Making It In Michigan Trade Show

The Making It In Michigan trade show will feature a mid-day, public trade show including networking with MI-based vendors and buyers.

The trade show is an opportunity for food entrepreneurs to market, sell, and sample their delicious Michigan-made products. Although the event is mainly an opportunity to attract retail buyers for wholesale accounts, sales to the public are allowed. Vendors will receive a 10' x 10' booth to showcase their product, and make connections with potential distributors, retailers and industry partners. Booth assignments will be determined internally by MSU Product Center staff on 1) the order in which vendor registration payments are received and 2) the most optimal booth location available. Assignments will be announced the week prior to the trade show. Register and pay early in order to maximize your booth's location!

Join us the evening before the conference on May 6 from 6-8 p.m. for a casual reception in the Lansing Center’s Exhibit Hall. This is an opportunity to network with MSU Product Center staff and other food entrepreneurs in Michigan. Vendor check-in and set-up will be both May 6 from 5-8 p.m. and  May 7 from 7-10:30 a.m. The Trade Show will open to the public at 11 a.m. on May 7. 

Items to Note as a Vendor

  • You MUST be a licensed, Michigan-based food product company to register as a vendor. Cottage Food Law vendors are not eligible.
  • CBD and Cannabis Items are NOT ALLOWED for display or sale at this event.
  • Alcohol is NOT ALLOWED at the Lansing Center without prior authorization and planning with the Making It In Michigan and Lansing Center staff. 
  • Electricity is NOT provided with vendor registration. Electricity will need to be ordered and paid for prior to the trade show directly from the Lansing Center through their Utilities Order Form. When completing your Lansing Center's Utilities Order Form, please leave the Booth Number blank. The Making It In Michigan staff and Lansing Center will communicate about booth numbers directly.
  • Basic Wi-Fi will be available the day of the show. You can purchase higher speed Wi-Fi directly from the Lansing Center THE DAY OF THE SHOW. This is recommended for streaming videos.
  • Safe food sampling practices must be followed. Additional licensing may be needed for those preparing food on site. View this video on safe sampling to be prepared for this event. For more information, check out MDARD's Guidelines for Providing Safe Food Samples.
  • Direct sales are permissible at this event. If you are accepting cash, please be prepared to give change.
  • Concessions will be available on May 7.

Trade Show Vendor Booth Cost: $225 The Trade Show is in partnership with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).  

Vendor Cancellation Policy: Vendor cancellations prior to April 16, 2024, will be refunded less a $50 processing fee. Cancellations on or after April 16, 2024, will not be refunded. 

REGISTRATION FOR MAKING IT IN MICHIGAN 2025 will begin Winter 2025.

 

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