Trade Show

The Made in Montana Trade Show for Food and Gifts is a unique, two-day tradeshow. It provides an opportunity for Montana companies to market their products to wholesale buyers and members of the public who are eager to shop local. 

This show is not a retail craft show, nor is it similar to a farmer's market. Exhibitors are required to adhere to wholesale selling processes, procedures and traditions. That includes offering a wholesale pricing structure that conforms to the food and gift wholesale industry.

Friday provides a one-stop marketplace for Made in Montana food and gift producers to meet and sell their authentic Made in Montana products to store buyers for resale. This opportunity is tailored for new and growing small businesses to learn the basics of the wholesale marketplace.  

As a bonus, Saturday offers a unique opportunity for exhibitors to sell directly to the public at retail prices. Saturday is about building brand awareness and capturing new customers.

Exhibitors are required to attend both days.

Show Hours:

Wholesale Buyer Day: Friday, March 13, 2026, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Public Showcase Day: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location: 

Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds, Helena, Montana.

The Made in Montana Trade Show for Food and Gifts is an annual event in Helena. This two-day show draws over 250 companies and their wholesale buyers on Friday seeking authentic Montana-made souvenirs, gifts, personal care products and shelf-stable food for their retail outlets. On Saturday, over 5,000 members of the public explore the exhibit floor, purchasing the latest in food, clothing, gifts and home goods.

While the show includes a public day, it is not the purpose of the show and is included to promote recognition of Made in Montana products to the public.

The trade show team advertises and promotes the show across social media channels, local and regional newspapers, digital platforms, radio and television.

Application: The exhibitor application for the 2026 show will be available online from Oct. 2-30, 2025. Submitted applications will be reviewed by a committee, and selected exhibitors will be notified after Nov. 20, 2025.

Current Made in Montana members who want to grow their business through the wholesale market are encouraged to submit a trade show exhibitor application.

Keep in mind that this is a highly competitive show, and the selection committee will evaluate all submitted applications. The committee will select Made in Montana members and products that represent the best of the Made in Montana brand for the food and gift market. There is no quota system for every product category; however, the Made in Montana Trade Show reserves the right to create balance for the show.

Booth Fees: 2026 booth fees are $400 for an inline booth, $450 for a corner booth, $800 for two adjoining inline booths and $850 for an adjoining corner and inline booth.

Booth Payment: Accepted exhibitors can pay for their booth(s) through our secure online payment portal. Accepted exhibitors can also pay for their assigned booth(s) with a check. 

Exhibitor Show Perks:

• Free and secure wi-fi
• Booth sitting by volunteers
• Post-show wholesale buyer contact list
• Special room rates at a variety of Helena-area lodging properties
• Listing in the printed and online 2026 Show Guide and Public Day handout
• Hospitality suite for all exhibitors featuring complimentary beverages and snacks

Additional Exhibitor Information: 

• Exhibitor Schedule and Reminders
• Exhibitor Rules and Regulations
• Booth Examples
• Exhibitor FAQs
• Tradeshow Floor Plan (PDF)

Trade Show Awards: The awards recognize exhibitors’ efforts to use their booths as part of their marketing strategies.

The 2026 trade show awards are:

• Best in Show
• Best in Show - New Exhibitor
• Best in Show - Honorable Mention
• Retailer of the Year (decided by nominations ahead of the show)

Judges (not affiliated with the Made in Montana program) review your booth set-up and design on Friday during wholesale buyer day. They consider originality, eye-catching details and overall presence. They also look for engagement with buyers on wholesale day. There is no magic formula to win a booth award, but judges look for elements and inclusion of the Made in Montana brand. All exhibitor booths are judged without bias, regardless of location or show tenure.

The recipient of the best in show is guaranteed first choice of booth(s) for the next year’s show.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the Made in Montana team.

The 2026 Made in Montana Trade Show is scheduled for March 13 and 14, 2026, at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Helena.

The Trade Show exhibitor application for the 2026 Made in Montana Trade Show will be available online Oct. 2-30, 2025. It is NOT first come-first served.

