Annual Trade Show Features Demos, Educational Sessions

OCEAN CITY — For 41 years, the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA) has brought together hospitality industry buyers and sellers for its annual Trade Expo.

On March 8 and 9, the OCHMRA welcomes the return of many loyal exhibitors and showcases new and emerging companies, products and trends. Hospitality professionals from many industry sectors will have the opportunity to peruse what has grown to three exhibit halls and nearly 400 exhibit booths.

Anthony Melchiorri, host of Travel Channel’s original series “Hotel Impossible,” will be on hand to deliver his hospitality tips. He will appear in the new Ocean City Performing Arts Center, located within the Ocean City Convention Center on Monday, March 9 at 9 a.m., prior to the Expo opening at 11 a.m.

For those restaurateurs who are ready to grow profits and support a local movement, more than 20 craft breweries, from throughout Maryland and lower Delaware, will be featured in the Dockside Hall. Learn from these breweries how to implement a craft beer beverage program as Brewmasters will be on hand to discuss all the aspects of their craft.

Another feature of the Dockside Hall is the “Red, White & Brew Stage.” On Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m., the Brewers Association of Maryland will lead a craft beer discussion where industry veterans will share their insight and offer helpful tips. At 3 p.m., a food and wine pairing discussion and demonstration will be led by chef, instructor and business owner Tony Hiligoss, who will utilize a Turbo Chef Turbo FIRE vent-less pizza oven to cook artisan style pizza in two minutes while exploring pairing wine on menus. Additionally, he will teach how to make your own wine.

Another demo will be presented on stage on March 9 at 2:30 p.m. Matt Rankin from OC Brewing Company will deliver tips on pairing craft beer with menu items.

Ocean 98 and the OCHMRA have teamed up to develop their version of Chopped, which will take place on Monday, March 9, from noon-2 p.m. MIXED! will have 16 brackets, two competitors at a time, to see who will win the fastest bartender and custom cocktail contest. Watch as contestants pick a box, all containing the same base materials, which will include Seacrets Spirits vodka, rum and gin, Tropicale, soda, soda water and glasses. The twist will be different garnishes and mixers. Each round, a winner will be selected by speed, closest to 1.5 ounces in the shot and by the best tasting cocktail.

Additionally, at the Expo, an enlightening series of educational sessions have been designed to offer ideas and tips to the trade.

(BOLD/CENTER)Sunday, March 8

11:30 a.m.: SOLAR 101-How You Can Benefit the Most: Discussion of current solar industry technology differences and advancements and 100% Presented by Ultra Solar & Wind Solutions, LLC.

12:30 p.m.: What the Heck is PCI DSS & Why do I Need to Know Anyway: PCI stands for Payment Card Industry, and DSS is Data Security Standards. Presented by Joe Posey, owner of a local merchant processing company and will provide a high level overview your responsibilities and how to protect card data.

1:30 p.m.: 10 Ways to Maximize Three-Month Season from Labor, Service & Profit Perspectives: Thought leader CohnReznick Hospitality Consulting will be providing methods of helping businesses to “Survive and Thrive” the season.

2:30 p.m.: Analyzing Online Hotel Habits & How to Drive Online Bookings: Panel discussion. Presenters are Booking.com and D3Corp.

3:30 p.m.: 5 Ways to Streamline Your Hospitality Business as Your Employees Leave the City & Country at the End of Every Season: Thought leader CohnReznick Hospitality Consulting will be providing methods of helping businesses streamline workforces as employees are reduced.

Monday, March 9

9 a.m.:  Melchiorrri will deliver hospitality tips in the new OC Performing Arts Center located on the lower level.

11:30 a.m.: Beverage Pairing Programs – Improve Your Bottom Line: Hear from three perspectives, liquor, wine and beer suppliers. Program presented by Southern Wine and Spirits, Evolution Brewing Co.

1:30 p.m.: 10 ways to Maximize Three-Month Season from Labor, Service & Profit Perspectives: Thought leader CohnReznick Hospitality Consulting will be providing methods of helping businesses to “Survive and Thrive” the season.

2:30 p.m.: 5 Ways to Streamline Your Hospitality Business as Your Employees Leave the City & Country at the End of Every Season: Thought leader CohnReznick Hospitality Consulting will be providing methods of helping businesses streamline workforces as employees are reduced.

Latte art will be created by a local barista and can be viewed in Eastern Shore Coffee & Water’s booth 228-229 on the lower level in Exhibit Hall A/B. He will be showcasing his talents at 12, 2 and 4 p.m. on Sunday and 12 and 2 p.m. on Monday.

The Expo is only open to hospitality professionals. You may register on-site for $15 per person with proof of being in the industry. For more information, check out www.oceancitytradeexpo.com or call 1-800-626-2326, ext 2.