Great Lakes Expo 2026, December 8-10, Grand Rapids, MI, the premier event for fruit, vegetable, and farm market professionals.
Dates
8–10 Dec 2026
City / country
Grand Rapids, United States
Venue
DeVos Place
Event overview
Join over 4,500 others at the 2026 Great Lakes Expo to learn how to grow your crops better, see the newest technology, improve your business and network with others working through the same challenges.
TL;DR
The 2026 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO brings more than 4,500 fruit, vegetable, farm market and greenhouse professionals together with over 400 industry-leading companies at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, December 8-10, 2026. Visitors can sit in on education sessions covering greenhouse lighting during propagation, biological control and two-spotted spider mite management, and digital marketing for farm markets, then walk the trade show floor including the Farm Market and More Hall to compare inputs, technology and equipment side by side. Registration can be completed in five minutes or less, an early bird discount applies until November 15, and a scholarship program helps growers who cannot cover the full fee. It is a practical way to learn techniques that solve the problems limiting your farm, meet suppliers face to face and network with peers working through the same challenges.
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products to a targeted audience, network with potential clients, and gain visibility in the agricultural sector. The Great Lakes Expo is crucial for the agricultural community, providing a platform for networking, education, and showcasing innovations that drive the industry forward.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Attend
Ticket info
Registration deadline
2026-11-15
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Visitors: 4,000
This edition
2026
Exhibitors: 400
Next edition
Not announced yet
Impact
Join over 4,500 others at the 2026 Great Lakes Expo to learn how to grow your crops better, see the newest technology, improve your business and network with others working through the same challenges. The Great Lakes Expo is crucial for the agricultural community, providing a platform for networking, education, and showcasing innovations that drive the industry forward. Great Lakes Expo 2026, December 8-10, Grand Rapids, MI, the premier event for fruit,.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Fruit and vegetable growers, Farm market operators and on-farm retail managers, Greenhouse and floriculture growers, Specialty crop producers. Date: December 8-10, 2026. Location: DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI. Expected attendance: over 4,500. Over 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations. Great Lakes Expo attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products to a targeted audience, network with potential clients, and gain visibility in the agricultural sector. The Great Lakes Expo is crucial for the agricultural community, providing a platform for networking, education, and showcasing innovations that drive the industry forward. Exhibitor categories include Seed and plant suppliers, Agricultural equipment manufacturers, Organic farming product providers, Irrigation and water management companies.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending Great Lakes Expo on 2026-12-08 to 2026-12-10 in Grand Rapids lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.
Sustainability in procurement
Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.
Automation and labour efficiency
Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.
Regional supply-chain resilience
Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.
Hybrid engagement models
Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.
Great Lakes Expo sits at the centre of the North American specialty crop winter meeting circuit. Growers, farm market operators and input suppliers who cover this sector typically plan Grand Rapids alongside three to five peer shows to compare genetics, crop protection programmes, greenhouse technology and retail supply across regions.
Pre-show (8–12 weeks out)
Register, book downtown Grand Rapids rooms, and pre-book supplier meetings for the DeVos Place floor.
Show week (8–10 December 2026)
Education sessions, hall walk-throughs in the main exhibit hall and Farm Market and More Hall, and live equipment demonstrations.
Post-show (January–February)
Convert quotes into orders and carry the same supplier shortlist into the January–February peer shows.
Peer events are established sector shows; confirm dates and venues on each organiser website before booking.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Closest gateway to DeVos Place, with nonstop service from Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas–Fort Worth and Washington–D.C. Rental cars, taxis and rideshare pickup are at the terminal; a taxi or rideshare to downtown Grand Rapids runs about USD 30–40.
13 mi (21 km)
to venue
20–25 min via I-96 and US-131
by car
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
The region's largest hub, with direct transatlantic and transpacific connections. Drive west on I-96 to Grand Rapids, or connect by Amtrak Wolverine service from Detroit to Grand Rapids.
160 mi (257 km)
to venue
2 hr 30 min via I-96 W
by car
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Global gateway with the widest international schedule into the Midwest. Amtrak's Pere Marquette and Wolverine services connect Chicago to Grand Rapids for visitors who prefer rail over the drive.
180 mi (290 km)
to venue
3 hr via I-90/I-94 and I-196
by car
Chicago Midway International Airport
Domestic-focused alternative to O'Hare for connections within the United States, followed by the same I-90/I-94 drive to Grand Rapids.
