Exhibitor FAQs

What are the dates, location, and hours of the Spring Trade Expo?

The Spring Trade Expo will take place at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD from Sunday, March 7 to Monday, March 8, 2027.

2027 Exhibit Hall Hours: 

  • Sunday, March 7 - 11am to 5pm 
  • Monday, March 8 - 11am to 4pm 

Move-In 

  • Friday & Saturday, March 5 & 6 - 9am to 5pm 
  • Sunday, March 7 - 9am to 11am 

Move Out 

  • Monday, March 8 - 4pm to 8pm 
  • Tuesday, March 9 - 8am to Noon
     

What is included with my booth space?

Show management will provide the following booth equipment: 

  • Back & Side Drapes (black & white) 
  • (1) Trash Can 
  • (1) 6" x 32" Sign *upon request
  • (2) Chairs 
  • (1) 6 ft. UNDRAPED table - 6' x 30" high 
  • (1) 110 Volt Outlet (500 watts)

How do I order extra services (lead retrieval, table drapes, electric, carpet, etc.)?

Lead Retrieval Services

 

Convention Center Exhibitor Services & Rental Order Form

Is there an Attendee list available to Exhibitors?

Exhibitors will receive the Attendee list for FREE after the Expo once they complete our survey. Please be aware of fraudulent companies falsely claiming to sell attendee lists for the Expo. We do not share or sell attendee information to any third parties. If you are contacted by a company offering attendee lists, it is a scam, simply delete. 

How do I recognize buyers vs. guests?

Very easily! We color-code the badges so that you can quickly identify decision-makers! Look for the color bar at the bottom of the badge. 

Lanyard Color:

  • Exhibitor................................... Black 
  • Buyer......................................... Red
  • Guest......................................... Tan

How many Exhibitor badges do I receive with my booth?

Each Exhibitor receives 10 badges per booth. Sign up here.

Is there Wi-Fi provided?

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available but is not a secure network. If you need a secure, high-speed ethernet connection, you must order it through the Convention Center's Exhibitor Services Order Form.

If I'm serving alcohol, what do I need to know?

Who can sample alcohol?
  • Only attendees 21 years or older. All attendees are carded at registration.
What are the sample limits?
  • Beer & Wine: 2–4 oz. cups only.
  • Spirits: Maximum ½ oz. pour in a cup no larger than 2 oz.
  • Bottled or canned beer must be poured into a sample cup.
Can samples leave the Expo Hall?
  • No. All samples must be consumed on-site.
Where must the alcohol come from?
  • All products must be obtained through a licensed Maryland wholesaler's Sample Account with Maryland excise tax paid.
Do I need a Solicitor's Permit?
  • If you are a non-resident dealer or wholesaler dispensing samples or promoting products, a valid Maryland Solicitor's Permit is required.
What else should I know?
  • Sample only during official Expo hours.
  • Do not serve anyone who appears intoxicated.
  • Follow all applicable Maryland alcohol laws and regulations.

Can I ship my booth materials to the Expo at the Convention Center?

The Ocean City Convention Center will accept and store exhibitor shipments beginning February 27. All shipments must be prepaid and will be received Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please complete the freight and handling section of the Exhibitor Services Form before shipping your materials.

All inbound shipments must be paid in full before they will be delivered to your booth. Shipments with unpaid balances will be held until payment is received. A higher handling rate applies if payment is not made at least 72 hours before exhibitor move-in. This surcharge is listed on the Exhibitor Services Form. Prepaying by the deadline provides a significant discount on freight handling services.

Where can I get ice?

Easton Ice sells ice from their booth in Exhibit Hall ABC, and they will deliver to your booth.

Can I store my perishable food items on-site?

Yes! A complimentary refrigerated/freezer truck will be available at the North Loading Dock. Please let us know before the Expo if you need storage by calling our office at (410) 289-6733. The guard at the truck will have the key and a list of approved users.

Do you provide security?

The management will provide security for the building during move-in, move-out, and the hours of the Trade Expo. The Exhibitor must have an attendant in charge of his/her exhibit. No one is permitted in the Convention Center after closing hours. We recommend Exhibitors remove or cover up valuable and/or portable items from booths during non-show hours.

Where can I take a break during the show?

For your comfort, an Exhibitor's Lounge is located on the second level of the Convention Center in room 213. Complimentary sodas and coffee are provided as well as a place to rest your feet.

What if I want to leave early?

The show is open until 4:00pm on Monday, you are not permitted to break down early. Respect your neighboring booths! If you are found to be breaking down early, it could cause you to lose booth priorities at next year's Expo. 

Are kids allowed at the Expo?

Because of the high volume of alcohol displayed, NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 will be admitted into the Expo, under any circumstances, including working your booth, except newborns attached to a parent. This policy is strictly enforced, and proof of age may be required.