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    Dates

    15–17 Nov 2026

    City / country

    Ocean City, United States

    Venue

    Roland E. Powell Convention Center

    Time

    9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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    Matched booths for OCEAN CITY RESORT GIFT EXPO 2026

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The Ocean City Resort Gift Expo is the northeast’s leading souvenir and resort trade event with retailers from Maine to Virginia Beach.

    Attendees can shop the best-selling brands and new discoveries for all price points.

    Plus, unbeatable travel savings include free parking, discounted hotel rates and on-site buyer amenities.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates and Venue: The Ocean City Resort Gift Expo runs from November 15-17, 2026, at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD.
    2. 2Scale and Focus: This leading trade event attracts retailers from across the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, featuring over 250 exhibitors and 210 product categories.
    3. 3Organiser: Hosted by Clarion Events, the event provides a platform for networking and sourcing new products.
    4. 4Buyer Authority: Retail decision-makers, including gift shop owners and resort store buyers, attend to place wholesale orders and discover new trends.
    5. 5Entry: Registration is free for qualified buyers, ensuring access to exclusive products and networking opportunities.

    Why visit

    Attendees will find a diverse range of products tailored for the souvenir and resort markets, along with networking opportunities that can enhance their business offerings. Dates and Venue: The Ocean City Resort Gift Expo runs from November 15-17, 2026, at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD. Organiser: Hosted by Clarion Events, the event provides a platform for networking and sourcing new products. Buyer Authority: Retail decision-makers, including gift.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at the Ocean City Resort Gift Expo allows businesses to showcase their products to a targeted audience of coastal and inland buyers, maximizing visibility and potential sales in a competitive market. Scale and Focus: This leading trade event attracts retailers from across the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, featuring over 250 exhibitors and 210 product categories. Buyer Authority: Retail decision-makers, including gift shop owners and resort store buyers,.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Independent gift shop owners
    Souvenir store buyers
    Resort and hotel gift shop managers
    Boardwalk and beachfront retailers
    Campground and RV park store operators
    Specialty gift and home decor retailers
    Wholesale gift buyers from Maine to Virginia Beach
    Seasonal and novelty merchandise buyers
    Custom-branded and Made-in-USA product buyers
    Apparel, jewelry and accessories retail buyers

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Manufacturers of souvenir products
    Apparel and fashion accessory suppliers
    Beach merchandise vendors
    Home décor and gift retailers
    Food and beverage suppliers
    Specialty retailers serving tourism markets

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Souvenirs and gifts for coastal tourism
    Beach items and apparel
    Home décor and lifestyle products
    Seasonal merchandise and collectibles
    Custom-branded products
    Made in USA merchandise

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Roland E. Powell Convention Center

    4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842, United States

    Parking: Free parking is available at the venue.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only
    Free registration

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    Sunday, November 15 |9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Monday, November 16 |9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday, November 17 |9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

    • General Admission

      Registration is free for qualified buyers.

    Register

    Ticket info

    Badge collection

    Bring your registration confirmation with a QR code to scan at the registration desk.

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Clarion Events

    Website

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Testimonials

    The Ocean City Resort Gift Expo is truly one of the most valuable events for our team. It brings together an incredible selection of vendors, fresh product ideas, and industry insights that help us elevate our retail offerings season after season. The organization, networking opportunities, and overall atmosphere make it a must-attend event for anyone in the outdoor hospitality or resort industry. We always leave feeling inspired and better prepared for the year ahead.

    Nicole Burrell · Show Director · Sun Outdoors Frontier Town · 2026

    If you have a Beach Store, you can find everything you need at the Ocean City Resort Expo.

    Bruce Zabelski · ZLINE BEACHWEAR LLC · 2026

    The Ocean City Gift Expo is a wonderful resource for finding great new products to add to our Gift Shop!

