MNPolyCon 2025 Exhibitor/Vendor FAQ

 

MNPolyCon 2025 information

Date — Saturday, April 5, 2025

Location — Mounds View Event Center | 5394 Edgewood Drive, Mounds View, MN 55112

Event time — 9:15AM – 10:00PM

Exhibitor/Vendor load-in hours — 9:00AM – 11:30AM | load-out hours — 9:30PM – 11:00PM

MNPolyCon Market hours — 11:30AM – 9:30PM

Lunch — 11:30AM – 1:30PM | Dinner — 4:30PM – 6:30PM

 

Why should I be an Exhibitor/Vendor?

MNPolyCon is the premier Minnesota Conference dedicated to education and community for the non-monogamous communities. We aim to inspire curiosity, challenge conventional beliefs, and cultivate a better understanding of non-monogamy and related topics. The event is open to everyone interested in Minnesota’s non-monogamous and broader communities. MNPolyCon aims to advance non-monogamy education by fostering an open-minded culture that embraces diverse relationship frameworks and encourages positive societal changes. The space is inclusive and accessible, with gender-neutral restrooms and no threshold doors. Please note that this is an 18+ event.

  • Sell on-site for immediate clients

  • Promote your business, products, and services

  • 6-ft table(s) and chairs provided

  • Opportunity to include products in swag bags

  • Get your business in front of 125+ non-monogamous folks


Application Process

When is the deadline to apply?

Applications close at 11:59PM on Monday, 03/03/2025. They are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Incomplete applications may delay processing or disqualify you from exhibiting or vending. Due to limited table availability, applications close once all tables have sold.

 

What is the application process?

First, complete the Exhibitor/Vendor Agreement & Application. Then, provide a preview of your promotional materials and/or products via website links or by uploading three to five images. Lastly, complete a MN ST-19 form. Applications undergo a comprehensive review process. If accepted, you will receive a link to purchase your table and any add-ons. You will have 72 hours to secure your table and ensure your status as a MNPolyCon 2025 Exhibitor/Vendor.

 

Event

What is the average attendance?

Typically, 100-125 attendees, including presenters. MNPolyCon 2025 goal is 150-200 attendees.

 

Will there be meal breaks during the day?

  • Lunch — 11:30AM – 1:30PM

  • Dinner – 4:30PM – 6:30PM

 

During the meal breaks, attendees can mingle, grab a bite, and shop in the Marketplace. Food trucks will be available and Exhibitors/Vendors are encouraged to utilize them for their meals. 

 

Why is this an 18+ event?

Adult materials, topics, and discussions may be present before, during, and after MNPolyCon. For safety reasons, no one under 18 years old is allowed on the premises under any circumstances, including during pre-event or post-event activities, as well as load-in or load-out periods. 

 

Marketplace/Venue

What is the Marketplace like?

MNPolyCon offers three table configurations for exhibitors and vendors to choose from. The MNPolyCon Market will occupy one-third of the Event Center space. During the event, the Event Center will be divided; however, attendees will have access to the Marketplace from the main hallway. Additionally, there will be a mingling and lunch area in another section of the Event Center that will be open to the Marketplace.

 

What will my table space be like?

Tables and chairs can be rearranged or removed as needed. You are allowed to bring display fixtures, tables, and chairs, as long as they remain within your designated space.

 

When is load-in and load-out?

  • Load-in hours — 9:00AM – 11:30AM

  • Load-out hours — 9:30PM – 11:00PM

Access to the Marketplace will be closed off to attendees during this time. You will have access through a separate entrance to the building. Additional helpers can assist you during those hours. Please remember that attendee registration is from 9:15AM – 10:00AM, and sessions run until 10:00PM, so the building will have more foot traffic during those times.

 

Can I request additional tables and chairs for my table space?

One additional table and two additional chairs may be provided upon request, subject to availability and a corresponding fee.

 

Exhibiting/Vending

What types of items sell well?

Attendees enjoy a diverse range of items! Smaller-ticket items like pins, jewelry, art prints, other trinkets, and handcrafted items, big or small, sell well. Themed products specific to non-monogamy, LGBTQIA+, gender and sexual identity, Black Lives Matter, and marginalized groups and social causes are in demand. 

 

What is the difference between an Exhibitor and a Vendor?

