FAQs for Commonly Asked Questions and Answers about MD&M Midwest
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Exhibitor FAQs
Dedicated to making the exhibitor experience as quick, easy, and rewarding as possible, we have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to address any queries or concerns you may have as an exhibitor. We are committed to providing you with the guidance and support necessary to make the most of your participation.
Covering topics from general inquiries to travel to questions specific to your needs as an exhibiting company, this is your go-to resource for all the frequently asked questions about our event.
How can I become an exhibitor?
The process to join over 575 leading manufacturers on the expo floor at 2025 event can be accomplished through just three easy steps. Visit our Become an Exhibitor page to learn more and submit your registration form.
What is the cost per square foot to exhibit?
Pricing varies between show brand and booth options. To get in touch with a sales representative to discuss booth and pricing options and availability, email us at [email protected] or call us at 844-826-6466.
What is the cancellation policy for exhibitors?
The cancellation policy is outlined in your booth contract. You can also contact your sales representative if you have any questions on the cancellation policy.
Is there a payment schedule I can follow?
The payment schedule is outlined in the terms of your contract with the corresponding dates listed. In general, 30% is due 12-9 months out from the show, 60% is due 9-6 months out from the show, and 100% is due 6 months out from the show.
What are the target move-in and move-out dates?
These are provided in the Exhibitor Portal closer to show time.
Are there any booth regulations that exhibitors need to follow?
Once available, please read and fill out our booth review form to see if your booth is compliant with display and safety rules and regulations. The booth review form can be accessed in your Exhibitor Portal.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
Who are the official service vendors for the show?
Click here for a list of official service vendors.
How do I know which show sector is right for me?
Our Why Exhibit page gives you access to our individual exhibitor sector pages, each with their own statistics and information about the products, industries, and companies visiting. Click here to discover each trade show and find which one best fits your business. To speak with a sales representative, email us at [email protected].
How many badges do we receive with our booth?
You can receive up to 10 badges per 10x10 booth upon arriving at the event. If you go over your 10 badge limit, however, there will be an additional cost for any extras. If you lose your badge during the event, you can pick up a new one at any of our Registration desks at the convention center.
How can an exhibiting company get more exposure before/at the show?
Visit our Sponsorship & Marketing Opportunities & Why Exhibit pages and check back to learn more about all the pre-event and onsite marketing opportunities to maximize your exposure at the event. Call us at 866-267-7339 or email at [email protected] to learn more about all the curated pre-event and post-event promotions that take your marketing to the next level. You may also email our Sponsorship team at [email protected].
What is included in the basic online exhibitor directory listing, and how can I upgrade?
To upgrade your basic listing to a featured listing Smart Bundle that includes three licenses for the onsite lead retrieval app, upgraded listing status on the website and mobile app and more, please reach out to the sponsorship team at [email protected].
How can I improve my priority point standing?
Each exhibitor gets 1 priority point for every year they exhibit plus 1 point for every $3,500 spent in that year’s event. These accrue yearly. You can also apply the money spent on our media products towards your event points for the show at the same 1 point for every $3,500 spent.
Who should I contact regarding speaking opportunities?
The deadline for submitting theater or conference speaking proposals is yet to be announced. To inquire about speaking opportunities, reach out to Marissa Ray at [email protected]. For sponsored speaking opportunities, please reach out to the sponsorship team at [email protected].
How do I become a sponsor?
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for our upcoming event, please reach out to our sponsorship sales team at [email protected].
How do I become a partner?
To learn more about becoming an association or organization partner, please reach out to Suzanne Deffree at [email protected].
If you’re interested in becoming a media partner, please contact Ed Hurley at [email protected].
How do I market my booth at MD&M Midwest?
Our new Exhibitor Guest Invites Program is a free, and fully customized, pre-show marketing service. The program is a complimentary, convenient resource designed to provide everything you need to promote your presence at MD&M Midwest 2025, while inviting your colleagues and prospects to register as your guests. The program includes: an exclusive promo code, personalized banner graphics, ready-to-send HTML email invites, web invites, and social media tools. The link to your customized dashboard will be emailed to your primary exhibit contact and will be available in your Exhibitor Portal.
Who is eligible for a Supplier Pass?