    Karen Mayford · Christopher's · 2026

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The Ocean City Resort Gift Expo is the northeast’s leading souvenir and resort trade event with retailers from Maine to Virginia Beach. Attendees can shop the best-selling brands and new discoveries for all price points. Plus, unbeatable travel savings include free parking, discounted hotel rates and on-site buyer amenities. The Ocean City Resort Gift Expo serves as a vital platform for retailers and suppliers in the souvenir and resort industries, fostering connections.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Gift shop owners, Souvenir retailers, Resort store buyers, Hotel gift shop managers. Dates and Venue: The Ocean City Resort Gift Expo runs from November 15-17, 2026, at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD. Scale and Focus: This leading trade event attracts retailers from across the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, featuring over 250 exhibitors and 210 product categories. Organiser: Hosted by Clarion Events, the event provides a platform for networking.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibiting at the Ocean City Resort Gift Expo allows businesses to showcase their products to a targeted audience of coastal and inland buyers, maximizing visibility and potential sales in a competitive market. Scale and Focus: This leading trade event attracts retailers from across the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, featuring over 250 exhibitors and 210 product categories. Buyer Authority: Retail decision-makers, including gift shop owners and resort store buyers,.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Ocean City, MD, United States

    Why it matters

    Attending OCEAN CITY RESORT GIFT EXPO 2026 on 2026-11-15 to 2026-11-17 in Ocean City lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Pre-show digital planning, product finders and online meeting tools now shape how trade buyers decide which stands to visit.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Sustainability criteria are moving into retail sourcing briefs for gifts, apparel and packaging.

    03

    Resort and souvenir retail demand

    Coastal and resort destinations keep driving demand for seasonal, beach and destination-themed merchandise.

    04

    Small-batch and custom manufacturing

    Retailers seek differentiated assortments through custom-branded and lower minimum order products.

    05

    Wholesale channel consolidation

    Independent retailers are consolidating supplier relationships to control freight and inventory costs.

    06

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Buyers diversify suppliers and favour vendors with dependable domestic fulfilment.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    SBY

    Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional

    Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional (SBY) is the main commercial gateway serving Ocean City; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

    to venue

    by car

    BWI

    Baltimore/Washington International

    Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) is the main commercial gateway serving Ocean City; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

    to venue

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Coastal Highway / Bayfront near convention center

    USD 60–95 / night

    Basic chain motels and bayfront inns; limited walkability, free parking common. Confirm before travel.

    Mid-range
    Coastal Highway, 0.2–0.5 mi from Roland E. Powell Convention Center

    USD 95–160 / night

    Examples include Hampton Inn & Suites Bayfront and DoubleTree Oceanfront; free breakfast or parking varies. Confirm before travel.

    Premium
    Oceanfront on Coastal Highway near the venue

    USD 160–260 / night

    Full-service oceanfront suites such as Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites; parking may be paid. Confirm before travel.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi or rideshare

    Estimated costUSD 45–70 one way
    Best forSalisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional (SBY) to Roland E. Powell Convention Center

    Roughly 30–35 minutes; rideshare supply is limited in the area, so pre-book where possible. Confirm before travel.

    taxi or rideshare

    Estimated costUSD 180–260 one way
    Best forBaltimore/Washington International (BWI) to Roland E. Powell Convention Center

    Roughly 2.5–3 hours via US-50 East; shared shuttle and coach services are also available. Confirm before travel.

    parking

    Estimated costFree at venue lot
    Best forRoland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842

    The organiser highlights free parking for attendees at the convention center, with EV charging at the on-site lot. Confirm before travel.

    bus

    Estimated costUSD 3–4 per ride (local fare); park-and-ride available
    Best forCoastal Highway hotels, Boardwalk and convention center

    Ocean City runs bus service along Coastal Highway linking hotels to the venue; plan extra time at peak show hours. Confirm before travel.

    shuttle

    Estimated costOften complimentary or USD 10–15 return where provided
    Best forSelected Coastal Highway hotels to Roland E. Powell Convention Center

    Some show hotels offer shuttle service; check with your hotel when booking. Confirm before travel.

    car rental

    Estimated costUSD 45–85 per day plus fuel and parking
    Best forSBY or BWI airport pick-up, returned after the show

