Exhibitor Food Preparation and Sampling Guidelines

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Exhibitor Food & Beverage Sampling and Preparation Guidelines

Food and beverage samplings are limited to companies that manufacture, process and/or distribute products being sampled.

  • Complete a Short-Term Food Permit application >.
  • Give your application and fee to your show management three weeks before your event begins.
  • Exhibitors who would like to distribute samples must meet requirements on the application and Minneapolis Convention Center regulations, no exceptions.
  • Food and/or beverage samples may only be distributed directly from an exhibit booth, within the show floor exhibit space.
  • Exhibitors are required to support the efforts of Kelber Catering and the Minneapolis Convention Center to reduce waste by providing ALL compostable sampling containers and serviceware.
  • Minneapolis Convention Center offers hand washing stations and three-compartment sinks for rent; please contact your event coordinator.
  • Kelber Catering has chemical and paper products along with three compartment sink cleaning services; please contact your catering coordinator for fees.

Food and beverage samples are not to exceed:

  • Food portions – 2 ounces
  • Non-alcoholic beverages – 5 ounces

Alcoholic beverage sampling
In order to sample beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages exhibitors must be a grower, wholesaler, or distributor of products being sampled. Exhibitor must contact Kelber Catering in advance for fees and regulations involved with sampling under Kelber Catering’s liquor license. Kelber Catering retains the right of final approval on the dispensing of beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages by exhibitors.

Sampling size guidelines:

  • Wine – 1.5 ounce
  • Beer – 3 ounce
  • Liqueur or Cordials – .75 ounce
  • Distilled Spirits – .50 ounce

CONSUMABLE*/NON-CONSUMABLE* FOOD & BEVERAGE SALES on the show floor

The MCC and its exclusive caterer Kelber Catering, maintain the exclusive rights for all consumable/non-consumable food & beverage sales on Minneapolis Convention Center property including the facility, outdoor Plaza, surrounding sidewalks, marshalling yard and any other space under direct control of the Minneapolis Convention Center.  Consumable products must be pre-packaged and have a minimum price of $21.00 (subject to change without notice) per smallest saleable unit to be sold by exhibitors and/or Permittee. Please consult your catering sales representative for current minimum price.

*CONSUMABLE PRODUCT DEFINITION is any product that may potentially be opened and consumed on site (e.g. pretzels, candies, popcorn, cookies, etc.).

*NON-CONSUMABLE PRODUCT DEFINITION is a product which is not readily consumed as is (e.g. sauces, uncooked pasta, drink mixes, food mixes, spices, etc.).

In need of additional information?
Please call 612-335-6045 or email us for additional information.