurance Fund
Sunday, March 3
11:00am - 5:00pm - Exhibit Halls Open - Dockside and ABC Halls both on Lower Level - click for Floor Plan. Check out Latte Art in the Eastern Shore Coffee & Water Booth 245-248
11:30am – 12:00pm – SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE WORKSHOP: Taste Tourism: Leverage Culinary & Craft Beverage Experiences to Drive Business - During this session, attendees will delve into the strategic significance of integrating taste-centric experiences into business models to not only capture the attention of a diverse consumer base but also enhance brand loyalty and encourage repeat visits. Attendees will receive insights on how to curate and market unforgettable taste-centric journeys. Presented by Cory A. VanHorn, High Five Tourism, Room 210
12:00pm - SPOTLIGHT STAGE - Culinary Demo: Fallen Pine Oysters, J.J. McDonnell, & MD’s Best dive into all things oysters. Dan Worrell will lead the shucking demo and describe the different flavors and types of oysters, from wild-caught to farmed oysters. Dockside Hall
12:30pm – 1:00pm – SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE WORKSHOP: Preview of 2024 Summer Work Travel - Visas are complex, but understanding them shouldn't be. Join the US Department of State and the Chamber of Commerce as they break down the rules and regs and deliver expectations for the coming season. Room 210
1:00pm - SPOTLIGHT STAGE - Ask the Expert: KRR Photography shares how to take phenomenal photos with your smartphone. Discover tips that will take your snapshot from amateur to Ansel Adams. Dockside Hall
1:30pm – 2:00pm – SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE WORKSHOP: Beyond OTAs – Mastering Direct Bookings in 2024 – Join us in reviewing successful strategies to help you shift share from OTAs to direct bookings. Maximize your online presence, enhance user experience on your website, and tactics for maintaining guest engagement on your booking platform to increase conversion. Presented by Amadeus Hospitality, Room 210
2:00pm - SPOTLIGHT STAGE - Ask the Expert: Food Allergens 101: Chef Robert McKeon will guide you through the Big-9 Allergens and share how to protect diners from food allergens, avoid cross-contact contamination, and prevent allergic food reactions and anaphylaxis. Dockside Hall
2:30pm - 3:00pm - SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE WORKSHOP: Protect Your ASSet$ - Defer the Tax, Maximize the Gain - Learn about the significant tax benefits of a 1031 real estate exchange along with the ancillary advantages of re-investment into institutional quality, passive solutions using DST’s. Real-life local case studies along with testimonials; Thinking about selling/exiting your business? Consider utilizing a Section 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchange to avoid capital gains tax due on the sale of your investment/rental property. Presented by RevolutionX – Frank Hanna, Room 210
3:00pm - SPOTLIGHT STAGE - Ask the Expert: What if There’s an Accident? Deeley Insurance and Chesapeake Employers Insurance will discuss 3 ways to save. Dockside Hall
5:00pm - after Expo Gathering at Pickles Pub on 8th Street
Monday, March 4
9:00am - 10:00am - SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE WORKSHOP: KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Recipe for Reinventing Your Workforce - click for more info - Brian Blasko - Level 2 Room 208
10:00am - 4:00pm - Exhibit Halls Open - Dockside and ABC Halls both on Lower Level - click for Floor Plan - Check out Latte Art in the Eastern Shore Coffee & Water Booth 245-248
11:00am - SPOTLIGHT STAGE - Ask the Expert: Food Allergens 101: Chef Robert McKeon will guide you through the Big-9 Allergens and share how to protect diners from food allergens, avoid cross-contact contamination, and prevent allergic food reactions and anaphylaxis. Dockside Hall
11:30am – 12:00pm – SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE WORKSHOP: Evolution of Hospitality - Where We've Been and Where We're Headed! – Join Roy Beaumont Marriott International, Ben Seidel Real Hospitality Group, and Megan Gardner DE Restaurant Association as they journey through the hospitality industry's last 50 years and explore dynamic and ever-evolving sectors as we move forward. Moderated by Melanie Pursel, MD's Coast Economic Development & Tourism Director, Room 210
12:00pm - SPOTLIGHT STAGE - Culinary Demo: Join BSA Seafood & MD's Best as Chef Zack demos wild-caught Chesapeake blue catfish. Learn about this invasive species, how to turn profits, and clean up the Chesapeake Bay. Dockside Hall
12:30pm – 1:00pm – SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE WORKSHOP: Why Grassroots Matter: Legislative Overview - Hear the latest on tipped credits and how to save your Tip$. Presented by Marshall Weston, Restaurant Association of MD, Room 210
1:00pm - SPOTLIGHT STAGE - Behind the Brand: George's® Beverage Company began with a simple request: patrons wanted a reliable bloody mix that was ready to pour and enjoy. The brand has grown into partnerships with national companies. Greg David will share journey thoughts. Dockside Hall
1:30pm – 2:00pm – SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE WORKSHOP: The Power of Video to Build Your Business - Learn how to establish cutting-edge digital marketing strategies through five steps to elevate your business and drive growth. Presented by Effectv & D3, Room 210
2:00pm - SPOTLIGHT STAGE - Behind the Brand: United Way Lower Eastern Shore will share how your business can partner to get involved in social causes while generating great publicity and reason for customers to come to your business; guests will know they are patronizing a business that helps create local change and impact. Dockside Hall
4:30pm - after Expo Gathering at Buxy's Salty Dog/Dry Dock 28 on 28th Street