175 mi (282 km)
to venue
3 hr 10 min via I-90/I-94 and I-196
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
4.1
Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids SW by IHG
4.4
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Rapids South - Wyoming by IHG
4.5
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids - Airport by IHG
4.0
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Rapids Airport - South by IHG
4.2
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Rapids - Airport North by IHG
4.2
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids - South by IHG
3.7
Comfort Suites Grand Rapids North
3.9
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
DASH downtown shuttle
Free city bus network linking downtown hotels, parking lots and DeVos Place; buses arrive about every 8 minutes.
Venue parking
Parking facilities at DeVos Place are managed by the City of Grand Rapids; additional parking is available at the City-County Building on Monroe Avenue and other structures within walking distance. Oversized vehicles may be permitted to park on Scribner Street during event dates on a first come, first served basis.
Local bus (Laker Line Route LL)
GVSU's eastbound Laker Line Route LL stops at Mackinac Hall, Kirkhof Center and the Pew Campus before continuing into downtown Grand Rapids near DeVos Place.
taxi
20–25 min via I-96 and US-131; Closest gateway to DeVos Place, with nonstop service from Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas–Fort Worth and Washington–D.C. Rental cars, taxis and rideshare pickup are at the terminal; a taxi or rideshare to downtown Grand Rapids runs about U
taxi
2 hr 30 min via I-96 W; The region's largest hub, with direct transatlantic and transpacific connections. Drive west on I-96 to Grand Rapids, or connect by Amtrak Wolverine service from Detroit to Grand Rapids.
taxi
3 hr via I-90/I-94 and I-196; Global gateway with the widest international schedule into the Midwest. Amtrak's Pere Marquette and Wolverine services connect Chicago to Grand Rapids for visitors who prefer rail over the drive.
taxi
3 hr 10 min via I-90/I-94 and I-196; Domestic-focused alternative to O'Hare for connections within the United States, followed by the same I-90/I-94 drive to Grand Rapids.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 Temporary Business Visitor | Foreign nationals traveling to the United States for temporary business, including attending a conference, trade show or business convention, unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. | $185.00 | Varies by nationality and consulate; complete the DS-160 form (about 90 minutes) and schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence or nationality. | |
| Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) | Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries visiting for business for 90 days or less; ESTA approval allows the same activities as admission as a B-1 visitor. | $21.00 | Apply online for an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization before departure. |
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may enter the United States for business without a visa when they hold an approved ESTA; all other nationalities generally require a B-1 visitor visa.
Official visa pageWeather
December in Grand Rapids is a full winter month: daytime highs run 1–4 °C (34–39 °F) with overnight lows of −6 to −2 °C (21–28 °F), and lake-effect snow brings 18–25 inches (45–64 cm) across the month on about 2.5 inches of liquid precipitation. Cold northwest winds off Lake Michigan push wind chills below −10 °C (14 °F), and snow squalls can briefly slow highway travel between the airport and downtown. Pack an insulated coat, hat, gloves, scarf and waterproof boots, and allow extra time for airport transfers, downtown parking and walking between DeVos Place and nearby hotels.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18–20% of the pre-tax bill, bartenders USD 2–3 per drink and hotel housekeeping USD 3–5 per night. Service charges are not automatically added in Grand Rapids, so tips are given directly.
Business dress and meetings
Michigan agribusiness dress is business casual — a collared shirt or sweater with slacks; exhibitors often wear branded polos on the stand. Handshakes and first names are standard, and scheduled meetings start on time.
Conversation and hospitality
Conversations typically open with the season just finished and the weather, and growers share crop results and pest pressure openly with peers. Coffee is the default meeting beverage and business meals are informal and punctual.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: GRR
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Grand Rapids; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
A foreign national traveling to the United States for temporary business must have a visitor visa (B) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Attending a business convention or conference, attending business meetings or consultations, and negotiating contracts are all allowable on a B-1 business visitor visa. Applicants complete the DS-160 form and then book an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence or nationality.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality and consulate. The DS-160 online application takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, after which you schedule an interview appointment; apply well ahead of December travel.
Visa application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may travel for business with an approved ESTA instead of a visa; other nationalities need a B-1 visitor visa. Check the U.S. Department of State business visa pages and USCIS B-1 guidance for current rules.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR): 20–25 min via I-96 and US-131; Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW): 2 hr 30 min via I-96 W; Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): 3 hr via I-90/I-94 and I-196; Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): 3 hr 10 min via I-90/I-94 and I-196. Allow road or rail time to DeVos Place; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near DeVos Place: Downtown Grand Rapids: Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG; Southwest Grand Rapids: Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids SW by IHG; Wyoming / south Grand Rapids: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Rapids South - Wyoming by IHG.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Grand Rapids; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) is a free downtown Grand Rapids bus network with a stop directly outside DeVos Place, arriving about every 8 minutes. Moovit publishes step-by-step bus routes to DeVos Convention Center, and GVSU's eastbound Laker Line (Route LL) runs from the Allendale campus into downtown Grand Rapids. DeVos Place is also connected to downtown hotels and Van Andel Arena through the city skywalk.
