From Prairie Plates to Peak Performance: Your Essential Guide to the ORA Expo in Oklahoma City!
Imagine stepping into a bustling exhibition hall, alive with the aromas of Oklahoma’s diverse culinary landscape – perhaps the rich scent of smoked barbecue, the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread, or the vibrant spice of Tex-Mex flavors. Hear the energetic hum of thousands of dedicated professionals connecting, sharing ideas, and shaping the future of their businesses. For every ambitious restaurateur, visionary chef, meticulous caterer, burgeoning hotelier, and savvy food entrepreneur across the magnificent Sooner State, there’s one annual event that serves as the essential compass for navigating the ever-evolving world of hospitality: the ORA Expo in Oklahoma City. This isn’t just a trade show; it’s the definitive annual gathering, a crucial nexus of innovation, education, and unparalleled networking opportunities, meticulously designed to empower and propel the state’s incredibly diverse foodservice and lodging sectors amidst Oklahoma’s thriving economy and unique cultural blend.
Picture yourself on a sprawling exhibition floor, a dynamic marketplace of ideas and innovation. You’ll be surrounded by hundreds of exhibitors showcasing everything from Oklahoma-grown produce and heritage meats, to cutting-edge kitchen equipment designed for peak efficiency, sophisticated Point-of-Sale (POS) solutions that streamline operations, and vital services that ensure compliance in a rapidly expanding industry. This Expo is a hands-on learning laboratory, a powerful community hub, and a direct pipeline to the products and strategies you need, all expertly curated to cater to the unique needs of Oklahoma’s hospitality landscape. It’s where a popular downtown Oklahoma City steakhouse discovers a new, ethical supplier of local beef; where a charming bed-and-breakfast in the heart of the scenic Arbuckle Mountains finds innovative ways to enhance guest experiences with unique culinary offerings and a deeper dive into regional tourism; and where an up-and-coming chef from Tulsa gets inspired by the latest culinary trends and techniques, often with a distinctly Southwestern and Southern influence. For any professional deeply invested in the success and evolution of their restaurant, hotel, bar, catering company, or institutional kitchen across Oklahoma, attending this Expo is not merely an option—it’s an indispensable annual tradition that directly impacts their sourcing, fuels innovation, strengthens their professional network, and ultimately contributes to the flourishing of the entire Oklahoma hospitality ecosystem.
Oklahoma’s hospitality sector is as robust and resilient as its plains, spanning the urban culinary innovation of Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the rich agricultural lands, the thriving Native American tourism, and the deep-seated traditions of genuine Western hospitality. Operators here navigate unique challenges and opportunities, whether it’s sourcing from its abundant farms, managing specific state liquor regulations, attracting a diverse tourism base (from business travelers to outdoor adventurers), or adapting to its distinct economic drivers. The ORA Expo is specifically crafted to address these very issues. It’s where a busy cafe in Bricktown can find tailored solutions from regional distributors who understand the local market, where a large hotel near a major casino can connect with new beverage partners to enhance their offerings, and where industry leaders can discuss the latest trends and legislative updates impacting their businesses, often with a focus on sustainable growth, responsible tourism, and effective workforce solutions. The Expo’s commitment to showcasing local excellence, providing direct engagement, and fostering community building makes it an incredibly efficient platform for businesses of all sizes to thrive. If you’re a restaurateur looking for a competitive edge, a lodging professional aiming to enhance your guest experience, or a supplier keen to expand your market reach within this vital state, attending this Expo offers a practical, inspiring, and profoundly strategic experience that directly contributes to your business growth and strengthens Oklahoma’s celebrated hospitality sector.
The Heart of the Heartland: Venue, Time, and Cost
The ORA Expo, as the central gathering for Oklahoma’s hospitality industry, is perfectly positioned in Oklahoma City. As the capital and largest city of Oklahoma, and a major hub for business, government, and a rapidly growing culinary scene, Oklahoma City offers unparalleled accessibility for professionals from across Oklahoma and surrounding states, making it the ideal host for a statewide industry event.
