venues
Main photo: the baltimore convention center; Where to sleep photo: ©four seasons; How to get there photo: James R. Martin / Shutterstock.com
Conventional Wisdom
Baltimore Convention Center
The Baltimore Convention Center, which originally opened in 1979 and underwent a major renovation and expansion before reopening in 1997, is one of the nation's largest venues, offering more than 1.2 million square feet of space for meetings, events, and exhibitions. Located in downtown Baltimore adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the BCC is close to the Inner Harbor and Little Italy neighborhoods, providing a wealth of entertainment and dining options for trade show attendees. Featuring unique triangular architectural elements, the BCC has become an iconic, recognizable component of downtown Baltimore and a popular venue for events large and small.
Comprehensive food and beverage services are exclusively provided by Centerplate catering.
Projection Presentation Technology is the preferred audiovisual vendor at the BCC and offers projection, video, and data equipment.
The BCC's business center is an official UPS and Fed Ex operator. Other services include photocopying, faxing, notary public, and computer access.
Trash-removal service is provided during show hours and immediately after the show closes each day in the aisles and public spaces.
The BCC's business center will accept advanced shipments with proper notice. Otherwise, equipment and exhibitry can only be loaded and unloaded through the loading dock.
The BCC prohibits the use of adhesive tape on any vertical surface.
Exhibitors must submit five copies of exhibit plans to the BCC 90 days prior to installation to be approved by the Baltimore City Fire Department's Public Assembly Officer.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees handles all theatrical lighting and rigging requirements, and must be hired by show management.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Given its downtown location, the BCC is within walking distance of several hotels. The Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore and The Ivy Hotel each offer a luxurious, five-star stay about a mile away from the convention center, while the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel and Springhill Suites Marriott Baltimore Downtown provide more modest accommodations.
Given its downtown location, the BCC is within walking distance of several hotels. The Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore and The Ivy Hotel each offer a luxurious, five-star stay about a mile away from the convention center, while the Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel and Springhill Suites Marriott Baltimore Downtown provide more modest accommodations.
WHAT TO EAT
For crowd-pleasing fare after a full day on the show floor, head to the Pratt Street Ale House, which features Baltimore's own Oliver Brewing craft beers.For a slightly more sophisticated vibe, the B&O American Brasserie offers an impressive range of cuisine, craft cocktails, and private dining options perfect for VIP dinners and group events.
For crowd-pleasing fare after a full day on the show floor, head to the Pratt Street Ale House, which features Baltimore's own Oliver Brewing craft beers.For a slightly more sophisticated vibe, the B&O American Brasserie offers an impressive range of cuisine, craft cocktails, and private dining options perfect for VIP dinners and group events.
HOW TO GET THERE
The BCC is about 10 miles from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (www.bwiairport.com) and a roughly 15-minute walk from Baltimore Penn Station. You can take an Uber from the airport for around $20 or a taxi for just over $30. Once downtown, the Charm City Circulator (www.charmcitycirculator.com) offers free public transportation to attractions. There is ample parking within walking distance of the BCC.
The BCC is about 10 miles from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (www.bwiairport.com) and a roughly 15-minute walk from Baltimore Penn Station. You can take an Uber from the airport for around $20 or a taxi for just over $30. Once downtown, the Charm City Circulator (www.charmcitycirculator.com) offers free public transportation to attractions. There is ample parking within walking distance of the BCC.
Comprehensive food and beverage services are exclusively provided by Centerplate catering.
Projection Presentation Technology is the preferred audiovisual vendor at the BCC and offers projection, video, and data equipment.
The BCC's business center is an official UPS and Fed Ex operator. Other services include photocopying, faxing, notary public, and computer access.
Trash-removal service is provided during show hours and immediately after the show closes each day in the aisles and public spaces.
The BCC's business center will accept advanced shipments with proper notice. Otherwise, equipment and exhibitry can only be loaded and unloaded through the loading dock.
The BCC prohibits the use of adhesive tape on any vertical surface.
Exhibitors must submit five copies of exhibit plans to the BCC 90 days prior to installation to be approved by the Baltimore City Fire Department's Public Assembly Officer.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees handles all theatrical lighting and rigging requirements, and must be hired by show management.
Magazine Topics
Marketplace
- Audiovisual Equipment
- Convention Centers
- Event Design and Production
- Exhibit Fabrication
- Exhibit Producers
- Exhibit Rental
- Experiential Agency
- Flooring
- Graphics
- International Exhibit Producers
- Kiosks
- Lead Retrieval
- Modular Exhibit Systems
- Portable Display Systems
- Shipping and Transportation
- All Companies
eTrak Online Sessions
Feb. 5, 2026
3048R Sales and Marketing Alignment: How to Get ‑ and Stay ‑ on the Same Page
Feb. 10, 2026
3011R How to Grow Your Brand: Incorporating Brand Marketing into Your Exhibit Program
Feb. 19, 2026
4101R Boost Up: Promote Yourself from Service Provider to Strategic Business Partner
Mar. 3, 2026
6020R The @show Experience: Understand the Essentials of Exhibit Design
Mar. 10, 2026
7058R Authors Executive Series: Thrive Under Deadlines: Strategies for Success
All Sessions >>
3048R Sales and Marketing Alignment: How to Get ‑ and Stay ‑ on the Same Page
Feb. 10, 2026
3011R How to Grow Your Brand: Incorporating Brand Marketing into Your Exhibit Program
Feb. 19, 2026
4101R Boost Up: Promote Yourself from Service Provider to Strategic Business Partner
Mar. 3, 2026
6020R The @show Experience: Understand the Essentials of Exhibit Design
Mar. 10, 2026
7058R Authors Executive Series: Thrive Under Deadlines: Strategies for Success
All Sessions >>