Upper Midwest Gift Show 2027, March 21-23, Shakopee, MN
Dates
21–23 Mar 2027
City / country
Shakopee, United States
Venue
Canterbury Park Expo Center
Time
Sunday-Tuesday, March 21 – 23, 2027 · daily floor hours to be confirmed by the organiser
Companies exhibiting at Upper Midwest Gift Show include and!sales, Black Metal Apparel, CARDS OF WOOD INC, Carol Seitz Sales and Dc.
Event overview
The Upper Midwest Gift Show 2027 runs March 21-23 at Canterbury Park Expo Center in Shakopee, Minnesota, giving independent retailers and gift buyers three days of wholesale order writing and cash-and-carry buying.
Exhibitors present apparel, home decor, lake and lodge lines, souvenirs, jewelry and personal care to qualified buyers from across the Upper Midwest.
Admission is free for qualified retail buyers who register in advance.
TL;DR
Buyers get a focused regional floor instead of a national mega-show: gift, apparel, home decor, lake and lodge, souvenir and personal care lines in one Expo Center hall. Cash-and-carry buying and preorder pickup let a store restock immediately, while order writing covers seasonal programmes. Free registration and a Minneapolis-area venue keep the trip short and the cost low.
The show is deliberately capped by product category, so exhibitors face less duplication and more qualified buyer attention. A 10x10 booth at $750 includes drape, table and chairs, and the organiser adds booth sitting, a post-show buyer contact list and show-directory exposure. Great Lakes Promotions is building the Upper Midwest edition alongside its established Great Lakes and Wisconsin gift shows.
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
Halls & areas
1Canterbury Park Expo Center, 1100 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee, MN 55379, United States
Entrances & gates
Expo Center main entrance
Use the event-signed entrance from the Canterbury Park lots.
On-site surface parking surrounds the Expo Center; allow 10 minutes to walk from the outer lots and confirm any event parking charge.
The Expo Center is a single-level exhibition space with accessible entry; request any specific assistance when registering so the organiser can arrange it.
Food options
Canterbury Park Expo Center concessions
On-site diningParking: Canterbury Park is a large event campus with surface lots around the Expo Center; follow event signs from the main entrance rather than the grandstand. Confirm parking cost with the organiser when registering.
Gate: Enter through the Expo Center entrance signed for the Upper Midwest Gift Show; buyer registration is at the show entrance.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Qualified retail buyer
Free admission for qualified buyers and retail business owners; register online before the show.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Register online as a buyer, then collect a buyer badge at the show entrance with retail business identification.
Ticket notes
Admission is free for qualified buyers and owners of retail businesses. The show is a wholesale buying event, not a public consumer sale.
Who runs the show
Great Lakes Promotions, LLC
Organiser
What's on
How the last edition performed
This edition
2027
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
The Upper Midwest Gift Show launches March 21-23, 2027 at the Canterbury Park Expo Center in Shakopee, Minnesota, with wholesale order writing and cash-and-carry buying across gift, apparel, home decor, lake and lodge, souvenir and jewelry lines.
New this edition
Cash-and-carry buying
Buyers can pay for stock on the floor and take it away, alongside traditional forward orders.
SourceCategory caps for exhibitors
The organiser limits the number of exhibitors in similar product categories to reduce duplication on the floor.
SourcePreorder and show pickup
Retailers can preorder lines and collect at the show, shortening the replenishment cycle.
SourceImpact
Because 2027 is the launch edition, impact is a launch story rather than a year-on-year comparison: the show adds a March wholesale buying date in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro for gift, apparel, resort and souvenir retailers.
Audience quality
The organiser limits exhibitors by product category and registers buyers as qualified retail businesses, which should produce a concentrated floor of independent gift, boutique, resort and specialty buyers rather than general public traffic.
Exhibitor outcomes
At $750 for a 10x10 booth, an exhibitor needs a modest number of wholesale accounts to cover the space. The show's regional draw, cash-and-carry format and post-show buyer contact list support a low-cost test of the Upper Midwest market in the launch year.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Regional gift shows are where independent retailers place seasonal orders without the cost of a national market trip. The Upper Midwest has a dense base of gift, resort and lake-country stores, and a Shakopee floor gives them a March buying date before the summer and holiday seasons.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Regional buying over national travel
Independent retailers are consolidating buying trips into regional shows that can be reached by car, cutting airfare and hotel nights while still letting them see new lines early.
What it changes: A Minneapolis-area show captures buyers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas who may skip a Chicago or Atlanta trip.
Cash-and-carry and immediate restock
Smaller stores increasingly buy limited quantities on the floor and take stock away, rather than committing to large forward orders that tie up cash and warehouse space.