Oklahoma City Convention Center: Your Hub for Opportunity! The ORA Expo is consistently held at the modern and expansive Oklahoma City Convention Center, located at 100 Mick Cornett Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73109, USA. This state-of-the-art facility in downtown Oklahoma City is a premier choice for large-scale industry events, providing:
- Vast Exhibition Space: The Oklahoma City Convention Center offers over 200,730 square feet of exhibit and event space, divisible into multiple halls. This extensive area is perfectly suited to accommodate hundreds of booths, dedicated product zones, multiple stages for live culinary demonstrations, and numerous seminar rooms. This ensures a dynamic, spacious, and easy-to-navigate show floor, allowing attendees to explore thoroughly without feeling overcrowded.
- Prime Downtown Location: Situated in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, the Convention Center offers excellent accessibility. It’s within walking distance to the vibrant Bricktown Entertainment District, the beautiful Scissortail Park, and numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Its central location makes it convenient for both local and out-of-state attendees.
- Integrated Amenities: The venue is equipped with modern facilities, robust Wi-Fi, efficient loading docks for exhibitors, and various amenities to ensure a comfortable and productive experience for all participants.
- Convenient Transportation: Easy access to major interstates and a short drive from Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) make it convenient. Its downtown location also means a variety of transportation options, including the OKC Streetcar and ride-sharing, are readily available.
A Fall Harvest of Innovation: The Annual Schedule The ORA Expo is an annual event, strategically timed to allow businesses to explore new solutions and prepare for the busy holiday season and the coming year.
- When It Happens: The ORA Expo typically takes place in late August or early September. For example, in 2025, it’s scheduled for August 28-29. This timing is ideal, allowing operators to explore new products, technologies, and strategies well in advance of the crucial fall and holiday seasons, making purchasing and planning more effective for the next year.
- Duration: The Expo usually runs for two intensive days, packed with opportunities for discovery, learning, and networking, maximizing efficiency for busy professionals traveling from across the state.
- Typical Schedule (e.g., Day 1: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Day 2: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM): This structure allows for a comprehensive experience, including dedicated time for exhibition viewing, educational seminars, and focused networking opportunities.
Cost of Admission: The ORA Expo aims to be accessible to industry professionals.
- For ORA Members: Often, pre-registered members of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association can attend the 2-day expo for FREE (as seen in past event registrations). This is a significant perk of ORA membership.
- For Non-Members: There is typically a nominal fee for non-members, which for a 2-day badge has been around $20 in previous years. This modest investment provides immense value given the resources available.
The structure of the ORA Expo is thoughtfully designed to provide maximum value and engagement:
- Comprehensive Exhibit Hall: The core attraction, featuring diverse product categories from Oklahoma’s leading food and beverage producers, as well as suppliers of essential restaurant and lodging services.
- Educational Seminars & Workshops: A robust program of expert-led sessions covering critical topics relevant to Oklahoma’s foodservice and hospitality industries, such as navigating specific Oklahoma liquor laws, optimizing labor management, leveraging the state’s growing tourism, promoting authentic Oklahoma cuisine, and implementing sustainable practices.
- Live Culinary Demonstrations: Providing both inspiration and practical application of products and techniques, often featuring renowned Oklahoma chefs showcasing the versatility of local ingredients and innovative preparation methods.
- Networking Opportunities: Dedicated areas and structured events for attendees to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners from across the state, fostering collaboration and growth.
This focused and engaging schedule, combined with an affordable entry cost for non-members and free access for members, ensures that Oklahoma’s foodservice and lodging professionals can efficiently discover new solutions, gain vital industry knowledge, and forge invaluable business relationships within a productive timeframe, all in the vibrant heart of Oklahoma City.
The Sooner State’s Showcase: Key Product Categories
The ORA Expo offers an incredibly comprehensive showcase, presenting virtually every product, service, and technology vital for operating a successful restaurant, lodging establishment, or any foodservice business in Oklahoma. It’s truly a one-stop-shop designed to address the diverse needs of the state’s unique hospitality industry, often highlighting the best of what Oklahoma has to offer. Key product and service categories you can expect to explore include:
- Oklahoma-Sourced Food & Beverage Products: This is a major draw, showcasing the state’s agricultural output and burgeoning craft scene:
- Local Produce: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops from Oklahoma farms, emphasizing the farm-to-table movement.
- Meats & Poultry: High-quality beef (Oklahoma is ranching country!), pork, and poultry from Oklahoma ranches and suppliers, essential for traditional BBQ and comfort food.
