Maryland’s Best Expo 2026, the state’s flagship “farm-to-shelf” event, connects farmers and high-volume purchasers to boost the local food economy. The only Maryland event of its type, this 22nd-year expo focuses solely on growing agricultural and seafood market potential.
Matchmaking is essential at the expo, which is more than a trade fair. Maryland-based businesses, from family farms and commercial watermen to innovative food processors, meet with retail and institutional decision-makers. By encouraging local partnerships, the event helps Maryland-grown products reach more grocery store shelves and restaurant menus.
The expo matches small-to-mid-sized local producers with buyers seeking consistent, high-quality products. It offers professional space for:
- Local producers: Farmers, watermen, and specialist food processors scaling up.
- High-Volume Buyers: Whole Foods, Klein’s ShopRite, school nutrition programs, hospitals, and restaurants.
- Economic Growth: Sponsoring producers to lower entrance costs for farmers and watermen.
Let’s explore fun and interesting things to do in Annapolis Maryland’s Best Expo 2026 with Zavros Place!
Essential Event Details
To maximize your networking opportunity, remember these logistical details:
- Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
- Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (Akerson Tower), 550 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401.
- Registration Requirement: While the event is free for purchasers, all attendees must register in advance, and exhibitors must register by early January for the Expo Directory.
What’s New for 2026?
Maryland’s Best Expo 2026 has a “amped up” program to deliver more direct business value than before. Growing need for professional development has led to new services to help producers scale and brand.
Learning & Professional Growth
Farmers and watermen can now receive specialized training to better share their stories at the expo.
- Free Media Training: WMAR News and Maryland’s Best personnel teach press relations and PR on-site.
- Business Consultations: Cureate, which helps producers migrate to value-added agricultural goods, offers free mini-consultations.
- Regulatory Updates: A workshop on the new federal FSMA 204 food traceability rule helps exhibitors manage difficult FDA standards.
The 1:1 Buyer Sessions
Mini-learning sessions organized in advance are a hallmark of 2026. These valuable meetings let producers:
- Meet senior buyers from Whole Foods and Klein’s ShopRite.
- Learn how to get local items within huge grocery stores.
Business Support Services
For marketing and professional branding, exhibitors can use on-site media services at a discount.
- Product Photography: Steve Vilnit offers professional product photography for marketing.
- Professional Headshots: Business owners can enhance their professional profiles and website branding with discounted on-site headshots.
Digital Integration with Whova
Whova, the event’s digital headquarters, simplifies networking.
- Real-Time Networking: Starting in November, attendees can communicate and pre-schedule meetings with buyers and sellers.
- Interactive Voting: The software allows audience members to vote on live pitch sessions.
- Digital Lead Capture: The app lets exhibitors scan business cards and capture contact information without paper programs.
Must-See Exhibitor Categories
Strategically planned, the 2026 floor design showcases Maryland’s agricultural and maritime bounty. These categories are the event’s core, whether you are a boutique restaurant buyer or a huge distributor.
Maryland’s Best Seafood & Aquaculture
The “Maryland’s Best Seafood” program connects watermen to the market, making seafood a major focus of the expo.
- Oyster Harvesters: Meet quality Chesapeake Bay oyster harvesters who sell wild-caught and farm-raised oysters.
- Commercial Processors: Crab and finfish processors for regional retail and food service can handle high-volume requests.
Fresh Produce & Orchard Gems
Despite the winter date, this section emphasizes Maryland’s year-round growth.
- Controlled Environment Agriculture: Local greenhouses and hydroponic farms offer lettuce, herbs, and microgreens throughout February.
- Winter Storage Crops: Visit orchards with peak-season apples, pears, and hearty root vegetables ready for distribution.
Specialty & Value-Added Goods
In this category, companies turn raw ingredients into unique, shelf-ready Maryland products.
- Artisan Dairy & Meats: Small-scale cheesemakers and producers like Diamond State Meats sell great local beef and pork.
- Gourmet pantry items: Local honey, small-batch hot sauces, preserves, and Maryland-milled grains.
- Craft Beverages: Maryland wineries, breweries, and distilleries will explore sourcing and distribution of their locally-infused drinks.
Institutional & High-Volume Staples
Designed for schools, hospitals, and huge retail chains, these exhibitors emphasize food safety and supply compliance.
- Bulk Supply Chains: Producers ready to meet Maryland’s “Farm-to-School” volume and safety standards.
- Certified Growers: Many exhibitors in this section have GAP/GHP certifications needed for big retail and institutional collaborations.
Emerging Businesses & Pitch Finalists
Watch Maryland agriculture’s newcomers. These exhibitors showcase the state’s most innovative and sustainable new brands during Live Pitch Sessions.
Navigating the Venue: Logistics & Layout
Knowledge of the landscape is key to 2026 Expo success. At the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Akerson Tower’s contemporary facilities create a high-energy networking atmosphere.
The Akerson Tower Experience
Two enormous club rooms on Akerson Tower’s north and south sides host the expo.
- Multi-Level Layout: Each climate-controlled club level features 3,600 square feet, high ceilings, natural light, and stadium and downtown Annapolis views.
- Access: A dedicated elevator and entrance foyer lead to the club levels.
- The Pitch Sessions: When entrepreneurs compete for a $5,000 prize, the Live Pitch Competition stage is usually in a central, high-visibility area of one of these club levels to maximize audience involvement.
Parking & Security
It takes preparation to navigate a military stadium. Tips for a smooth arrival:
- Stadium Parking: On-site parking is plentiful at the stadium lot (550 Taylor Avenue). Gates 3 and 4 provide the closest access to Akerson Tower.
- Security Check-Ins: Expect entrance inspection. Everyone over 18 must show a U.S. government-issued photo ID or passport to access.