Supplier Passes are available to OEMs, medical device firms, and similar professionals. Eligibility is reviewed.
When/where does this event take place?
This show will take place on October 21–22, 2025 at Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN.
What are the hours of the event?
As of January 6, 2024, and subject to change, this event hosts:
Expo Hours:
Tuesday, October 21, 2025: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
MD&M Conference Hours:
Tuesday, October 21, 9 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22, 9 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Registration Hours:
Monday, October 20, 2025: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
How much does it cost to attend?
Qualified attendees may register for free through September 22. Expo passes cost $49 from September 23 through October 20, and $199 onsite.
For those looking to expand their knowledge and advance their careers, we offer conference pass options and pricing. Visit the Passes and Pricing page for full details.
Where is registration and badge pickup located?
The registration and badge pick-up areas will be situated in the lobbies of the Minneapolis Convention Center, outside the expo halls. For Exhibitor Badge information, please view the Exhibitor FAQs.
Is there an extra charge to attend the keynotes or show floor education?
- Open-to-all sessions and keynotes are included in all passes for this event. Click here for the complete schedule.
- Beyond show-floor education and keynotes, this event’s conference pass options give you exclusive business and industry insights from some of the top manufacturing professionals spearheading the innovations of the future. Click here to view the conference sessions and visit the Passes and Pricing page for admission details.
When should I pick up my badge?
The busiest times for attendee badge pick-up are during the morning on the two days of the show between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. To avoid wait times, we recommend arriving 30 minutes before the expo floor opens or before the first education session you plan to attend.
For Exhibitor Badge information, please view the Exhibitor FAQs.
Is there a dress code?
There is no stated dress code to attend MD&M Midwest 2025; however, we do recommend that you dress professionally to make the best impression on your potential business partners. Due to the high amount of walking on the show floor, we encourage wearing comfortable shoes, as well.
Can children attend the show?
For safety, insurance, and security reasons, no one under the age of 18 is permitted in the expo halls. Please note that there are no childcare services available onsite.
Animal Policy — Animals are not allowed at the event. The only exception is for service dogs, which must be kept under control at all times.
Are there any accessibility and parent accommodations?
The City of Minneapolis goes to great lengths to be an accessible city, for information on accessibility throughout the city, please review Meet Minneapolis' Accessibility Guide.
- ADA Accommodations:
For any ADA services or accommodations you may require, please contact us at 310-445-4273. Kindly note that requests made within two weeks may pose challenges in fulfillment. We appreciate your understanding. - Service Animals:
MD&M Midwest and Minneapolis Convention Center welcome working guide and service animals into all public areas of the building. Water filling stations are located throughout the building. Accessible toileting is available outside on the Urban Meadow Plaza. - Lactation Lounges:
There are two lactation lounges available in the Minneapolis Convention Center. If you need access to this, please visit the MCC Visitor Information Center or call their Command Center at 612-335-6040 for assistance.
How do I get on the mailing list for next year’s event?
If you register for one of our shows, you will be added to the mailing list for that event and will receive information regarding next year's show as it becomes available. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for our other events, complete the online registration inquiry form for that event. You'll find the complete list of all events at findmanufacturingbuyers.com. To be removed from our mailing list, please email [email protected] and specify the show(s) from which you would like to be removed.
Where can I find a detailed list of exhibitors?
Click here for a detailed exhibitor list. Other options include the Event Dashboard and the mobile app when they become available. These options will include the exhibitor list with products and services listed, white papers and more. Stay tuned for this information coming shortly.
Will food & beverages be available at the event?
Concessions will be located in the front of Halls C/D/E. Concession stands inside the hall will be open at 10 a.m. each show day. Dunn Brothers in the convention center’s main lobby is open at 7 a.m. every day. For exact locations of the concession areas on the show floor, please view the Floor Plan in the Event Dashboard and mobile app.
Is there a coat check?
Yes, a coat/luggage check will be available in the MCC Main Lobby, behind the Visitor’s Information Counter, on Tuesday, and Wednesday. Note: There is a $5 per item fee.
Where is first aid?
There is a First Aid station & EMT located in the convention center’s main lobby, behind Dunn Bros Coffee, for any medical assistance needed during the event.
