The Mid-Atlantic Food, Beverage and Lodging Expo, the annual regional trade show hosted by the Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM), has been cancelled for 2011. In 2010, the two-day event was held at the Baltimore Convention Center and drew about 2,000 attendees. Current economic realities and changes in how restaurants and companies conduct business were the main factors in cancelling the show.
“Fewer exhibitors, dwindling attendance and the lack of sponsors all resulted in the show no longer being self-funding,” said Marshall Weston Jr., RAM President and CEO.
Weston also said that the cost of trade shows continues to rise and the Association can bring more value to members and the foodservice industry by no longer focusing on a single event.
RAM currently has about 2,000 members and continues to remain active in legislative affairs and offers educational programs for the foodservice industry. RAM also maintains an Endorsed Program list of companies that provide discounts and added services to members for expenses such as workers’ compensation insurance, electricity pricing, payroll services, property and casualty insurance, credit card processing and other industry needs.
RAM will be hosting an Open House at their headquarters in Columbia on October 3, 2011 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The foodservice industry is invited to attend and meet the RAM staff and Endorsed Program representatives.
“Our Open House provides an opportunity for owners, managers and other employees to learn about RAM and network with other industry people,” said Weston. “We are also going to talk about ways to get new customers, keep your regulars coming back, and our Endorsed Programs will be there to help restaurants lower their operating costs.”
For more information about RAM’s Open House or RAM membership, call 410.290.6800 or visit www.marylandrestaurants.com.
