MarketPlace: Opening Doors to Success business conference is a comprehensive two-day event focused on energizing small businesses and rural communities, supporting potential or existing entrepreneurs and helping community and economic development leaders build their communities. The 2012 South Dakota MarketPlace will be held October 9-10, 2012 at the Crossroads Hotel & Huron Event Center. DOWNLOAD the Save the Date poster or the REGISTRATION FORM and pass it on to anyone who might be interested in attending.
The goal of MarketPlace is to increase the understanding and importance of economic development through the exchange of information, ideas and success stories. We want to connect entrepreneurs, farmers/ranchers, community and economic development leaders and small business owners to help improve the skills necessary to make informed decisions to achieve greater prosperity in living and financial assets.
Conference Information
Find information on who is speaking at MarketPlace, exhibitors, the agenda, facility map and a map of the Resource Zone.
Local Foods
MarketPlace is looking for proposals to provide local food grown and produced on South Dakota family farms and ranches to serve at conference events. We're looking for as many local items as possible, even down to the eggs, butter and flour if possible. We're not asking for specific items. We'll base our menus around what is available from local producers. CLICK HERE for more information on the local foods portion of MarketPlace and to fill out the Request for Proposal.
MarketPlace Store
MarketPlace Store is an opportunity for attendees of MarketPlace to showcase and sell their South Dakota Made Products. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to introduce your product to a whole new audience.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Exhibitor & Sponsorship Information
Why Sponsor or Exhibit?
As a Sponsor and/or Exhibitor at MarketPlace, you will have the opportunity to network with potential customers, create awareness, enhance brand loyalty and visibility, drive sales and educational sessions to gain knowledge of the issues affecting rural small business owners and assist in developing solutions which will meet the needs of your target audience.
MarketPlace offers 50 exhibitor booths
The Resource Zone (Exhibit Hall) is located at the Huron Event Center, in the Dakota A Ballroom. The exhibit hall is carpeted.
Gain Exposure
As many as 350 participants will attend the 2nd annual MarketPlace conference. Attendees include those considering starting a business, entrepreneurs and young entrepreneurs, existing business owners, home-based businesses, farmers and ranchers, ag producers, authors, educators, economic and community developers, community leaders and service providers.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE EXHIBITOR AND SPONSORSHIP PACKET
If you're interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities or exhibit space contact Leslie Rupiper Morrow, Sponsorship Committee Chair, with any questions: (605) 940-9070 or lrupiper@sdfu.org
2011 MarketPlace
The first ever South Dakota MarketPlace was held July 26-27, 2011 at the Huron Event Center. The conference featured strong, hands-on learning opportunities for potential and existing business owners including on an off farm/ranch, store front or home based, women and multicultural owned businesses; community leaders; and youth interested in entrepreneurship. Couldn't make it to MarketPlace? Check out the video below to see what you missed, and learn why you should be there this October!