Prior to selecting your table classification, please carefully review this information. The Minnesota Department of Revenue generally interprets “soliciting sales” to encompass a wide range of sales-related activities, such as — accepting pre-orders or payments at an event, taking customer information in order to complete a sale later (e.g., finalizing in-person or online), or providing forms, QR codes, or links that direct someone to make an immediate or near-immediate purchase.

  • Exhibitor tables are designated for individuals or businesses that are not involved in making or soliciting sales at MNPolyCon. Exhibitors are encouraged to engage with attendees and to display and distribute informational, promotional, and marketing materials; however, they are not permitted to make or solicit sales. This option is ideal for those engaged in educational, community, or service-oriented activities, such as community groups, organizations offering free classes, or health and wellness educators.

  • Vendor tables are designated for individuals or businesses that are involved in making or soliciting sales at MNPolyCon. Vendors are also encouraged to engage with attendees and to display and distribute informational, promotional, and marketing materials. This option is ideal for individuals or businesses such as local artisans, crafters, cottage food producers, fashion designers, accessory makers, photographers, and health and wellness providers like mental health therapists, yoga studios, massage therapists, and clinics, as well as those offering classes or coaching.

 

Do Exhibitor/Vendor table fees include entry to MNPolyCon sessions?

These passes DO NOT include entry to MNPolyCon’s sessions, social spaces, continental breakfast, or snacks. If you want to participate in MNPolyCon, you can buy discounted tickets when you purchase your table.

 

How many people are allowed to work in my Exhibitor/Vendor space?

The entry fee includes entry for four people to work in the Marketplace ONLY during the allotted load-in and load-out periods may additional people may assist you.

 

Can I conduct demonstrations at my Exhibitor/Vendor table?

Demonstrations by Exhibitors/Vendors may be considered on a case-by-case basis. To request a demonstration waiver, please contact MNPoly at mnpolycon@gmail.com.

 

Can I sell homemade food products?

Vendors selling homemade food products are required to display clearly visible signage that states, “These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection.” in large print, high contrast, easy to read, basic font. Homemade food products must also be labeled with —

  • Your full name or full business name

  • Address or cottage food registration number

  • Date on which the food item was produced

  • Full list of ingredients (including potential allergens for human foods)

  • The statement, “These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection.”

 

Application

Why do I need to provide examples of my promotional materials and products?

The review process for Exhibitors/Vendors ensures that their promotional materials, products, and services align with the values and messaging of our attendees and MNPoly. It is essential that the selection of Exhibitors/Vendors reflects diversity and inclusivity, showcasing a range of perspectives and offerings at the event. To enhance event security, we verify all Exhibitors/Vendors, which helps minimize the risk of negative experiences for attendees and protects MNPoly’s reputation. This vetting process contributes to a more cohesive and engaging experience for attendees, as thorough screening is more likely to invite exceptional service and foster positive interactions.

 

Why is a MN ST-19 Operator Certificate of Compliance required?

To ensure that we abide by all Minnesota State laws, an ST-19 form must be completed for EACH Exhibitor/Vendor application. Even if you do not have a MN tax ID number, still complete the rest of the form.

 

What if I am not involved in making or soliciting sales?

Select Exhibitor table. Still complete the MN ST-19 Operator Certificate of Compliance and check the box for “I am not making any sales at the event.”

 

Who qualifies for the Sales Tax Exemption Provision?

Individuals or businesses engaging in making or soliciting sales at MNPolyCon 2025 that are NOT required to have a Minnesota Tax ID number, as the items offered for sale are NOT subject to sales tax. To qualify for this provision, you MUST check the box under the Sales Tax Exemption Provision on the Agreement & Application, provide a written statement as to why you qualify, and complete the MN ST-19 Operator Certificate of Compliance accordingly.

 

Who qualifies for the Isolated and Occasional Sales Tax Provision?

Individuals engaging in making or soliciting sales at MNPolyCon 2025 that are not required to have a Minnesota Tax ID number. You must participate in only one event per calendar year, which lasts no more than three days, and your total sales during the calendar year must not exceed $500. Businesses do not qualify for this provision. To qualify for this provision, you MUST check the box under the Isolated and Occasional Sales Tax Provision on the Agreement & Application, provide a written statement as to why you qualify, and complete the MN ST-19 Operator Certificate of Compliance accordingly.