Minnesota Monthly’s Food & Wine Experience
Sponsor & Exhibitor Portal
DATE:
March 2 & 3, 2024
EVENT HOURS:
VIP: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m
General Admission: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION:
Participating in the Grand Vine event?
Click here to review the Grand Vine Sponsor & Exhibitor Portal.
Sponsor & Exhibitor Portal
Welcome to the Food & Wine Experience Sponsor & Exhibitor Portal. Below you will find all the details needed to have a successful and enjoyable experience as a sponsor or exhibitor at the upcoming Food & Wine Experience.
Alcoholic Beverage Sponsors & Exhibitors
If you are serving a beverage at the event, you need to submit the below information by the associated deadline in order to maximize your marketing and event experience.
Please click the header on each section below to access the form or document.
Please submit a copy of your businesses comprehensive insurance policy (COI). Required for all sponsors and exhibitors. Please email it to Jordyn Tayloe | jtayloe@greenspring.com.
DUE: 2/23
If you are going to be sampling an alcoholic beverage or will be adding alcohol to your non-alcoholic product, you must agree to the alcohol sampling agreement and the amount of product that can be poured per serving.
DUE: 2/23
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & DOCUMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOU AS A BEVERAGE SPONSOR OR EXHIBITOR ARE LISTED BELOW:
If you plan to use ice or a garnish in your beverage samples, or make coffee or tea on-site, then you must fill out this form, and I will provide your information to the Minnesota Department of Health permitting office and they will contact you to secure the permit. We will pay for the application fee, so please focus only on getting the needed information to the state.
If you have a Seasonal Food Permit issued by the Minnesota Department of Health, please email it to Rick Krueger at rkrueger@greenspring.com.
The contact with the state that will be reaching out to you is: Jessica Davis | jessica.davis@state.mn.us | 651.201.3961
NOTE: When serving a beverage with ice, you must provide your own ice serving bucket and ice scoop or tongs to serve with. The ice bin provided by the event team is not intended for ice to be served from, but rather to cool cans and bottles of product. The event will supply ice to all beverage vendors.
Hand-Washing Stations: You are required to have hand washing supplies if you are sampling food. They are also available for rental (subject to availability) via the Show Service Order Form. You are responsible for complying with all Minnesota State Health Department regulations of food items.
Special Event Food Stand Requirements | Special Event Food Stand Checklist
MN REVENUE OPERATOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FORM (ST-19)
If you are going to sell any prepackaged non-alcoholic beverage, or sell your brand swag (t-shirts, stickers, etc.) at the event. You must submit an ST-19 form. Please email it to Jordyn Tayloe | jtayloe@greenspring.com.
DUE: 2/23
Cannabis Sponsors & Exhibitors
If you are serving a cannabis product at the event, you need to submit the below information by the associated deadline in order to maximize your marketing and event experience.
Please click the header on each section below to access the form or document.
Please submit a copy of your businesses comprehensive insurance policy (COI). Required for all sponsors and exhibitors. Please email it to Jordyn Tayloe | jtayloe@greenspring.com.
DUE: 2/23
If you are going to be sampling a cannabis product, you must agree to the cannabis sampling agreement and the amount of product that can be served per serving.
DUE: 2/23
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & DOCUMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOU AS A BEVERAGE SPONSOR OR EXHIBITOR ARE LISTED BELOW:
MN REVENUE OPERATOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FORM (ST-19)
If you are going to sell any prepackaged non-alcoholic beverage, or sell your brand swag (t-shirts, stickers, etc.) at the event. You must submit an ST-19 form.Please email it to Jordyn Tayloe | jtayloe@greenspring.com.
DUE: 2/23
Food Sponsors & Exhibitors
If you are serving a food sample at the event, you need to submit the below information by the associated deadline in order to maximize your marketing and event experience.
Please click the header on each section below to access the form or document.
In order to serve your food samples at the event, you must fill out this form, and I will provide your information to the Minnesota Department of Health permitting office and they will contact you to secure the permit. We will pay for the application fee, so please focus only on getting the needed information to the state.
If you have a Seasonal Food Permit issued by the Minnesota Department of Health, please email it to Rick Krueger at rkrueger@greenspring.com.
The contact with the state that will be reaching out to you is: Jessica Davis | jessica.davis@state.mn.us | 651.201.3961
Hand-Washing Stations: You are required to have hand washing supplies if you are sampling food. They are also available for rental (subject to availability) via the Show Service Order Form. You are responsible for complying with all Minnesota State Health Department regulations of food items.
Special Event Food Stand Requirements | Special Event Food Stand Checklist
Please submit a copy of your businesses comprehensive insurance policy (COI). Required for all sponsors and exhibitors. Please email it to Jordyn Tayloe | jtayloe@greenspring.com.
DUE: 2/24
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & DOCUMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOU AS A FOOD SPONSOR OR EXHIBITOR ARE LISTED BELOW:
MN REVENUE OPERATOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FORM (ST-19)
If you are going to sell any prepackaged food, or sell your brand swag (t-shirts, stickers, etc.) at the event. You must submit an ST-19 form. Please email it to Jordyn Tayloe | jtayloe@greenspring.com.