Keep in mind that this is a highly competitive show, and the selection committee will evaluate all submitted applications. The committee is comprised of business leaders, not just the Trade Show organizers, and it is important to thoroughly complete your application and include the best photos of your product and display. The committee will select the Made in Montana members and products that represent the best of the Made in Montana brand for the food and gift market.

Applications accepted from Made in Montana members who:

• Are an active and registered member of the Made in Montana program (must be a member for at least six months prior to Oct. 1, 2025)
• Sell gifts, general merchandise items and/or shelf-stable, packaged food and/or non-alcoholic beverages
• Sell at wholesale prices and follow wholesale practices
• Follow all applicable health department rules if sampling food and/or non-alcoholic beverages
• Agree not to exhibit or promote any non-Made in Montana products at this trade show
• Agree to all exhibitor rules and regulations

There is no fee to apply. Accepted exhibitors will be notified by email after Nov. 20, 2025.

Booth Fees: 2026 booth fees are $400 for an inline booth, $450 for a corner booth, $800 for two adjoining inline booths and $850 for an adjoining corner and inline booth. Exhibitors can purchase a maximum of two booths.

Booth Specifications: All booths are 10 feet by 10 feet unless otherwise noted on the floor plan. The booths are constructed in a stair step set-up.  As per the official rules and regulations, each exhibitor agrees to confine their exhibit and staff personnel within the 10-foot-by-10-foot contracted space. Also, the exhibitor agrees not to block or detour any other exhibitors’ right-of-way during show hours. Displays, merchandise, models, signs and attention-attracting devices shall be confined to the exhibitor’s booth.  

All booths include:

• Two chairs
• One six-foot by 24-inch table (white top with black skirting)
• One 500 watt/110V electrical outlet (exhibitor must supply own extension cord)

If you need extras for your booth, like a light bar, carpet or hanging racks, the convention services team has an exhibitor service kit.

Booth Payment: Accepted exhibitors can pay for their booth(s) through our secure online payment portal. Accepted exhibitors can also pay for their assigned booth(s) with a check. 

• Discover new products
• Meet with vendors from across the state
• Learn new trends and what is selling
• Network with other industry professionals

Wholesale buyers can preregister to shop wholesale day starting in January 2026 or register at the door on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Buyers must meet the following qualifications:

• Own/Manage/Buy for a retail store, shop, restaurant or similarly associated business OR be staff with purchasing authority
• Provide documentation of relevant occupation/status with a business card or similar (invoice, business checks, etc.)
• Register no more than four buyers/representatives per business (unless prior permission is granted by show management)

• Retail store owners can easily source authentic Made in Montana products.
• Research shows that over 12 million visitors to Montana per year rate shopping as a top spending activity while traveling - specifically looking for products that are made in Montana.
• The show provides an opportunity for new and growing small businesses to learn the basics of wholesale tradeshow exhibition.
• It supports the shop local movement, encouraging the public to purchase locally produced products.

• Get your message out to over 120 exhibitors/producers and over 500 retail store buyers looking for opportunities to grow in Montana. As a bonus, thousands of Montanans attend the show on Saturday for public showcase day.
• Increase awareness of your product/service and build relationships with potential and existing clients and partners.
• Position your organization as an industry leader.
• Help grow the retail sector economy of the state, including helping to boost emerging Montana businesses.
• Show your support for and commitment to Montana’s small businesses and overall economic growth.

$5,000 Gold Level 
Presenting Sponsor. Company logo printed on 1,000 event lanyards, company recognition and signage at the event.

$2,000 Silver Level 
Media Sponsor

$1,000 Copper Level (two available)
Award Sponsor: Retailer of the Year and Exhibitor Booth Awards 

Hospitality Room Sponsor: Exhibitors and Buyers

$500 Friend Level (many available)

In addition to the specific considerations offered under each level, ALL sponsors will receive the following:

1. Hyperlinked company logo featured on the Made in Montana Tradeshow website (size dependent on sponsorship level)
2. Inclusion of company logo in any printed marketing materials
3. Company banner displayed in entryway during the event (provided by sponsor)
4. Recognition on social media channels (Facebook, Instagram)
5. Up to four entry passes to exhibit hall on wholesale buyer day (Friday)