What if I lost an item?
Lost & Found information will become available closer to the show.
Is there a press room for media attendees?
For members of the press, the Press Room will be located in Room XXX.
Where can I find additional services and facilities?
- Pick-up/Drop-Off: Ride-shares (e.g., Lyft and Uber), public transportation (e.g., bus), and accessibility pick-up and drop-off locations are located in front of the Minneapolis Convention Center on 2nd Avenue South.
- Taking the Bus: Metro Transit Trip Planner Buses and taxis are readily available at the MCC. Use Metro Transit's Trip Planner for easy door-to-door directions for buses and light-rail trains.
Free bus rides are available at Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis and to and from the Minneapolis Convention Center. The free service on selected routes between Grant Street and Washington Avenue is offered on buses marked "Free Ride." Other buses on Nicollet – and all within the Downtown Zone – charge 50¢. Free-ride buses leave every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 to 30 minutes on weekends. Buses on Nicollet stop every other block between 5th and 13th Streets.
Is Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis now called MD&M Midwest?
Yes, we are changing the name of the Midwest's largest annual end-to-end design and manufacturing event from Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis to MD&M Midwest.
Originally co-located as MD&M Minneapolis, ATX Minneapolis, D&M Minneapolis, Plastec Minneapolis, and MinnPack, we are breaking down the barriers and introducing one unified event that features interconnected industry sectors such as MedTech, Automation, Design & Manufacturing, Plastics, and Packaging.
Our special focus on your specialty is not changing. One MD&M unites a community of multiple special interests who all share a single goal – to advance their knowledge, contacts and progress in the world of high specification advanced manufacturing.
Where can I rent a wheelchair?
The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) rents both power-operated vehicles (scooters) and manual wheelchairs at the Visitor Information Center located in the main lobby. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
- Equipment should be returned to the Visitor Information Center each day.
- Payment: The MCC only accepts Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Checks and cash are not accepted.
- Rates: Scooters are $50 per day. Wheelchairs are $20 per day.
How do I file an incident report with security?
If you see something suspicious at the event or have an item you believe might be stolen, our enhanced security measures make it quick and easy to file a report with convention center security to make sure your concerns are looked after. Security office location to be disclosed closer to the event.
I’m having trouble with my mobile phone, what do I do?
Here are some helpful links to help with troubleshooting your mobile device:
If you require additional assistance, please head over to our Registration Customer Service counter at the Minneapolis Convention Center lobby, and one of our staff will be able to assist you.
What is the Event Dashboard?
Open when registration opens and six weeks after the live event, registered attendees can access their Event Dashboard, available on the Apple Store, Google Store, and on your web browser.
This virtual component gives you more opportunities to explore our event and its features, connect with exhibitors, attendees, speakers, and advance your engineering solutions.
Your dashboard includes exhibitor profiles, networking and meeting features, a personalized show agenda, downloadable resources, and much more.
How can I access the Event Dashboard on the web?
Use your registration confirmation number, found in your registration email titled “Your MD&M Midwest Attendee Registration Confirmation” to set up your My Show Planner account and personalize your event experience. Click here to access your dashboard.
How do I download the mobile app?
Download the mobile app by searching “MD&M Midwest” in your app store once it goes live. Links to the app will be provided closer to the event.
What features can I expect with the Event Dashboard web platform/mobile app?
Your Event Dashboard includes:
- Exhibitor Profiles: Research suppliers and technology vendors.
- Networking and meeting features: connect with other attendees, speakers, and arrange meetings with exhibitors ahead of the live event.
- My Show Planner: Create your personal show agenda by adding exhibitors, products, and educational sessions to your planner for the most efficient onsite experience.
- Downloadable white papers and product information.
- A selection of presentations in the Session Library, and much more!
Where can I find information about the speakers and education sessions?
Click here for a list of conference sessions.
Click here for a list of open-to-all sessions.
Click here for a list of Midwest Manufacturing Leadership Summit sessions.
Click here for information on keynotes.
Click here for a list of speakers.
How do I become a speaker at the event?
To inquire about speaking opportunities, reach out to Marissa Ray at [email protected].
What networking/special events can I attend?
