Food & Beverage Sampling:

• Exhibitors that manufacture or distribute food and beverages may sample these products to attendees. Exhibitors are free to distribute samples in the sizes best suited for their product and packaging, but sampling product they do not manufacture or distribute is prohibited. For example, if you make or distribute veggie burgers, you may not add condiments or buns to the sample unless you order those items from the in-house catering company. To contact Centerplate you can CLICK HERE or go to the Additional Show Services tab.
  
  Centerplate holds the alcoholic beverage license for the convention center and applies a corkage fee for all alcoholic beverages distributed at the events, and not purchased from Centerplate. For more information, call Angela Kelly at (410) 649-7072 or Angela.Kelly@centerplate.com
  
  GES will have food and beverage storage in coolers and freezers for exhibitors. If you wish to take advantage of this service, contact GES at 702.515.5970 or CLICK HERE for the Refrigerated and Frozen Storage tab.

Health Code Regulations:

• All booths providing food samples must do so in a clean and sanitary manner. Tongs, single-serving napkins, toothpicks or dispensing units (i.e. cups, etc.) must be used. Food may not be served from a “common bowl” unless tongs are used to distribute the food. We suggest single-serve cups, toothpicks or single napkins.
  
  All perishable foods such as milk, fish, eggs and poultry products must be temperature controlled. Cold foods must be kept at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All potentially hazardous foods must be maintained at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
  
  All vendors who wish to sample their product must provide protection of open food sampling (i.e. unpackaged crackers, chips, dips, drinks, etc.). All unpackaged foods on display must be protected with a sneeze guard shield or plastic covering that is rigid, semi-permanent, and provides adequate protection that follows the Temporary Food Facility Guidelines.
  
  All food samples must display a label with its common name and ingredients

Cooking Appliances:

• The use of any electrical cooking appliances (i.e. ovens, stoves, grills, hot plates, deep fryers, skillets, etc.) and all demonstrations using these appliances must be isolated away from the public or be protected with a clear plastic shield which can be ordered by CLICK HERE for the Booth Furnishings & Accessories tab. The shield must be placed along the front and the sides of the appliance. Quantities will be limited. These requirements do not apply to microwave ovens, coffee pots, and rice cookers, chaffing dishes or popcorn wagons.

Fire Regulations & Permit Requirements:

• Fire and health regulations are strictly enforced. The exhibit area will be inspected by fire marshals and a representative from the health department.
  
  City of Baltimore Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau Specifications & Requirements
  
  As per section 31-1.4.5 of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, furnishings or decorations of an explosive or highly flammable character shall not be used. Natural cut trees as well as other Christmas decorations (wreaths, garland, etc.) are strictly prohibited. Living trees in a “balled” condition with roots protected by an earth ball may be permitted provided they are maintained in a fresh condition and are not allowed to become dry.
  
  All drapes, fabrics and materials are required to be flame resistant (hay, wood, etc.). You may use a spray on flameproof coating for flammable materials, but must also bring the empty can that was used, and a receipt for the spray purchase for verification.
  
  PROPANE OR BUTANE WILL REQUIRE A SHOW PERMIT
  A Show Permit form must be submitted for approval a minimum of 14 days prior to show opening. Propane and Butane will be limited to two 17oz containers, and kept away from convention center doors.
  
  Candles and helium are prohibited.

Personal Care Product Applications:

• Sterilized utensils must be used. A fresh, sterile cotton ball, spatula, Q-tip, or powder puff must be used for each individual application.
  
  When applying lip applications of any kind (eye shadows, face blushes, etc.) a portion of the product must be scraped off with a utensil and applied to the individual with the utensil.
  
  Products in packaging other than a squeeze type container, such as a jar, require a sterile utensil to be used when remove the product from the container. Once the product has been applied to the individual, you may not return the used utensil to the product.

Sound/ Noise Levels:

• Music, sound and noise is permitted up to a maximum of 85 decibels.

Parking:

• Although the Baltimore Convention Center is unable to provide public parking to exhibitors and attendees, there are several options in the form of public lots and hotel parking garages located in the immediate area. Public parking can range from $6 - $16 per day with the average rate being $9. For additional information on available parking, and to download a parking map CLICK HERE.

Labor:

• Should you require assistance setting up or dismantling your tabletop you may order it through the Labor/Equipment, Hanging Sign & Rigging tab or by CLICKING HERE. Exhibitors are requested to conform to union labor regulations. There is a strict “NO TIPPING” rule for the unions, Baltimore Convention Center, GES and Natural Product Expo.

Storage:

• Storage shall be limited to under your table top or you may order additional storage from the Shipping, Drayage ,Material Handling & Access Storage tab or by CLICKING HERE.