Jun 17, 2021

Great Lakes EXPO returning to in-person event for 2021

The Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO has announced a return to in-person events in December.

After shifting to a fully virtual format in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EXPO is planning a fully in-person event, with every aspect of the event that attendees and exhibitors have come to know and love — from the trade show floor to the signature educational sessions have included speakers on organic farming.

“Hotel reservations are open, so get your rooms booked! We look forward to being back at DeVos Place and Amway for an in-person EXPO in 2021,” said Greg Bird, of the Michigan Vegetable Council. “Trade show booths can be reserved starting in June and all prior vendors are receiving specific details on how to do this. Attendee registration does not start until Oct. 15, but that will be here soon enough.”

While details are still being finalized for the educational sessions and schedule of events, the dates for the 2021 EXPO are set for Dec. 7-9, 2021.

“The Michigan State Horticultural Society is looking forward to being back in person at the Great Lakes EXPO,” said Ben Smith, executive secretary for the Michigan State Horticultural Society. “A year of virtual meetings has limited grower interactions, but we are planning even more networking opportunities than ever before. Plan to attend to help the Hort Society celebrate its 150th anniversary, browse vendor booths and learn from premier educators.”

The “Genius Bar,” introduced in 2020, also will be returning in 2021, and will be hosted live on-stage. If you have any suggestions for genius bar topics, reach out to the EXPO at glexpo.com. As previously mentioned, returning vendors will begin receiving details on how to start reserving their trade show booths, and attendee registration begins on Oct. 15.

Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under 40 Awards

Celebrate with us as we honor the Class of 2021! A cocktail reception will be followed by a presentation featuring our 40 honorees on 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2021. The event is presented by Organic Grower’s sister magazines, Fruit Growers News and Vegetable Growers News.

Stay tuned to Organic Grower for the latest on upcoming EXPO educational sessions, event schedules and more. For more information on the 2021 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO, visit glexpo.com.