- Dairy & Cheese: Artisan cheeses and dairy products from Oklahoma creameries.
- Specialty & Gourmet Foods: Locally produced honey, jams, sauces (especially BBQ sauces), artisanal baked goods, and unique Southwestern and Southern-inspired items.
- Craft Beverages: An extensive selection from Oklahoma’s growing craft brewery, winery, and distillery scenes. This offers exciting opportunities for restaurants and bars to source unique, local adult beverages, navigating the state’s specific liquor laws.
- Coffee & Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Local roasters, specialty teas, and refreshing non-alcoholic options.
- Kitchen Equipment & Supplies:
- Cooking Equipment: The latest commercial ovens, ranges, fryers, griddles, combi ovens, and specialty cooking apparatus designed for efficiency and high performance in high-volume kitchens.
- Refrigeration & Freezing: Commercial refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, and cold storage solutions to maintain food quality and safety.
- Food Preparation Equipment: Mixers, blenders, slicers, food processors, and other tools that streamline kitchen operations.
- Warewashing & Sanitation: Commercial dishwashers, advanced cleaning chemicals, and sanitizing systems suited for high-volume use.
- Smallwares: A vast selection of pots, pans, utensils, cutting boards, bakeware, and serving tools.
- Technology & POS Systems:
- Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Cutting-edge POS hardware and software, mobile ordering solutions, online reservation platforms, and table management systems to optimize front-of-house operations.
- Back-of-House Technology: Inventory management software, recipe costing tools, labor scheduling programs, and kitchen display systems (KDS) to enhance back-end efficiency.
- Guest Engagement Tools: Digital menu boards, loyalty programs, and customer feedback systems.
- Tableware, Serving & Disposables:
- Plates, glassware, cutlery, serving dishes, and buffetware in various styles.
- Disposable packaging, to-go containers, and eco-friendly alternatives.
- Business Services & Solutions:
- Food Distributors: Major national and regional foodservice distributors showcasing their vast product catalogs and logistical capabilities across Oklahoma.
- Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA) Resources: Direct access to association representatives for information on advocacy, legal compliance, training programs (like ServSafe and alcohol server training), and valuable membership benefits (including discounts on insurance, payroll processing, and music licensing).
- Financial & Insurance Services: Specialized offerings for the hospitality industry, including payment processing, workers’ compensation, health, and business insurance.
- Marketing & Digital Solutions: Website design, social media management, online reputation management, and SEO services.
- Staffing & Training: Recruitment services, culinary schools, hospitality management programs, and food safety certification providers, addressing the region’s workforce needs.
- Consulting Services: Experts in menu development, operational efficiency, restaurant design, and cost control.
This comprehensive array ensures that attendees can find solutions for every facet of their operation, from sourcing the freshest Oklahoma ingredients to optimizing back-of-house efficiency and enhancing the overall guest experience, all with a strong focus on Oklahoma’s unique market needs.
Gathering the Sooner Spirit: Visitor and Exhibitor Count
The ORA Expo in Oklahoma City consistently draws a significant and highly engaged audience of foodservice professionals from across the state, along with a robust presence of exhibitors eager to connect with them. Oklahoma’s hospitality industry is a vital economic driver, supporting over 191,500 restaurant and foodservice jobs and generating billions in sales annually, ensuring a vibrant attendee base.
- Visitor Count: The ORA Expo typically attracts around 2,000 qualified industry attendees over its two intensive days. This highly targeted audience represents the full spectrum of Oklahoma’s vibrant hospitality industry, including:
- Restaurant Owners & Operators: From independent eateries and iconic local establishments to fine dining restaurants, casual diners, and multi-unit chains across Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and other key areas.
- Executive Chefs & Culinary Professionals: Key decision-makers for menu development, sourcing, and kitchen operations.
- Hotel & Lodging Professionals: Including general managers, F&B directors, and purchasing managers from hotels, motels, resorts, and B&Bs throughout the state, with a strong presence from properties catering to business and leisure travelers.
- Catering & Event Managers: Professionals from independent catering companies and event venues.
- Bar & Beverage Managers: Seeking new products, equipment, and trends for bars, breweries, and distilleries.
- Institutional Foodservice Leaders: From schools, universities, hospitals, and corporate dining facilities.