    Useful for regional flexibility but not necessary if staying near the venue. Confirm before travel.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    B-1 Temporary Business Visitor visaForeign nationals travelling to the United States for business meetings, conventions, conferences or contract negotiations who are not covered by the Visa Waiver Program$185.00Varies by consulate; apply several weeks before travel and allow time for an interview
    Visa Waiver Program entryNationals of the 41 participating VWP countries visiting for business or tourism for 90 days or less$21.00No visa required for short business visits; apply for travel authorisation before departure

    The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of 41 participating countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    Ocean City, Maryland in November is a cool coastal fall month. Average temperature is about 48 F (9 C), with daily highs near 56 F (13 C) and overnight lows near 39 F (4 C). Expect roughly 3.18 inches (81 mm) of rain spread over about 9 days, with breezy oceanfront conditions. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket for the 15-17 November 2026 show week.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Mobile coverage in Ocean City is reliable on US national networks. International business visitors typically use a travel eSIM, a prepaid US SIM card, pocket WiFi or hotel Wi-Fi, with eSIM the fastest option to activate on arrival at SBY or BWI. Check your home operator's US roaming rates before travel.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Business dress

    Business casual is typical; scientific meetings may be less formal than consumer fairs.

    Arrival

    Arrive early on day one for registration and badge pickup.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: SBY

    Book flights to SBY when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare BWI only if fares are materially lower.

    Visa

    Foreign nationals travelling to the United States for business must hold a B-1 visitor visa unless they qualify under the Visa Waiver Program, which covers 41 countries for business stays of 90 days or less. B-1 visits may include attending business conventions or conferences and negotiating contracts.

    Estimated cost: A US visa application fee applies and is payable before the interview; see ustraveldocs.com for the current fee schedule.

    Processing: US visa interview wait times vary by consulate; apply several weeks before travel. Visa Waiver Program travellers need no visa for short business visits.

    Business visitors may attend conventions and negotiate contracts, but paid employment is not permitted on a B-1 visa. Carry your event registration confirmation, hotel booking and return travel details to the interview.

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Check-in (recommended)

    2026-11-14

    Check-out (recommended)

    2026-11-18

    Areas to stay

    Coastal Highway / Bayfront near convention center · Coastal Highway, 0.2–0.5 mi from Roland E. Powell Convention Center · Oceanfront on Coastal Highway near the venue

    budget

    USD 60-95/night

    mid range

    USD 95-160/night

    premium

    USD 160-260/night

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional (SBY): Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional (SBY) is the main commercial gateway serving Ocean City; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Roland E. Powell Convention Center.; Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) is the main commercial gateway serving Ocean City; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to Roland E. Powell Convention Center.. Allow road or rail time to Roland E. Powell Convention Center;

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Roland E. Powell Convention Center: Coastal Highway / Bayfront near convention center: Coastal Highway / Bayfront near convention center; Coastal Highway, 0.2–0.5 mi from Roland E. Powell Convention Center: Coastal Highway, 0.2–0.5 mi from Roland E. Powell Convention Center; Oceanfront on Coastal Highway near the venue: Oceanfront on Coastal Highway near the venue.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Ocean City; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Ocean City operates local bus service along Coastal Highway linking hotels, the Boardwalk and the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, and the town offers park-and-ride options. See the convention center transportation page for parking, public transport and nearby services: https://www.ococean.com/convention-center/attend/transportation/

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Roland E. Powell Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: November 2026

    Temperature: Average about 48 F (9 C); lows near 39 F (4 C) and highs near 56 F (13 C)

    Seasonality: Fall season with about 3.18 inches (81 mm) of rain over roughly 9 days in November; breezy oceanfront conditions are common.

    Packing: Layer for cool, windy coastal weather: sweaters or light jackets, a waterproof outer layer, comfortable walking shoes for the show floor, and business casual attire for supplier meetings.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    14

    Confirm passport validity and check US visa or Visa Waiver Program eligibility — Most foreign nationals need a B-1 business visa; nationals of 41 VWP countries can travel visa-free for 90 days or less.

    13

    Register online for the Ocean City Resort Gift Expo — Register through oceancitygiftshow.com and save your badge confirmation.