What it changes: The show's cash-and-carry format appeals to boutique and resort buyers who need fast-selling stock for an approaching season.
Lake, lodge and resort assortments
Lake-country and outdoor-hospitality retailers are expanding beyond souvenirs into home decor, apparel and locally themed gifts that carry higher margins and repeat purchase.
What it changes: The organiser's lake, lodge and resort category is a differentiator against general gift shows in larger metros.
Great Lakes Promotions runs a family of regional wholesale gift shows, and a buyer planning the Upper Midwest trip can pair it with the Wisconsin and Great Lakes editions or the permanent Minneapolis Mart. Dates for the newest sister shows are announced through the organiser, so confirm the current calendar before booking.
First-quarter 2027
Both new shows are scheduled for the first quarter; the Upper Midwest edition is locked for March 21-23.
Circuit names and ownership confirmed from the event site and organiser site; individual 2027 dates other than the Upper Midwest Gift Show are not yet published.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
The main gateway, with nonstop domestic and international service; rental cars and rideshare pick-up are at the terminal.
about 22 miles
to venue
25-35 minutes
by car
St. Cloud Regional Airport
A small regional alternative north-west of the metro with limited Allegiant service; only useful if the fare and timing work.
about 70 miles
to venue
70-80 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 95–130 / night
Simple highway-side hotels 10-15 minutes from Canterbury Park; free parking is typical.
USD 130–180 / night
Closest cluster to the Expo Center, with breakfast and parking included at most properties.
USD 180–260 / night
Full-service options with restaurants and meeting space, 15-30 minutes from the venue.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus (Minnesota Valley Transit Authority)
MVTA runs express and local service between Shakopee and the Minneapolis metro; check the current timetable and whether a transfer to the venue is needed.
Rideshare / taxi
The most practical option for exhibitors with samples; allow extra time on weekday afternoons.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and are attending meetings, sourcing or exhibiting at a trade show | $185.00 | Interview wait times vary by consulate; apply well before travel | |
| ESTA / Visa Waiver Program | Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries travelling for business meetings or a trade show for up to 90 days | $40.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa for business visits; Mexican nationals may use a B-1 visa. Check your own nationality before booking.
The United States accepts ATA Carnets for temporary admission of goods; confirm the carnet covers samples and display items with your freight agent.
Official visa pageWeather
March in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro is variable: average highs near 7°C (45°F) and lows near -4°C (25°F), with snow or slush still possible. Pack a warm coat, waterproof boots and layers for the show floor.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
MSP is a major Delta hub with direct flights across the United States and to Europe and Asia. Mobile coverage is good throughout the metro; venue wi-fi availability is not published, so bring a mobile hotspot for card payments.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18-20% before tax; bar staff $1-2 per drink. Hotel housekeeping typically $3-5 per night.
Sales tax and business hours
Minnesota state sales tax is 6.875%, with local additions in Shakopee. Most stores open at 10am and close by 8-9pm; Sunday hours are shorter.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: MSP (Minneapolis-Saint Paul International)
Book 4-6 weeks ahead for the best fare; MSP is a Delta hub, so nonstop options are strongest on Delta and its partners. Allow 30-40 minutes from the airport to Shakopee by car.
Book flightsMost international buyers need a B-1 business visa or an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program; Canadian citizens are generally visa-exempt for business visits.
Estimated cost: $185 B-1 visa fee; $40 ESTA fee
Processing: Varies by consulate; apply at least 8-12 weeks ahead
Bring an organiser invitation, registration confirmation and hotel booking to the interview or border.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Rideshare or taxi from MSP takes 25-35 minutes and costs about $45-70; a rental car is useful for exhibitors with samples.
Hotel → venue: Shakopee hotels are 10-15 minutes by car; most offer free parking and some run shuttle service on request.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across the metro; pick-up at the Expo Center is at the main entrance.
Public transit: MVTA buses connect Shakopee with the Minneapolis metro, but service is limited at weekends; check the timetable before relying on it.
Parking: Surface parking surrounds the Expo Center; confirm any event charge with the organiser.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March
Temperature: -4°C to 7°C (25°F to 45°F)
Seasonality: Late-winter snow and rain are both possible; roads are usually clear but allow extra travel time.
Packing: Warm coat, layers, waterproof boots, gloves and a compact umbrella; the hall itself is heated.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (Monday, March 22, 2027)
Opening morning is busiest for exhibitors setting up and buyers doing first passes. By day two, new lines are on display, appointment schedules have settled and buyers can hold longer supplier conversations before the final-day close-outs.