- Retail Foodservice Buyers: Individuals from grocery stores, convenience stores, and specialty markets with prepared food sections. The strength of the ORA Expo lies in its ability to bring together a highly targeted audience of decision-makers and influencers actively looking for solutions to improve their businesses and eager to support Oklahoma’s own producers and service providers.
- Exhibitor Count: The show floor at the Oklahoma City Convention Center for the ORA Expo is consistently robust, featuring around 110 to 150+ exhibiting companies. These exhibitors comprise a vital mix of national brands with strong Oklahoma presence and a significant number of regional and local suppliers:
- Leading Food & Beverage Manufacturers: Both large, well-known brands and smaller, innovative producers, with a strong focus on Oklahoma-based companies (e.g., local meat packers, craft beverage makers, specialty food producers).
- Major Foodservice Distributors: Core to these events, showcasing their vast product catalogs and logistical capabilities across Oklahoma.
- Kitchen & Bar Equipment Manufacturers & Dealers: Showcasing the latest in commercial cooking, refrigeration, and warewashing technology.
- Technology Providers: Exhibiting cutting-edge POS systems, online ordering platforms, and back-of-house software solutions.
- Oklahoma-Based Producers: A significant presence of local farms, craft beverage makers, and specialty food companies, keen to connect with Oklahoma buyers.
- Service Providers: Including financial services, insurance, uniforms, linen services, pest control, and marketing agencies tailored to the hospitality industry.
- Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA): The association itself would have a prominent presence, offering resources and membership information crucial for navigating the state’s unique regulations and opportunities.
This concentrated gathering of both suppliers and buyers makes the ORA Expo a definitive platform for fostering critical business relationships and driving growth within the dynamic and essential hospitality industry of Oklahoma.
Building Success from the Ground Up: Benefits and Perks of Attending
Attending the ORA Expo in Oklahoma City offers an invaluable return on investment for any professional in Oklahoma’s foodservice and lodging industries, providing a unique blend of practical benefits and inspiring opportunities:
- Direct Product Sourcing & Tasting: Get hands-on with the latest kitchen equipment, sample new menu items, and taste innovative food and beverage products directly from hundreds of suppliers. This direct interaction allows for informed purchasing decisions that can significantly impact your bottom line. Discover fresh, regional ingredients unique to Oklahoma, like locally raised meats, specialty produce, or artisan craft beverages, directly from the source.
- Unparalleled Networking Opportunities: Engage face-to-face with thousands of your peers – from independent restaurant owners and executive chefs to hotel general managers and institutional foodservice directors from across Oklahoma. Share challenges, exchange best practices, and build a robust professional network within the vibrant Oklahoma hospitality community. This is your chance to connect with the people who truly understand the unique Oklahoma market and its specific regulatory environment.
- Discover Cutting-Edge Innovations: Be among the first to see and experience the newest products, technologies, and services designed to enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and increase profitability in the foodservice and lodging sectors. From advanced kitchen systems to sustainable practices and innovative POS solutions, you’ll find solutions for every aspect of your operation.
- Expert Insights & Education: Leverage a robust educational program with expert-led seminars and workshops. Gain actionable insights from industry experts on crucial topics relevant to Oklahoma, such as navigating the state’s liquor laws, optimizing labor management, capitalizing on regional tourism, promoting authentic Oklahoma cuisine, and implementing effective marketing strategies.
- Exclusive Show-Only Deals: Many exhibitors leverage the Expo to offer special pricing, discounts, or incentives exclusively for orders placed at the show. This can lead to significant cost savings on equipment, ingredients, and services, directly improving your profitability and giving you a competitive edge.
- Inspiring Culinary Demonstrations: Witness continuous live cooking demonstrations by talented chefs and industry professionals. These sessions showcase new techniques, creative menu ideas, and the effective use of equipment and Oklahoma-sourced products, providing both inspiration and practical application for your kitchen.
- Problem-Solving Power: Directly interact with vendors and sales representatives to find tailored solutions for your specific operational challenges, whether it’s managing supply chain logistics, adapting to unique consumer preferences, or implementing new technologies for improved guest satisfaction.
