Trade showConference

    MFVGA Expo

    Join us for the MFVGA Expo on January 21-22, 2027, at Park Event Conference Center, Waite Park, USA, focusing on fruit and vegetable growing.

    Seeds and planting materials forAgricultural equipment and machinery for growersPest control products and solutionsFertilizers and soil amendments for crop productionIrrigation systems and water management toolsPost-harvest handling and storage solutions

    Dates

    21–22 Jan 2027

    City / country

    Waite Park, USA

    Venue

    Park Event Conference Center

    Time

    : Confirm daily opening hours on the organiser registration page

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The MFVGA Expo is an annual event dedicated to supporting Minnesota's fruit and vegetable growers, featuring educational opportunities, networking, and a showcase of the latest industry innovations.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates and Venue: The MFVGA Expo takes place on January 21-22, 2027, at Park Event Conference Center in Waite Park, USA.
    2. 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for Minnesota's fruit and vegetable growers, featuring educational sessions and networking opportunities.
    3. 3Organiser: The expo is organized by the Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (MFVGA), dedicated to supporting local growers.
    4. 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include fruit and vegetable growers, agricultural professionals, and industry stakeholders.
    5. 5Entry: Registration is available online for general admission, vendors, and sponsorships.

    Why visit

    Visitors to the MFVGA Expo can expect to gain valuable insights from industry experts, network with peers, and discover the latest innovations in fruit and vegetable production. Dates and Venue: The MFVGA Expo takes place on January 21-22, 2027, at Park Event Conference Center in Waite Park, USA. Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for Minnesota's fruit and vegetable growers, featuring educational sessions and networking opportunities.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors at the MFVGA Expo will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of growers and industry professionals, enhancing their visibility and potential sales. Buyer Authority: Attendees include fruit and vegetable growers, agricultural professionals, and industry stakeholders. The MFVGA Expo is crucial for fostering community among Minnesota's growers, providing them with resources and knowledge to enhance their agricultural.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Fruit and vegetable growers seeking new techniques and products
    Agricultural professionals looking to network and share knowledge
    Vendors interested in showcasing their offerings to growers
    Researchers and educators in the field of agriculture
    Policy makers focused on agricultural development
    Students and young professionals exploring careers in agriculture

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Suppliers of seeds and planting materials
    Manufacturers of agricultural equipment and tools
    Providers of pest management solutions
    Fertilizer and soil amendment companies
    Agricultural technology firms
    Consultants and service providers in agriculture

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Seeds and planting materials for fruit and vegetable crops
    Agricultural equipment and machinery for growers
    Pest control products and solutions
    Fertilizers and soil amendments for crop production
    Irrigation systems and water management tools
    Post-harvest handling and storage solutions

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Park Event Conference Center

    500 Division St, Waite Park, MN 56387, USA

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    Event days: Confirm daily opening hours on the organiser registration page
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (MFVGA)

    EmailCallWebsite

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2026

    unknown

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The MFVGA Expo is an annual event dedicated to supporting Minnesota's fruit and vegetable growers, featuring educational opportunities, networking, and a showcase of the latest industry innovations. The MFVGA Expo is crucial for fostering community among Minnesota's growers, providing them with resources and knowledge to enhance their agricultural practices. Join us for the MFVGA Expo on January 21-22, 2027, at Park Event Conference Center, Waite Park, USA, focusing on fruit and vegetable.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Fruit and vegetable growers seeking new techniques and products, Agricultural professionals looking to network and share knowledge, Vendors interested in showcasing their offerings to growers, Researchers and educators in the field of agriculture. Dates and Venue: The MFVGA Expo takes place on January 21-22, 2027, at Park Event Conference Center in Waite Park, USA. Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for Minnesota's fruit and vegetable growers, featuring educational sessions.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors at the MFVGA Expo will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of growers and industry professionals, enhancing their visibility and potential sales. Buyer Authority: Attendees include fruit and vegetable growers, agricultural professionals, and industry stakeholders. The MFVGA Expo is crucial for fostering community among Minnesota's growers, providing them with resources and knowledge to enhance their agricultural. Exhibitor categories include Suppliers of.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, USA — the Park Event Conference Center sits in the St. Cloud/Waite Park corridor of central Minnesota, an hour north-west of the Twin Cities and within day-trip reach of Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas produce-growing regions.

