Making It In Michigan 2025
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Lansing Center
333 E Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933
CONFERENCE
This is for conference registration only. Being a vendor at the trade show requires a separate registration and fee. The trade show has FREE general admission to walk the trade show.
*NOTE: Registered vendors WILL receive a code in their vendor confirmation email to allow them to register for the conference free of charge.
Want to learn more about making your business more efficient and profitable? This half-day conference features a keynote, two panels and two short educational speakers. The conference will ignite your entrepreneurial business and take it to the next level of success. For more details, see the agenda on our website. Conference participant check-in will begin Wednesday, May 7 at 7:30 a.m. with the conference beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 11 a.m. The Trade Show begins at 11 a.m.
Join us the evening before the conference on Tuesday, May 6 for a casual reception from 5:30-8:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to network with MSU Product Center staff and other food entrepreneurs in Michigan as you view the Michigan Good Food Fund pitch event final round.
Conference Cost: $40.00
Registration Ends: April 30, 2025
MSU Burgess Institute Students: See advisor
Student Scholarship Opportunity: Michigan-based students are welcome to apply for a scholarship to attend the Making It In Michigan Conference. The scholarship reduces the registration fee by 25%. Students should submit an application through the application button below. Scholarships are limited to the first five students who apply.
Conference Cancellation Policy: Conference cancellations prior to April 16, 2025, will be refunded less a $20 processing fee. Cancellations on or after April 16, 2025, will not be eligible for a refund.
TRADE SHOW
This is for vendor registration only. The conference is a separate registration and fee. The Trade Show has FREE general admission to walk the trade show.
*NOTE: Registered vendors WILL receive a code in their vendor confirmation email to allow them to register for the conference free of charge.
The Trade Show is in partnership with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and serves an opportunity for food entrepreneurs to attract retail buyers for wholesale accounts. Although sales to the public are allowed, this is not the focus of the event and vendors are encouraged not to register if that is critical to their attendance. Vendors will receive a 10' x 10' booth to showcase their product, and make connections with potential distributors, retailers and industry partners. Booth assignments will be based on 1) the order in which vendor registration payments are received and 2) the most optimal booth location available. Assignments will be announced the week prior to the trade show. Register and pay early in order to maximize your booth's location!
Vendor Check-In and Set-Up: Tuesday, May 6, 5-8 p.m. and Wednesday, May 7, 7-10:30 a.m. Again, the Trade Show will be open to the public at 11 a.m.
Join us the evening before the conference on Tuesday, May 6 for a casual reception from 5:30-8:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to network with MSU Product Center staff and other food entrepreneurs in Michigan as you view the Michigan Good Food Fund pitch event final round.
Items to Note as a Vendor:
- You must be a Michigan corporation OR an out-of-state corporation that processes in Michigan.
- Proof of a processing licensing will be required when registering. Michigan companies processing out-of-state must show proof of Michigan incorporation.
- No Cottage Food Law vendors are eligible.
- Beer and Wine Vendors: The Lansing Center REQUIRES sampling and sourcing your product for an additional fee. This will be organized by the Lansing Center.
- No CBD and Cannabis products for display or sale at this event.
- No Liquor/Spirits products for display or sale at this event.
Trade Show Vendor Booth Cost: $225
Beer and Wine Product Registration Ends: March 14, 2025
All Vendor Registration Ends: April 23, 2025
Vendor Cancellation Policy: Vendor cancellations BEFORE April 16, 2025, will be refunded less a $50 processing fee. Cancellations on or after April 16, 2025, will not be refunded.
For more information about both the conference and trade show, please visit the Making It In Michigan website.
The trade show has FREE general admission to walk the trade show!
Conference Registration for The Making It In Michigan 2025 Conference is open.
Conference Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 30, 2025.
The application for The Making It In Michigan Student Scholarship is open.
The application closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 23, 2025.
There are 4 openings available.
Trade Show Vendor Registration for The Making It In Michigan 2025 Trade Show is open.
Trade Show Vendor Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 23, 2025.
Accommodations
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.