Parking: On-site parking is available at DeVos Place; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs 1–4 °C (34–39 °F); overnight lows −6 to −2 °C (21–28 °F)
Seasonality: Lake-effect snow defines the Grand Rapids winter season: 18–25 inches (45–64 cm) of snow falls across December on about 2.5 inches of liquid precipitation. Crisp, bright days alternate with snow squalls driven off Lake Michigan, and wind chill is the deciding factor in what you wear.
Packing: December 2026
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Day two of the December 8–10 run carries the densest education line-up, with fruit, vegetable, greenhouse and farm market tracks running alongside a fully staffed trade show floor. Opening day rewards visitors who want an unhurried first walk-through and same-day registration, while Thursday is quieter and works well for focused meetings. Wednesday gives the best balance: peak exhibitor presence, the widest choice of sessions and enough remaining show time to return to stands for pricing and specification follow-ups.
Check U.S. entry requirements and start any visa or ESTA process — Business visitors need a B-1 visa unless they qualify under the Visa Waiver Program; complete the DS-160 and book an interview, or apply for ESTA before booking travel.
Book flights and airport transfer to Grand Rapids — Fly into the Grand Rapids airport and build in a buffer for December weather delays, then plan a taxi, ride-hail or shuttle run to DeVos Place at 303 Monroe Ave NW.
Reserve a downtown Grand Rapids hotel — Local hotels offer an Expo discount; downtown properties are walkable or skywalk-connected to DeVos Place, so book before the December dates fill.
Complete online Expo registration and secure the early bird rate — Registration takes five minutes or less at glexpo.com and the early bird discount ends November 15.
Apply for the Expo scholarship if cost is a barrier — The Expo scholarship program supports attendees who cannot afford the full registration cost; see glexpo.com/attend/scholarship/.
Download the session programme and shortlist education sessions — Plan around greenhouse, pest management, farm market and specialty crop tracks, then build a personal agenda for the three show days.
Request meetings with exhibitors you want to visit — Review the 400-plus exhibiting companies and email stand holders for appointments so you cover priority suppliers on the floor.
Plan local transport and parking — The free DASH downtown shuttle stops right outside DeVos Place and runs about every 8 minutes; DeVos Place garages are city-managed and metered street parking is nearby.
Pack for a December Michigan trip — December in Grand Rapids is winter; pack warm layers, a coat and comfortable shoes for walking the exhibit hall.
Travel to Grand Rapids and collect your badge — Arrive early on day one and pick up your badge at the Expo Registration desk in the DeVos Place Grand Gallery before the first sessions start.
Holland, Michigan
Grand Haven, Michigan
Farm Market and More Hall
Grand Gallery and concourse
Monroe Center and Amway Grand Plaza
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visa_fee
visitor · B-1 Temporary Business Visitor
USD 185 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
USD 21 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visa_fee | visitor | B-1 Temporary Business Visitor | USD 185 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) | USD 21 / per application | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You want the education sessions, the trade show floor including the Farm Market and More Hall, and face-to-face meetings with more than 400 exhibiting companies.
Best for
Fruit, vegetable, farm market and greenhouse growers plus farm retail managers who want the education programme, hands-on technology comparisons and supplier meetings without a stand investment.
Min. budget
$350.00
Timeline
4 to 6 weeks to register, book flights and secure a discounted downtown hotel for December 8-10, 2026.
Risks
Peak December hotel pricing and limited discounted room blocks near DeVos Place
Winter weather disruption and snow delays on regional flights into Grand Rapids
Visa or ESTA processing lead time for international visitors
exhibit
You need qualified grower and farm market leads and want to launch products at the region's premier specialty crop show.
Best for
Input suppliers, greenhouse technology OEMs, agricultural equipment makers and biological control companies selling to North American specialty crop growers and farm markets.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
4 to 6 months; book space and a build contractor early, then file organiser forms about 60 days before build-up.
Risks
Hall position and stand allocation are competitive with more than 400 exhibitors
Freight, rigging and customs deadlines for demo equipment shipped to DeVos Place
skip
Travel budget is unavailable or the crop season makes a December trip impractical this year.
Best for
Growers and suppliers whose current season focus or budget cannot support travel to Grand Rapids for December 8-10, 2026.
Timeline
Reassess roughly 3 months before the next edition.
Risks
Missing current-season technology comparisons and supplier deals on the show floor
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FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
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Great Lakes Expo
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