    Why it matters

    Attending MFVGA Expo on 2027-01-21 to 2027-01-22 in Waite Park 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.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Growers and suppliers increasingly research varieties, inputs and equipment online before committing to on-farm purchases.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Retail and foodservice buyers are adding soil health, water use and carbon practices to their grower sourcing criteria.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Rising labour costs are pushing growers toward automated transplanting, harvesting aids and packing-line equipment.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Buyers are diversifying local and regional produce sources to buffer weather, freight and import disruptions.

    05

    Specialty crop and direct-market growth

    Consumer demand for fresh, local and specialty produce is expanding direct-market and U-pick channels.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    MSP

    Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

    Primary international gateway for the Twin Cities and central Minnesota, with nonstop service from New York (JFK, about 3h 10min) and Chicago (ORD, about 1h 35min). Take I-494 to I-94 West toward St. Cloud; allow extra time for winter road conditions and de-icing delays.

    About 75 miles

    to venue

    1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

    by car

    STC

    St. Cloud Regional Airport

    Closest airport to the venue, with limited Allegiant service to seasonal leisure destinations; convenient if your routing connects through Las Vegas or Orlando, but most business visitors still arrive via MSP.

    About 6 miles

    to venue

    10–15 minutes

    by car

    FAR

    Hector International Airport

    Served by American, Delta, United and Allegiant with strong connections through Chicago, Denver and Minneapolis; a practical alternative for growers and suppliers travelling from North Dakota and north-western Minnesota.

    About 165 miles

    to venue

    About 2 hours 50 minutes

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    AmericInn by Wyndham St. Cloud MN Shopping Area

    midscale (3-star)
    St. Cloud

    Discount rate shown during capture; free parking suits a self-drive trip to Waite Park.

    Quality Inn St. Cloud West

    upper midscale (4-star)
    St. Cloud West

    Convenient west St. Cloud location close to the Waite Park venue corridor.

    Days Inn by Wyndham St Cloud

    budget (2-star)
    St. Cloud

    Economical choice with restaurant on site; short drive to the venue.

    Travelodge by Wyndham Motel of St Cloud

    budget (2-star)
    St. Cloud

    Listed as a great-price option with free breakfast for show visitors.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Airport transfer (MSP to Waite Park)

    Estimated costUSD 60-100 (estimated)

    Roughly 75 miles via I-94; rental car or pre-booked shuttle is most practical in winter.

    Taxi / rideshare

    Estimated costUSD 10-20 (estimated)

    St. Cloud hotels to Park Event Conference Center in Waite Park, about 5-10 minutes each way.

    Rental car

    Estimated costUSD 40-70 per day (estimated)

    Best for regional travel; hotels and the venue offer free parking.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forMinneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Park Event Conference Center

    about 1 hour 15 minutes; Primary international gateway serving Waite Park and St. Cloud; handles the captured JFK, LAX and ORD routes into the Twin Cities.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forSt. Cloud Regional Airport (STC) to Park Event Conference Center

    10–15 minutes; Closest airport to the venue, with limited Allegiant service to seasonal leisure destinations; convenient if your routing connects through Las Vegas or Orlando, but most business visitors still arrive via MSP.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forHector International Airport (FAR) to Park Event Conference Center

    About 2 hours 50 minutes; Served by American, Delta, United and Allegiant with strong connections through Chicago, Denver and Minneapolis; a practical alternative for growers and suppliers travelling from North Dakota and north-western Minnesota.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser

    Weather

    January is deep winter in central Minnesota. Daytime highs typically sit around 18–24°F (−8 to −4°C), overnight lows drop to 0–8°F (−18 to −13°C), and cold snaps push wind chills below −20°F. Snow cover is continuous through the month with roughly 8–12 inches of monthly snowfall and a handful of heavier snow systems. Pack an insulated parka, thermal base layers, waterproof boots, gloves, a hat and a scarf, and if you self-drive keep a winter kit with a blanket, scraper and jump cables in the vehicle.

