2010 Made in Montana Marketplace Exhibitor and Buyer Registration NOW OPEN

Registration is now open for exhibitor space in the 2010 Made in Montana Marketplace – the premier venue where producers of Made in Montana products and wholesale buyers do business.

The 2010 Made in Montana Marketplace, presented by the City of Great Falls and the Montana Department of Commerce, and held in the Mansfield Convention Center and Missouri Room of the Great Falls Civic Center, offers 127 exhibitor booths for the annual two-day trade show. On Friday, March 26, wholesale buyers from across the region connect with the people who produce items that qualify for the Made in Montana label. The Marketplace is strategically timed to connect exhibitors with wholesale buyers looking to purchase for the spring and summer seasons.

The trade show is open to the general public Saturday, March 27.

“The Made in Montana Marketplace is a great opportunity for Montana entrepreneurs to share their goods with retailers and network with other businesses,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “Last year’s show featured 127 exhibitors – the largest number of exhibitors in show history. It was so popular several exhibitors were on a waiting list. The buzz for this year is already starting. Register early to make sure your business shares some of the spotlight.”

Exhibitors throughout the trade show showcase dozens of creations, from handcrafted furniture to gourmet snacks. Wholesale buyers represent department stores, grocery stores, gift shops and state and national park stores across the region.

“Made in Montana products are synonymous with high quality. The Made in Montana label provides piece of mind to people watching every dollar. When they buy a Montana-made product, they know they’re getting something exceptional,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “Promoting and purchasing Montana made products supports our local economies and local businesses. It’s supporting your community, your neighbor, your friend.”

"Building on the 2009 success of the new Artisans’ Gallery, we’re offering it again as a spot where Montana artisans, microbrewers and vintners showcase their products,” said Paul Lloyd-Davies, marketplace coordinator. “Because the 2009 trade show sold out and had a waiting list, exhibitors need to register now, while early-bird discounts and booths are available.”

The early-bird discounts on booths expire November 14, 2009. The selection jury will meet the following week to select qualified exhibitors, based on complete applications.

Registration packets have been mailed to more than 5,000 potential wholesale buyers in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Alberta.

Packets have also been mailed to more than 3,800 potential Montana exhibitors.

Application forms are available online at http://www.greatfallsmt.net/events/madeinmontana

The Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Department of Agriculture started the original Made in Montana Food & Gift Show in 1998. In 2004, funding for the show was cut. The Schweitzer Administration restored funding to help sponsor the rebirth of the show in 2005. In 2006, the City of Great Falls assumed production of the show and renamed it the Made in Montana Marketplace. The Department of Commerce remains a primary partner and sponsor of the Marketplace. The Department of Agriculture and Montana Arts Council are contributing partners. Private business sponsors for the 2010 Marketplace include: All American Pharmaceutical, Billings; Big Sky Commerce, Missoula; Creative Wave Design, Great Falls; La Quinta Inn and Suites-Great Falls; and Quality Inn Ponderosa, Great Falls; and Color World Printers, Bozeman.

For more information on exhibitor and wholesale buyer registration, or to become a sponsor, call (406) 455-8510 or visit http://www.greatfallsmt.net/events/madeinmontana