- Connect with the Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA): Directly engage with the state’s leading industry association. Learn about their advocacy efforts on behalf of hospitality businesses, educational programs (like ServSafe certifications), and valuable resources that can help your business navigate regulations, access support, and stay informed on legislative changes impacting the Oklahoma market. As an ORA member, your access is typically free!
- Experience Oklahoma City’s Revitalization: The Expo provides a perfect opportunity to combine essential business with a chance to explore Oklahoma City’s rapidly transforming downtown, its vibrant Bricktown Entertainment District, its growing culinary scene, and its rich cultural attractions.
For any hospitality professional in Oklahoma, the ORA Expo is not just an event to attend; it’s a strategic investment in your business’s future, offering a direct path to innovation, efficiency, and sustained success in this uniquely vibrant and thriving heartland market.
Your OKC Base Camp: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation
Oklahoma City, with its revitalized downtown and growing convention scene, offers an abundance of excellent hotel options conveniently located near the Oklahoma City Convention Center, catering to various budgets and preferences. Its compact and accessible downtown core means many superb choices are within walking distance or a very short ride.
Here are some highly recommended hotels, ranging from full-service to more budget-friendly, all with convenient access to the Oklahoma City Convention Center:
- Directly Connected / Very Close Walking Distance (Downtown Oklahoma City):
- Omni Oklahoma City Hotel: Often a primary convention hotel, typically connected via a skybridge or just steps away from the Convention Center. It offers premium convenience and full-service amenities.
- The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City: A historic and elegant landmark hotel known for its classic charm and excellent service, within easy walking distance.
- Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel: Another large, full-service hotel very close to the Convention Center.
- Renaissance Oklahoma City Downtown Bricktown Hotel: A modern and well-appointed hotel located just across from the Bricktown Canal and within easy walking distance.
- Courtyard by Marriott Oklahoma City Downtown: A reliable choice offering comfort and convenience, located very close to the Convention Center.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Oklahoma City Downtown/Bricktown: Offers spacious suites with kitchens, ideal for longer stays or those who prefer more space, located near Bricktown and the Convention Center.
- Within a Short Walk / Short Ride (Bricktown & Surrounding Downtown):
- Hyatt Place Oklahoma City / Bricktown: A comfortable and modern option within walking distance to Bricktown attractions and a short ride to the Convention Center.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Oklahoma City – Bricktown, OK: Another great extended-stay option with good access.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Oklahoma City Downtown/Bricktown: A convenient and budget-friendly option, easily accessible to the Convention Center.
- 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City: A unique boutique hotel that doubles as a contemporary art museum, offering a distinctive stay experience.
Booking Advice:
- Check Event Specifics: While the Oklahoma City Convention Center is the likely primary venue, always confirm the exact location on the official show details.
- Book Early: Oklahoma City is a popular convention and tourism city. Hotels, particularly those closest to the Convention Center and Bricktown, can fill up quickly. Booking your accommodation several weeks or even months in advance is strongly recommended to secure your preferred option and rate.
- Consider the OKC Streetcar: The streetcar provides convenient transit throughout downtown, connecting the Convention Center to Bricktown and other key areas.
- Look for Official Blocks: The Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA) often offers special room blocks or discounted rates at partner hotels for Expo attendees. Always check the official ORA Expo website for any specific hotel recommendations or booking links.
Choosing a convenient and comfortable hotel ensures you can maximize your time at the ORA Expo, allowing you to focus on the valuable opportunities it presents for your business and also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Oklahoma City.
Your Recipe for Success: Plan Your Visit to the ORA Expo!
The ORA Expo is more than just an event; it’s the annual celebration of Oklahoma’s dynamic and delicious hospitality industry. It’s where the state’s enduring spirit meets culinary innovation, where crucial connections are forged over shared passions for quality and service, and where the next unforgettable ingredient or game-changing solution for your establishment is just waiting to be discovered. If you are serious about the success of your restaurant, lodging property, catering business, or any foodservice operation across the magnificent Sooner State, then marking your calendar for this Expo is an absolute must. Come and immerse yourself in the unique flavors, the invaluable insights, and the thriving community that make Oklahoma’s food and lodging scene truly exceptional.
To learn more about the ORA Expo, including detailed schedules, exhibitor lists, and to find registration and ticket information, please visit the official Oklahoma Restaurant Association website: