Food for All

Several vendors operate ancillary booths outside of the Expos East and West in hope of intercepting attendees before they get hit with sensory overload inside the hall. Most of the products are energy drinks and morning breakfast foods like yogurt or kefir; energy bars also make a regular appearance.

The convention center here in Baltimore is located in the city center so, along with the office workers and passersby, there is a homeless population. The vendors outside generously share the samples with whoever asks. For some, it's the first true nutrition they might have had in quite some time. The ideals that motivate the health and wellness industry include a second helping of community activism outside such events, a quality that shines here at this show.