Commerce 2027

The Made in Montana Trade Show for Food and Gifts is an annual show in Helena, run by the Montana Department of Commerce. Made in Montana food and gift producers sell to retail store buyers on a wholesale day, then to the public on a showcase day.

Commerce 2027

Made in Montana Trade Show for Food and Gifts runs April 16–17, 2027 in Helena.

What it is

The Montana Department of Commerce runs this show under its Made in Montana program, which helps Montana businesses market products that are made, grown or enhanced in the state. It is a two-day show for Made in Montana companies selling souvenirs, gifts, personal care products, clothing and shelf-stable food.

Buyers are Montana retail stores and similar businesses. The organizer says plainly that it is not a retail craft show or a farmers' market: exhibitors must follow wholesale practices and offer wholesale pricing.

Wholesale day and public day

• Friday, April 16 — Wholesale Buyer Day, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Only store buyers purchasing goods for resale may attend. Buyers must own, manage or buy for a retail store, shop, restaurant or similar business and bring documentation such as a business card or invoice. Each business may register up to four buyers. Buyer registration opens January 8, 2027, and buyers can also register at the door.
• Saturday, April 17 — Public Showcase Day, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The floor opens to the public, and exhibitors sell at retail. Admission and parking are free.

Exhibitors must staff both days. Independent judges walk the floor on Friday for the booth awards, which include Best in Show, Best in Show – New Exhibitor and Retailer of the Year.

For exhibitors

Only Made in Montana members who joined at least six months before October 1, 2026 can exhibit. The 2027 application is open October 1–31, 2026. It is free to apply, and places are not first come, first served: a selection committee reviews every application and notifies accepted exhibitors by email after November 20, 2026.

Only Made in Montana products may be shown or promoted. Booths are 10 by 10 feet in a stair-step layout, and an exhibitor may take at most two.