Maryland’s Best Expo – 2026 Now Open for All Producers and Attendees!
February 3, 2026
What is the Maryland’s Best Expo?
The only expo like it in the state, this event is an opportunity for Maryland farmers, seafood producers, and processors to connect with buyers. Over the past two decades, MDA’s Marketing Program, Maryland’s Best, has promoted our state’s agricultural and seafood products, and expanded markets for our farmers and producers and brought over 300 retail, restaurant, and institutional buyers to make connections.
Participants included farmers, producers, watermen, aquaculturists, processors, grocery store retailers, restaurants, schools, institutions, distributors, economic development officials, University of Maryland Extension (UME) agents, and regional agricultural marketing officials.
How can I participate?
There are three options:
- Producers – If you are a producer, waterman, or retail business using locally grown products, you are eligible to exhibit at the Expo for just $50! Your product must be grown or caught in Maryland OR feature ingredients that were grown or caught in Maryland. REGISTER HERE. Producers must register by December 12.
- Buyers – If you are a food or beverage buyer for a restaurant, retail, wholesale, or institution and are seeking delicious, high-quality Maryland products, than this is the place for you! Registration is free but required by January 5 if you would like to be featured in the directory. REGISTER HERE. Walk-ins will be welcome.
- Industry Members – If you are related to the agriculture and seafood industry, we encourage you to attend and participate to support our local farmers and watermen! Sponsorships are strongly recommended in order to keep costs low for the producers. SEE SPONSORSHIPS HERE. Registration is free but required by January 5 if you would like to be featured in the directory. REGISTER HERE.
What if I have questions? Please email Audrey at [email protected] for registration and sponsorship questions. For anything else, please email Kristin at [email protected].
What benefits do I receive by participating?
- Access to networking and relationship building with vendors and buyers unlike anywhere else in the state.
- Free listing in the annual Maryland’s Best Expo guide which is distributed to all buyers and vendors.
- Free mini classes to assist with your business’s growth!
- Redacted rate headshots and product photography.
What can I do in the time leading up to the Expo?
Make sure to download the free Whova app starting November 3 (the app is not open until that date). You can start chats and engage with other vendors and buyers ahead of the event to set-up meetings. You can also utilize last year’s expo guide at the bottom of this page to contact buyers or reach out to us at Maryland’s Best if you have specific questions!
Ag Products – [email protected]
Seafood Products – [email protected]
All others – [email protected]
Where can I see official 2025 event photos? Check ’em out here!