We offer a variety of fun and engaging networking events throughout the trade show to keep you entertained including themed Meet-Ups, curated 1:1 Speed Networking tailored to key manufacturing sectors, Conference Networking Lunches, Booth Crawls and a Welcome Reception. Click here to visit our Networking & Experiences page to learn more.
During the day, we offer our Conference Networking Lunches. When you’re ready to wind down after a long first day on the show floor, stop by for some free refreshments and music at our Booth Crawl and Welcome Reception. Check back to visit our Networking & Experiences page to learn more.
Can I attend educational sessions at MD&M Midwest?
Absolutely! MD&M Midwest offers a variety of educational opportunities:
- Free Education: Several educational sessions are presented throughout the event at our show floor theaters. These sessions cover various topics relevant to the event and are free to attend for all expo visitors.
- MD&M Conference: For a more in-depth learning experience, MD&M Midwest offers a multi-track conference alongside the expo. These tracks cover a wider range of topics and require a conference pass type.
What are the conference and free education hours during the event?
Conference Hours:
Tuesday, October 21, 9 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22, 9 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Free Education Hours:
Tuesday, October 21, 2025: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Subject to change.
Where can I find more information about the conference?
Click here for an overview of the MD&M Conference.
Click here for the full agenda for the MD&M Conference.
Click here for a list of open-to-all sessions.
What kind of sessions will be offered at MD&M Midwest?
MD&M Midwest offers a variety of educational sessions, keynotes, and panels covering the latest trends and innovations in manufacturing. Click here for a complete list of sessions.
Is breakfast and lunch included with my Conference Pass?
- Breakfast is not included with the Conference Pass.
- Lunch is included and provided daily for conference pass holders and will be served on the exhibit hall floor.
- We also invite all pass holders to join our 30th Anniversary Welcome Reception on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
When and where are the Keynotes?
Click here for information on keynotes.
When and where is the Booth Bar Crawl Networking event?
Mingle with fellow attendees and exhibitors while unwinding during the Booth Crawl Networking Event! Click here for details.
When and where is the 30th Anniversary Welcome Reception?
Join us for a celebratory kick-off to MD&M Midwest and the future of manufacturing at the 30th Anniversary Welcome Reception!
- Tuesday, October 21 from 5 – 6:30 p.m., Click here for details.
What is the address to the Minneapolis Convention Center?
Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403 USA
How do I get to the expo?
There’s an easy route no matter how you plan to arrive. Check the convention center site for details on how to arrive by foot, metro, car, or bicycle, plus parking information.
Can you recommend a hotel?
Hotel details will be posted as the event approaches, please check back periodically on our Travel page to learn more and secure your hotel room.
What airport should I fly into?
The nearest airport to the Minneapolis Convention Center is the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).
Do you offer airline discounts?
In partnership with major airlines, we will provide travel discount codes as we approach the event. Visit our Travel page to learn more.
Where can I park?
The Minneapolis Convention Center has partnered with four City of Minneapolis parking structures, learn more here.
Will there be a shuttle bus service to the convention center?
There will not be an event-provided, complimentary shuttle service between the Minneapolis Convention Center and the hotels listed on our Travel page. However, free bus rides are available at Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis and to and from the Minneapolis Convention Center. The free service on selected routes between Grant Street and Washington Avenue is offered on buses marked "Free Ride." Other buses on Nicollet – and all within the Downtown Zone – charge 50¢. Free-ride buses leave every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 to 30 minutes on weekends. Buses on Nicollet stop every other block between 5th and 13th Streets.
I will require an invitation letter to obtain my visa to enter the United States. What do I need to do?
Requests for a visa invitation letter are available during the registration process.
Are there any places to park and charge my electric vehicle (EV) near the convention center?
Yes, you have an option for charging your EV:
- MPLS Parking — Leamington: Minneapolis offers 8 EV charging stations in the Leamington Parking Ramp structure that is connected to the Minneapolis Convention Center via the Skyway. To use one of the EV charging stations you must have an account through ChargePoint.
Can you suggest dining options?
Absolutely! Minneapolis offers a variety of dining options. Check them out here.
Where is the rideshare pick-up/drop-off location?
The designated area for ride-share services is located in front of the Minneapolis Convention Center on 2nd Avenue South.