Register as a qualified buyer and book travel — Use the online buyer form; hold a refundable hotel in Shakopee.
Build a target exhibitor shortlist — Check the exhibitor list and floor-plan page, and note must-see categories.
Set buying budget and open-to-buy by category — Decide cash-and-carry limits versus forward orders.
Confirm badge, parking and appointment times — Print or save registration confirmation and a paper floor plan.
Travel to the Minneapolis area and check in — Allow 30-40 minutes from MSP to Shakopee; review the next day's route.
Arrive, park and collect buyer badge
Expo Center main entranceFirst supplier meetings and new-line previews
Expo Center floorLunch and cash-and-carry review
Venue concessionsSecond supplier block and order writing
Expo Center floorWrap up, confirm shipments and follow-up list
Expo Center floorMall of America
Shopping and Entertainment
25-30 minutes from Shakopee
Compare retail merchandising and pick up essentials; the SEA LIFE aquarium and restaurants make it a half-day trip.
Minneapolis riverfront and North Loop
City and Food
30-35 minutes
Independent boutiques, restaurants and the Mississippi riverfront give a sense of the metro retail scene.
Expo Center show floor
Trade show
Best place to meet reps and buyers between appointments; carry cards and a notebook.
Shakopee and Prior Lake restaurants
Casual dining
Convenient for supplier dinners after the floor closes; book ahead on show nights.
The show's cash-and-carry and order-writing mix means some buyers leave with stock and others with quotes; both need a fast, specific follow-up while the product is fresh.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 70–90 / m²
Raw space
USD 40–65 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
The organiser publishes per-booth prices: 10x10 $750, 10x20 $1,300, 10x30 $1,800, 10x40 $2,200, 10x50 $2,500; corner and premium booths $850; end caps from $1,700; electricity $50. Per-square-metre figures are derived estimates for comparison only.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · standard
USD 750 / per 10x10 booth
electricity
exhibitor · standard
USD 50 / per booth
hotel
both · mid
USD 130–180 / per night
flight
both · domestic
USD 200–450 / return
visa
both · B-1
USD 185 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | standard | USD 750 / per 10x10 booth | actual | 2026-10-31 |
| electricity | exhibitor | standard | USD 50 / per booth | actual | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 130–180 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| flight | both | domestic | USD 200–450 / return | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | both | B-1 | USD 185 / per person | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip the Upper Midwest Gift Show 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your budget for this trip?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You own or buy for a retail business and want a low-cost regional sourcing trip.
Best for
Independent retailers sourcing new gift, apparel and resort lines
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
2-4 weeks
Risks
Launch-year exhibitor list may be smaller than established shows
March weather can disrupt travel
exhibit
You have a line sheet, show specials and staff to work a three-day floor.
Best for
Wholesale brands, makers and rep groups testing the Upper Midwest
Min. budget
$1,500.00
Timeline
8-12 weeks
Risks
No historical visitor data for the launch edition
Booth availability is capped by product category
skip
You cannot show retail business identification or the show does not fit your product category.
Best for
Public shoppers, service vendors with no retail product and anyone needing audited attendance
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing a new regional show in its launch year
Book with
Canterbury Park Expo Center
The 275,000 sq ft exhibition and event complex on the Canterbury Park campus in Shakopee hosts the 2027 show floor.
Venue named on the official event homepage.
Delta Air Lines
MSP is a Delta hub, giving the strongest nonstop schedule into the Minneapolis-Saint Paul market from U.S. and international origins.
Airline selected as the practical MSP gateway; not named as an event partner.
Shakopee Chamber of Commerce
Local business chamber for Shakopee, useful for area maps, member hotels and regional business contacts.
Local public business body; not named as an event partner.
Minnesota Retailers Association
State retail trade association representing Minnesota retailers, the buyer base this wholesale gift show serves.
State retail association; not named as an event partner.
Recommended providers
Use the official B-1 business visitor guidance and apply early; ESTA is separate.
Upper Midwest Gift Show lodging page
The organiser lists local lodging and special room rates for exhibitors; confirm the code when booking.
MSP is a Delta hub; book 4-6 weeks ahead and compare fares from your origin.
National exhibition freight and customs support; confirm the show's official handler before shipping.
Nationwide (event and business insurance)
Ask for event cancellation and general liability cover; confirm the venue's certificate requirements.
Official state tourism site for Mall of America, Minneapolis and lake-country day trips.
Mobile badge scanning and CRM export; a spreadsheet works for a first show.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
3
References
1
Publishers
3
Date checked
Great Lakes Promotions, LLC
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
