2012 Made in Montana Marketplace is SOLD OUT!

Hundreds of Montana-Made Products Available to Wholesale Buyers!

Exhibitor booth space for the 2012 Made in Montana Marketplace trade show is officially sold out. Wholesale buyers statewide are strongly encouraged to pre-register for free admission to discover the best of what Montana’s entrepreneurs have to offer.

The 2012 Marketplace will feature hundreds of Montana-made products March 23-24 in the Mansfield Convention Center at the Great Falls Civic Center. The Marketplace is strategically timed to connect exhibitors with wholesale buyers looking to purchase for the spring and summer season. Friday, March 23, is Wholesale Buyer’s Day – only open to qualified buyers and the media. Saturday, March 24 is Retail Public Day with the Marketplace open to the public – $3 for anyone 12 and older; free admission age 11 and younger.

Wholesale buyers can register for exclusive access to Wholesale Buyer’s Day at http://www.madeinmontanamarketplace.com.

"Yet another sold out year is proof that this show sells," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "Buyers can count on finding unique, locally made products from artisans, wineries, authors, jewelers, food manufacturers and personal and pet care producers. As a farmer and businessman, I know nothing is better than seeing products first hand and making a deal face to face. "

This annual two-day trade show, produced by the City of Great Falls, connects wholesale buyers looking for Montana products with the people who produce them. It provides an opportunity for the seasoned exhibitor, but also for new exhibitors to gain experience in the wholesaling of their product. A goal is to help Montana producers gain experience and ultimately learn how to exhibit at larger shows across the country and grow their businesses. Export of their product contributes to Montana’s economic engine.

Dore Schwinden, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, emphasizes the importance of buying Montana-made. "Buying local means supporting your neighbor and your community; plus, the Montana brand makes a strong impact on consumers," said Schwinden. "Buying Montana-made strengthens our local economies, promotes the state as a destination and develops a dedicated consumer base."

"The 2012 Made in Montana Marketplace is on buyers’ lists every year," said Paul Lloyd-Davies, Marketplace Coordinator. "More than 100 exhibitors and artisans will showcase hundreds of products to wholesale buyers at the Marketplace this year. The selection under one roof will be tremendous. We have a waiting list for exhibitor spaces."

The Department of Commerce is a primary partner and sponsor of the Marketplace. The Department of Agriculture and Montana Arts Council also contribute. Business sponsors are PPL Montana, the Great Falls Tribune, First Interstate Bank, Great Falls Tourism Business Improvement District, Big Sky Commerce, Slingshot Creative Group, Fatmoose Media, Pepsi and AlphaGraphics Bozeman.

For more information on wholesale buyer registration and the Marketplace call (406) 455-8510 or visit http://www.madeinmontanamarketplace.com and Facebook.com/MadeinMontanaMarketplace.

Great Falls Mayor Michael Winters proclaimed March 18-24 "Made in Montana Week" to recognize the importance the Marketplace plays in Montana’s economy.

Show History

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.