DUE: 2/23
Retail/Services Sponsors & Exhibitors
If you are a retail or services sponsor or exhibitor at the event, you need to submit the below information by the associated deadline in order to maxamize your marketing and event experience.
Please click the header on each section below to access the form or document.
Please submit a copy of your businesses comprehensive insurance policy (COI). Required for all sponsors and exhibitors. Please email it to Jordyn Tayloe | jtayloe@greenspring.com.
DUE: 2/23
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & DOCUMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOU AS A RETAIL / SERVICES SPONSOR OR EXHIBITOR ARE LISTED BELOW:
MN REVENUE OPERATOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FORM (ST-19)
If you are going to sell your brand swag (t-shirts, stickers, etc.) at the event. You must submit an ST-19 form. Please email it to Jordyn Tayloe | jtayloe@greenspring.com.
DUE: 2/23
Load-in and Load-out
LOCATION:
Omni Viking Lakes Hotel is located at the new Viking Lakes sports and recreation development in Eagan, MN. The physical address is Omni Viking Lakes Hotel | 2611 Nordic Way, Eagan, MN 55121.
Load-in and Load-out will be done on the South side of the hotel. Please follow the directional signage when you arrive.
There will be no loading dock load-in/out unless special access is requested. Please contact Rick Krueger | rkrueger@greenspring.com.
TIME:
LOAD-IN:
Thursday, February 29 | 8:30am-5:30pm
Friday, March 1 | 8:30am-2:30pm
Saturday, March 2 | 8:30am-11am
LOAD-OUT:
Sunday, March 4 | 5pm-9pm
EXHIBITOR CHECK-IN:
When you arrive at the venue for load-in, you make your way to the venue entrance. At the venue entrance you will check-in with event staff. You will collect your Exhibitor Staff Badges and you will be directed to your location on the event floor. At this time you may also collect any Show Service Items you may have rented/purchased.
The Exhibitor Check-In location is the same location of our Exhibitor Show Office. This is where you can come with any needs or issues during the event.
Please have your space ready on Saturday, March 4 by 12pm.
EXPECTATIONS:
- You must bring your own dolly/cart for moving your materials to your location.
- All staff must be 21+.
- No children or pets are allowed during load-in/out.
- Please park in the location marked on the map below for load-in/out only.
Important Event Policies and Rules
EXHIBITOR STAFF BADGE POLICY
Quantity: If you have purchased one standard exhibitor table space, you will receive two badges for Saturday and two badges for Sunday. For other exhibitors/sponsors, the number of badges due will be noted on your contract.
Additional Badges: Additional exhibitor badges can be ordered in advance for $45 each (50% discount). Personnel may purchase additional badges on site.
Where to pick-up your badges: BADGES WILL BE PROVIDED DURING LOAD-IN. Additional badged purchased after 2/23 will be held at the Exhibitor Show Office. To claim your badge, present your digital exhibitor ticket or printed receipt.
Badge Guidelines: There are separate badges for Saturday and Sunday use. If a staff member is splitting a shift with someone, it is their responsibility to make arrangements to transfer their badge to that person. Badges lost or stolen will not be replaced. Badges must be displayed at all times inside the event, and will be checked. These badges are intended for staff personnel only. Exhibitors distributing their badge to others will have their badge confiscated.
Wine Glass Voucher: One complimentary wine glass coupon will accompany each badge, which you may redeem inside the venue at the wine glass table near the venue entrance. The voucher is good for one glass only. If a badge is shared, you will NOT be able to obtain a second wine glass.
STAFFING:
Exhibit areas must be staffed during show hours. All of your employees working the show during show hours must be at least 21 years of age. Have photo ID easily accessible.
REMINDER: Anyone 21 and under are prohibited from the show floor at ALL times during the event and during move-in and move-out hours.
YOUR EXHIBIT SPACE:
Your exhibit fee only includes a linen covered table and items explicitly listed on your contract. There is no pipe/drape.
Please review your contract and media kit to detemine the size of your space. If you are not a sponsor, your space will be 8×8.
Ice, ice tub for chilling bottles/cans, water pitchers and refuse buckets will be provided to exhibitors sampling alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Water and ice will be replenished throughout the show as needed. We are supplying all attendees with sampling glasses at the door. You are responsible for providing your own serving utensils, bottle openers, corkscrews, bar rags, product and personnel. If you want to serve your beverages in cups other than the provided glass (e.g. if pre-mixing cocktails), you must provide your own sampling cups. Remember to review any Minnesota Deaprtment of Health requirements if you are securing a temporary food permit.
Restaurant partners are responsible for any cooking equipment, barware, plates, glasses, napkins, etc. You must provide any supplies needed to sample/serve your product. No open flames are allowed, no grills are allowed, no oil fryers are allowed in the venue. Remember to review any Minnesota Deaprtment of Health requirements if you are securing a temporary food permit.
HAND WASHING STATION: You may rent a handwashing station on the Show Service Order Form.
ELECTRICITY: If you need access to electricity, you must purchase it on the Show Service Order Form. Max power available is 120 volt/20 amp max.