    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

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Tipping

    Restaurant servers expect 18–20% of the pre-tax bill, bartenders USD 1–2 per drink, and hotel housekeeping USD 2–5 per night. Rideshare and taxi tips are added in-app or on the card reader.

    Business dress and greetings

    Business casual is the norm at Upper Midwest farm events, where jeans, boots and a branded jacket sit comfortably beside blazers. Greetings are a firm handshake and first names, and meetings start on time.

    Winter travel etiquette

    Locals take snow seriously: build buffer time into every drive, keep your phone charged for weather alerts, and expect venue entrances to have mats and coat racks. Remove wet boots in farm homes and mudrooms if invited.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: MSP

    Fly into Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP), the primary gateway for Waite Park and St. Cloud. Captured round-trip fares: New York (JFK) from about USD 359 and Chicago (ORD) around USD 152 for 20-23 January 2027. January is deep winter in Minnesota, so allow buffer for snow-related delays and book early before regional rates rise.

    Visa

    Most international attendees enter the United States on either an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program (UK, most EU states, Australia, Japan, South Korea and other eligible countries) or a B-1 business visitor visa. ESTA covers business meetings and trade shows for up to 90 days, costs USD 21 and should be filed at least 72 hours before departure. The B-1 visa application fee is USD 185, with an interview at a US embassy or consulate; apply 8–12 weeks ahead in peak seasons. Canadian citizens are generally visa-exempt for business visits with a valid passport, and Mexican nationals may use a Border Crossing Card for short business trips. Carry a printed conference registration, hotel confirmation and return itinerary for the port-of-entry interview.

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes; St. Cloud Regional Airport (STC): 10–15 minutes; Hector International Airport (FAR): About 2 hours 50 minutes. Allow road or rail time to Park Event Conference Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Park Event Conference Center: St. Cloud: AmericInn by Wyndham St. Cloud MN Shopping Area; St. Cloud West: Quality Inn St. Cloud West; St. Cloud: Days Inn by Wyndham St Cloud.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Waite Park; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Waite Park and St. Cloud share the Metro Bus fixed-route network, which links downtown St. Cloud, St. Cloud State University, the Division Street retail corridor and Crossroads Center; single rides run about USD 1.25–2.00 with day passes sold on board. Buses operate roughly 5:30am–7:30pm on weekdays with reduced Saturday service and no Sunday service, so build transit around the conference schedule. Amtrak's Empire Builder stops at St. Cloud twice daily in each direction toward St. Paul/Chicago and toward Fargo/Seattle. Because the Park Event Conference Center is set up for car access with free surface parking, most growers drive or use rideshare for the final leg.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Park Event Conference Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: January 2027

    Temperature: Daytime highs of 18–24°F (−8 to −4°C) and overnight lows of 0–8°F (−18 to −13°C) in Waite Park and St. Cloud, with wind chills below −20°F during cold snaps.

    Seasonality: January is the coldest, driest month of the Minnesota year: continuous snow cover, about 8–12 inches of monthly snowfall, frequent light snow and occasional heavier systems. Rain is rare and appears only during brief thaws.

    Packing: January 2027

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 1 — Thursday 21 January 2027, open to close

    Day one delivers the MFVGA opening session, the first full trade-show day when every exhibitor is staffed and demo equipment is on the floor, and the evening networking reception. Growers typically use day one to benchmark products and prices across vendors, then return on the morning of day two for follow-up meetings and closing conversations. If you can only travel for one day, make it 21 January and arrive before the floor opens at 9:30am.

    14

    Confirm registration and badge for MFVGA Expo 2027 (21-22 January) via mfvga.org and note member vs non-member rates. — Register early to secure a badge and any member pricing.

    12

    Book round-trip flights into Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP). — Captured fares: New York (JFK) from about USD 359, Chicago (ORD) around USD 152.

    10

    Reserve a St. Cloud hotel such as AmericInn, Days Inn, Travelodge or Quality Inn St. Cloud West. — Choose a property with free parking; about 5-10 minutes' drive to the venue.

    9

    Plan ground transport from MSP to Waite Park for the roughly 75-mile drive. — Pre-arrange a rental car or shuttle; winter road conditions can slow the trip.

    8

    Download the MFVGA Expo programme and exhibitor or hall plan. — Shortlist sessions and booths before arriving at Park Event Conference Center.

