Register Now for 2011 Made in Montana Marketplace Special Deals

Special deals are available to exhibitors and wholesale buyers who register early for the 2011 Made in Montana Marketplace – the premier venue where producers of Made in Montana products and wholesale buyers do business.

The 2011 Made in Montana Marketplace will be presented by the City of Great Falls and the Montana Department of Commerce, Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26 at the Mansfield Convention Center of the Great Falls Civic Center. The annual, two-day trade show connects wholesale buyers from across the region with the people who produce products that qualify for the Made in Montana program.

"Exhibitors who submit a complete application for the Marketplace before November 14, 2010, save $50.00 on the price of a booth," said Paul Lloyd-Davies, marketplace coordinator. "The first 100 registered buyers can take advantage of a discount on a concert the evening before the 2011 Marketplace opens."

On Friday, March 25, the Marketplace will be open to wholesale buyers exclusively. This day is intended for exhibitors who sell their products to wholesalers for future resale. On Saturday, March 26, the general public will have the opportunity to visit the Marketplace. This day is included to help promote the recognition of Made in Montana products.

Exhibitors throughout the trade show showcase dozens of creations, from handcrafted furniture to gourmet snacks in 111 available booth spaces. Montana artisans, microbrewers and vintners also showcase their products at the Marketplace.

Wholesale buyers represent department stores, grocery stores, gift shops and state and national park stores across the region. These buyers are recruited from across Montana, as well as nearby states and Canadian provinces.

"The Made in Montana Marketplace is a fantastic opportunity for Montana producers to sell their products to wholesale buyers and network with other producers. It’s also a one-stop-shop for wholesale buyers looking for something authentically Montana," said Dore Schwinden, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. "Register now. This show is not to be missed."

In a move initiated a year ago, all exhibitor and buyer registration now is online only 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.

Opportunities exist for private business sponsors, as well.

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/