    12

    Book flights into Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional (SBY) or Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) — SBY is the closest gateway to Ocean City; BWI offers more international connections.

    11

    Reserve a hotel in the Bayfront or Oceanfront area — Hampton Inn & Suites Bayfront is 0.2 mi from the Roland E. Powell Convention Center; show-week discounts are offered through the organiser.

    10

    Download the exhibitor list and floor plan — Use the online exhibitor directory and My Show Planner to shortlist gift, souvenir and resort suppliers.

    8

    Pre-schedule supplier meetings — Contact exhibitors in advance to secure appointment slots for wholesale orders and show specials.

    6

    Plan local transport and parking — On-site parking at the convention center is free; taxis and rideshare serve Coastal Highway hotels.

    4

    Pack for cool coastal weather — Expect November lows near 39 F and highs near 56 F; bring layers and a waterproof jacket.

    3

    Prepare an open-to-buy plan by category — Set budgets for souvenirs, apparel, beach merchandise, coastal gifts, drinkware and seasonal items.

    2

    Confirm travel documents and hotel booking — Carry photo ID, visa or travel authorisation details and hotel confirmation for check-in.

    1

    Arrive, collect your badge and walk the floor — Registration opens on the first show day, 15 November 2026; arrive early for badge pickup and the daily prize drawing.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 2 nights$120.00
    • Per diem × 2$150.00
    • Visa$185.00
    Estimated total$455.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visa_fee

    visitor · B-1 Temporary Business Visitor visa

    USD 185 / per application

    organiser_published

    visa_fee

    visitor · Visa Waiver Program entry

    USD 21 / per application

    organiser_published

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Independent gift shop, souvenir and resort-retail buyers sourcing new wholesale lines, beach merchandise and seasonal gifts.

    Min. budget

    $450.00

    Timeline

    4-6 weeks for flights and hotel booking ahead of the 15-17 November 2026 show

    Risks

    Ocean City hotel rates rise for show week, so book early

    November coastal weather can disrupt regional driving plans

    exhibit

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Wholesale gift, souvenir, apparel and Made-in-USA suppliers targeting Mid-Atlantic and New England resort retailers.

    Min. budget

    $2,500.00

    Timeline

    3-6 months for booth booking, stand build, freight and marketing preparation

    Risks

    Floor space is allocated with limited availability; confirm your booth by mid-2026

    Stand and freight costs scale with display size and shipping distance

    skip

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Non-gift trade suppliers or buyers with no resort, souvenir or gift retail channel.

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    Not applicable

    Risks

    No relevant product fit for gift and souvenir retail buyers

    Book with

    Partners

    Recommended providers

    Visa

    US Department of State

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from OCEAN CITY RESORT GIFT EXPO 2026
    Official imagery from OCEAN CITY RESORT GIFT EXPO 2026

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    Souvenir
    A token or memento that serves as a reminder of a place or event, often purchased by tourists.
    2
    Resort Merchandise
    Products specifically designed for sale in resort areas, catering to tourists and vacationers.
    3
    Wholesale
    The sale of goods in large quantities at lower prices, typically to be retailed by others.
    4
    Exhibitor
    A company or individual that displays products or services at a trade show.
    5
    Retailer
    A business that sells goods to consumers, often in smaller quantities.
    6
    Trade Show
    An exhibition where businesses showcase their products and services to potential buyers and industry professionals.
    7
    Networking
    The act of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
    8
    Product Categories
    Distinct classifications of products that are grouped together based on similar characteristics.

    Also known as

    Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

    • Ocean City Resort Gift Expo 2026
    • Ocean City Gift Expo
    • OCEAN CITY RESORT GIFT EXPO
    • Ocean City gift show 2026
    • Ocean City Resort Gift Expo Ocean City
    • souvenir and resort merchandise expo
    • coastal tourism gift trade show
    • beach items and apparel expo
    • souvenir gift trade show Maryland
    • resort merchandise buyers Ocean City

    10 more alternate names hidden

    Trust footer

    Sources

    3

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    Ocean City Resort Gift Expo

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