- Bag Policy: The stadium strictly enforces this policy. Clear plastic or vinyl bags cannot exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. Also allowed are 4.5″ x 6.5″ clutch purses.
Early Bird Perk: Exclusive Tote Bags
Arriving early pays. The first 250 expo attendees will get a Gold Sponsor tote bag. These bags are usually loaded with sponsor goodies and the latest Maryland’s Best Expo Guide, the event’s “who is who” directory.
Insider Tips for Buyers
The 2026 Expo is a strategic opportunity for buyers to diversify their supplier chains, not only sample items. The following tactics will help you achieve the best collaborations with over 300 buyers.
The “Discovery First” Strategy
Consider the first hour a scouting mission to maximize time.
- The Initial Walkthrough: Start by walking the floor before engaging in longer conversations. This helps you find Akerson Tower’s backroom treasures.
- Use the Expo Directory: Refer to Maryland’s Best Expo Guide at entrance. It lists all growers and their certificates, letting you prioritize booths that meet your needs.
Essential Questions to Ask Producers
Ask these important questions to ensure a provider can satisfy commercial kitchen or retail shelf needs:
- Ask “What is your peak volume capacity?” to see if they can meet your needs during busy seasons.
- “Are you GAP/GHP certified?” Many wholesale buyers want GAP or GHP certification for food safety.
- “What are your delivery or distribution options?” Ask about direct delivery, distributors, and food hubs.
- Can you comply with FSMA 204?” New federal traceability standards take effect January 20, 2026. Ask vendors about digital traceability for high-risk items like leafy greens, soft cheeses, and nut butters.
Leveraging the Whova App
After the event, organize your leads.
- Digital Lead Capture: Scan exhibitor details and note favorite products using the Whova app.
- Set Reminders: The app lets you schedule follow-up tasks immediately after a conversation, keeping you on track after leaving the stadium.
Networking Beyond the Booths
The Expo brings together state agriculturalists.
- Contact MDA Staff: MDA marketing staff are on-site to help buyers identify items or overcome regional sourcing issues.
- Attend the Pitch Competition: Live Pitch Sessions are the fastest method to spot Maryland food and beverage “trends”.
Success Strategies for Exhibitors
The 2026 Expo is an important chance for producers to expand regionally. With high-volume buyers on the floor, your booth must be a polished pitch.
Showcasing “Maryland-Grown” Branding
Your visual identity stops buyers in a crowded environment.
- Visual Impact: Tell your farm’s story with huge, high-resolution graphics. Keep 40% of your display clean and vacant for a “neat yet bold” style to avoid overpowering the visitor.
- Brand Consistency: Display your brand at eye level to stay visible in crowded booths.
- The “Wow” Factor: Use fresh foliage, fruits, or brand-aligned textures to soften the stark stadium backdrop and bring visitors in.
Mastering the 10-Minute Retailer Sessions
The new mini-learning sessions with Whole Foods and Klein’s ShopRite buyers are fast and precise.
- Prepare Your “Elevator Pitch”: Your 30-second “Elevator Pitch” should describe your product, capacity, and Maryland brand.
- Bring a One-Pager: Give a one-sheet summary of your contact info, product list, wholesale pricing, and certifications (such GAP/GHP).
- Focus on Solutions: Instead of listing characteristics, explain how your product helps the shop meet consumer desire for “local” or “sustainable” solutions.
Networking for Future Growth
Expo is a unique chance to meet state leaders who can support your business year-round.
- Talk to MDA Marketing: Discuss being featured in future newsletters or “Maryland’s Best” advertising initiatives with the MDA staff.
- Seek Expert Advice: Visit the University of Maryland Extension or Cureate booths for free advice on scaling up or understanding FSMA 204.
- Digital Leads: Scan visitor badges and take fast notes on buyer interests with the Whova app to send personalized follow-up emails the next morning.
Beyond the Expo: The 56th “Maryland Agriculture” Gala
The 56th annual Taste of Maryland Agriculture dinner celebrates Maryland’s agricultural heritage two days after the expo, which emphasizes business-to-business connections. This evening event on Thursday, February 5, 2026, emphasizes industry advocacy and distinguished honors.
The Gala Connection
A week dedicated to the state’s best commercial industry concludes with the gala. This is Maryland’s finest agricultural social event, with approximately 900 farm leaders and local, state, and national legislators in attendance.
- Location: THE HALL at Live! Hotel and Casino Maryland at Arundel Mills, Hanover, MD.
- Time: Events usually last from 6:30 until 10:00 PM.
- Atmosphere: A high-energy setting where officials network over a handpicked selection of Maryland-produced cuisine and drink.
Honoring Agricultural Excellence
A unique program honoring industry’s backbone families is the evening’s centerpiece.
- The Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame: Governor Wes Moore will induct the McGinnis Family of Baltimore County into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame. Farm families who have dedicated generations to their communities and the agricultural industry receive this coveted prize.
- Agriculture Education Grants: The Maryland Agriculture Council will give $10,000 to 11 outstanding programs. These funding support unique farming education programs like student agriscience lessons and interactive community displays.
Ticket & Attendance Information
This event often sells out, so register early.
- Pricing: Order tickets by January 10, 2026, for $100. Prices rise between $130 and $150 after February 1.
- Reservations: Book tickets online at the Maryland Agriculture Council.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Maryland’s Tables
The $16 billion Maryland agricultural economy relies on Maryland’s Best Expo 2026, which connects farmers, watermen, and artisan producers with high-volume consumers. Promoting Maryland-grown products increases food security, local economies, family farms, and sustainability. The expo helps keep “local” affordable. Chefs and shoppers looking for fresh seasonal products should attend the 2026 Expo. Visit marylandsbest.net to learn more and plan for the 2027 exhibition!