EXHIBITOR DISPLAYS & GUIDELINES:
Exhibit Display Restrictions: Please be sensitive of your neighbors when setting up your display table. Show Management reserves the right to adjust your area if you are obstructing your neighbor or isle way.
Tents: No Tents. There can be no blockage between the ceiling sprinklers and your booth area.
Signage / Decorations: All signage materials must look professional and be contained within the realm of your space/table. Decorations may NOT be taped, nailed, tacked, stapled or otherwise fastened to ceilings, doors, floors, walls, glass, columns, painted surfaces, fabric or decorative walls. Pressure-adhesive sticker/decals, gum or similar promotional items cannot be distributed or sold within the event. Decorations must be fireproof, and have proper documentation.
Literature and Noise Restrictions: Interviews, demonstrations, and distribution of literature must be done within the exhibitor’s space. You may not “work the aisles.” Amplified systems, loud music, or other noise which interferes with other exhibitors is prohibited.
Other: Helium balloons and stickers are NOT allowed and they may not be sold, given or distributed within the facility.
GARBAGE & EXCESS PRODUCT:
At the end of your set-up, and at the end of each event day, please place any excess trash neatly in front of your space and the venue staff will remove it.
GIVEAWAYS & DRAWINGS:
You may have an entry box/container in your space for giveaways and drawings. A second entry box/container and entry forms must be placed on an alternate entry table located at the main attendee entrance to the event prior to the start. If the giveaway involves drawings throughout show hours, you are responsible for checking the second entry box for entries prior to conducting any scheduled winner drawings. It is your responsibility to remove the additional entry box from the lobby upon close of the show on Sunday.
Entry boxes must clearly state the rules of your giveaway. If entries will be used to generate contact lists, or if entrants will be contacted or solicited in any way, the entry blank must bear a disclaimer or provide a box for entrants to ‘opt out’ from future communication. Drawings valued over $1,500 must obtain a City license. If your business is a non-profit, you have the option of applying for an exempt permit from the City of Eagan. For more information please contact the Minnesota State Public Safety Gambling Enforcement Agency.
Remember, alcohol cannot be carried out of the event by attendees. It is illegal to give away bottles of alcohol on site!
DELIVERIES:
No early deliveries to the venue are allowed. If you have questions please contact Rick Krueger | rkrueger@greenspring.com.
Marketing Opportunities
Please see below for additional ways to market your brand to the guests at the Food & Wine Experience.
Program and Tasting Notes
PROGRAM AND TASTING NOTES SUBMISSION
Please submit the list of products that you will be sampling at the event. These will be listed in the on-site tasting notes handed out to each guest at the event.
DUE: For Minnesota Monthly Program: 1/22
DUE: For Onsite Printed Program: 2/2
Best Of | Best Value Wine Competition
As an exhibitor in Minnesota Monthly‘s Food & Wine Experience, you are eligible to participate in our Best of Show and Best Value Wine Competition.
One Best of Show entry will be selected in each of the following categories and recognized in the Food & Wine Show Tasting Notes program. You are not limited to the amount of wines you submit into each catagory.
- Sparkling
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Grigio
- Chardonnay
- Fruity
- Imported White
- Cool Climate White (MN or WI)
- Pinot Noir
- Bordeaux Varietal (Cab/Merlot/Malbec/Meritage Style)
- Imported Red
- Cool Climate Red (MN or WI)
- Rose
- Rhone Ranger
- Red Blend
In addition, one Best Value wine will be selected in each of the above categories. Best Value wine entries must retail for $20 and under.
Submission Form & Deadlines
The deadline to submit your competition entries is January 25, 2024. If you would like to participate, please complete this form by the deadline.
Please CLICK HERE to submit the form.
Shipping Information
Please ship 2 bottles of each wine, minimum.
Wines must be shipped separately and clearly identified with appropriate label and must arrive by the shipping deadline.
To prevent a wine from being eliminated because it was “corked”, we recommend that you send two bottles of each entry.
Best of Show and Best Value entries MUST be shipped in separate boxes clearly labeled “Best of Show Wine” or “Best Value Wine.”
Product must arrive by: January 29, 2024
Address for shipping wines:
Food & Wine Experience – Wine Competition
ATTN: Jordyn Tayloe
Greenspring Media
9401 James Avenue S, Suite 152
Bloomington, MN 55431
Please affix the appropriate label to the outside of the package and circle which competition it is being entered into:
Contact Information
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Jordyn Tayloe | jtayloe@greenspring.com
Show Bag
If you wish to insert a brochure or a small premium item into the Food & Wine Experience official show bags, please fill out the Show Bag Insert Form.
You must submit to 3,500 inserts.
The form must be completed by 2/16.
Inserts must be delivered by 2/23.
Shipments of inserts must be:
- Approved by Greenspring Media. We reserve the right to decline proposed inserts if they are excessively large or heavy, or the content is deemed inappropriate;
- Communicated at least 24 hours in advance of delivery to schedule a dock appointment; and
- Clearly marked including quantity of materials & number of boxes.