    7

    Pre-schedule meetings with exhibitors and fellow growers. — List seed, input, equipment and agronomy questions to raise on site.

    6

    Check educational session times and build a two-day agenda around 21-22 January. — Balance talks with time on the exhibit floor.

    5

    Pack for Minnesota January cold and snow. — Layers, insulated boots, gloves and a warm coat are essential.

    4

    Prepare farm records, crop plans and procurement questions for on-site conversations. — Bring acreage, budget and variety data to compare suppliers.

    3

    Confirm hotel check-in (20 January) and check-out (23 January). — Keep confirmations handy for the drive from MSP.

    2

    Review the St. Cloud and Waite Park weather forecast and adjust travel buffer. — Snow can affect the MSP to Waite Park drive; add extra time.

    1

    Gather badge, ID, business cards and confirm Day-1 arrival and badge-collection times. — Arrive early on 21 January for badge pickup at Park Event Conference Center.

    Side trips

    2

    Minneapolis and Saint Paul

    Duluth and Lake Superior

    Networking spots

    3

    MFVGA trade-show floor

    Session-hall coffee breaks and lunch service

    St. Cloud cluster hotel breakfast rooms

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Per diem × 2$150.00
    Estimated total$150.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    flight

    visitor · economy round trip

    USD 152–359 / round trip

    estimate

    hotel

    visitor · budget

    USD 65–95 / per night

    estimate

    hotel

    visitor · midscale

    USD 95–145 / per night

    estimate

    per_diem

    visitor · meals and incidentals

    USD 50–85 / per day

    estimate

    car_rental

    visitor · midsize, winter-ready

    USD 40–75 / per day

    estimate

    airport_transfer

    visitor · MSP to Waite Park, rideshare or shuttle

    USD 60–120 / one way

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · B-1 business visa

    USD 185 / per application

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · ESTA

    USD 21 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Minnesota and Upper Midwest fruit and vegetable growers, farm managers and produce buyers sourcing varieties, inputs and equipment for the 2027 season, plus extension agents and agronomists.

    Min. budget

    $350.00

    Timeline

    6-8 weeks to lock flights into MSP and a St. Cloud hotel before the January winter peak.

    Risks

    January winter weather in Minnesota can cause snow delays at MSP.

    St. Cloud hotel rates rise for local event weekends, so book early.

    exhibit

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Seed, input, equipment and agtech suppliers targeting Minnesota and Upper Midwest produce growers with on-farm purchasing authority.

    Min. budget

    $2,200.00

    Timeline

    3-4 months to book stand space, ship demo units and coordinate show logistics.

    Risks

    Limited booth allocation on a compact conference-center floor.

    Freight and setup timing around a short two-day January show.

    skip

    Assess how this option fits your objectives.

    Best for

    Suppliers with no Upper Midwest grower customer base, or teams unable to staff a regional two-day event in January.

    Timeline

    Not applicable.

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Glossary

    1
    CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
    A subscription model where consumers buy a share of a farm's harvest in advance, giving growers upfront cash and members a weekly box of produce.
    2
    FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act)
    U.S. federal law giving the FDA authority to regulate how fresh produce is grown, harvested and handled to prevent contamination.
    3
    GAP (Good Agricultural Practices)
    Voluntary, audit-based food-safety standards growers follow to reduce microbial risk in fresh produce.
    4
    IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
    A decision framework combining scouting, thresholds, biological controls and targeted chemicals to manage pests with less pesticide.
    5
    High tunnel
    An unheated, greenhouse-like structure that extends the Minnesota growing season and shields crops from frost and wind.
    6
    U-pick
    A farm-retail model where customers harvest their own fruit or vegetables, often a key on-farm revenue channel.
    7
    Specialty crop
    USDA term for fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and horticulture crops that fall outside commodity row-crop programs.
    8
    Cover crop
    A crop grown between cash crops to protect and improve soil, suppress weeds and reduce erosion.
    9
    Postharvest handling
    Cooling, grading and packing steps after harvest that protect quality and shelf life before sale.
    10
    Fresh market
    Produce sold fresh for direct consumption, as opposed to processing or canning channels.

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