Our Minnesota Pavilions program offers financial, promotional, and logistical support to small-to-medium sized Minnesota food and beverage companies who want to exhibit with us at select business-to-business (B2B) wholesale tradeshows. Partnering with us and other Minnesota companies can help you stand out at these crowded events and improve your return on investment.
Program benefits
Exhibitors in our Minnesota Pavilion program receive:
- Access to professionally designed, state-branded pavilion space at selected tradeshows
- Reduced booth and service costs through shared resources
- On-site support from MDA staff
- Promotion as part of the Minnesota Pavilion, including coordinated marketing materials
- Opportunities to connect with retailers, distributors, and other buyers
The fiscal year 2027 (FY27) program runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
Eligibility
Minnesota-based food, beverage, and pet food businesses looking to expand into wholesale, institutional, or regional/national markets may apply. Participants must be able to attend the show(s) they select and meet basic readiness criteria for wholesale business operations. Go to our Make it Minnesota Cost-Share Program page for full eligibility details.
Important: For most shows, you are required to sign your own Exhibitor Space Contract with the event organizer. Before you sign, carefully read the contract terms and conditions, including payment and cancellation. Most event organizers are incorporating language in their contracts allowing them to keep a portion of your booth fee in the case of cancellation.
In FY27, Minnesota Pavilions are scheduled at these tradeshows:
National events
- Natural Products Expo West, March 2-5, 2027, in Anaheim, Calif.
- National Restaurant Association Show, May 22-25, 2027, in Chicago, Ill.
- Summer Fancy Food Show, July 25-27, 2027, in New York City
- School Nutrition Association Annual National Conference, July 11-13, 2027, in Phoenix, Ariz.
Regional events
- FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace, November 7, 2026, in Rochester, Minn.
- FEAST! Local Foods Tradeshow, March 2027 date TBA, in Cannon Falls, Minn.
- Minnesota School Nutrition Association Conference, dates TBA, in Saint Cloud, Minn.
How to apply for Minnesota Pavilions
Registration processes are unique to each event. For some events listed, applicants will pay the show organizer retail pricing for booth space, then apply to our cost-share program for reimbursement (to receive discounted booth space).
Contact us for more details, including space available, cost, and signup process for each event.
We review applications on a rolling basis until all pavilion spaces are filled.
Walk the Floor Mentorship
Our Walk the Floor Mentorship provides support for founders of Minnesota-registered food and beverage company startups to attend a national tradeshow with a Minnesota Pavilion and learn from current exhibitors, without the cost of exhibiting.
Mentorship includes:
- Reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible expenses (one time per company; maximum $500)
- Team Minnesota communications to help you prepare for the show
- A match with a host company in the Minnesota Pavilion to learn about tradeshow preparation and execution
- Time to walk around the tradeshow, assess competitive products, and attend education sessions and other tradeshow-related events
NOTE: Reimbursements for the mentorship program count toward your annual Make it Minnesota Cost-Share Program annual limits.
How to apply for a Walk the Floor Mentorship
Contact us for more details and to get a mentorship agreement form. You must have a signed agreement in place before the show begins.
Eligible expenses
- Airfare, or if driving, mileage at $.50/mile
- Lodging (hotel, home rental, etc.)
- Car rental
- Show badge (if not provided)
- Onsite business education sessions
