Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association

Set-up

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 4, 2026: 8:00am-11:00am
Location: Radisson Blu, Mall of America: 2100 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN 55425

Exhibit Hall on 2nd Level: Assigned tables; Please begin set up at your assigned table. Check in with Bonnie at the registration table near the Skybridge if you're unsure of where to find your table. Map located here
Table Details: 80" x 24" table with black spandex linens and 2 chairs (additional chairs available upon request).
Using a Cart? Use the hotel's loading dock (not the main entrance) for loading in and loading out. See loading dock instructions.

Takedown

Date/Time: Thursday, February 5, 2026: 2:30pm-3:00pm. Please do not begin before 2:30pm and be packed up be 3:00pm.

Booth Assignments

Please click below to find your booth assignment

Find Here

Please click below to reference map of exhibit hall

Map of Exhibit Hall

Shipping Information

You may ship items to the hotel if needed.

Find out How

Exhibiting Hours

Wednesday, February 4th: 11:00am-5:00pm
Thursday, February 5th: 7:00am-2:30/3:00pm

Please keep your booth open during all scheduled exhibit hours-we are expecting 450-475 attendees this year.

Scheduled Attendee Viewing Times

Wednesday, February 5

11:00-11:45am
2:00-2:30pm
3:30-3:45pm
4:45-5:00pm

Thursday, February 6

9:30-10:00am
11:00-11:15am
2:00/2:30-3:00pm

Signage

Exhibitors are responsible for providing signage for tables. Business partners will be provided with a flag indicating their status.

Prizes and Giveaways

Bingo

Attendees collect stickers from exhibitors.
Stickers will be provided in your folder.
Prizes include several $100 Amazon gift cards and a grand prize getaway to Breezy Point Resort in Northern Minnesota.

Crystal Apple Hunt

Eight hidden apples daily throughout the exhibit hall/tables (shh--don't tell anyone if you see them!)
Attendees return apples to the registration desk for $25 Amazon gift cards.

From Exhibitors

Promote giveaways on the Whova app (95% of attendees use it)
Bring materials for drawings (i.e. slips, box)
Submit winners' slips (provided in your folder) to the prize board by 11:45am on Thursday located by the registration table
Gifts must comply with the gift ban statute--present the prize to the school or staff, not to the principal.

Break Room

Need a break? Not a problem! Head over to the Exhibitor Break Room for a snack.

See Break Room

A/V, Electrical, WiFi Needs

Free WiFi is available throughout the exhibit hall
Power strips and extension cords will be available, please see Bonnie if you need one.
See AVEX pricing for additional needs
If you have additional needs, please email Bonnie, (bonnie@mespa.net) and Grady (Grady.Gillan@goavex.com) to request services
Requests are due January 21, 2026.

Boost Your Booth Traffic

Set up your profile on the Whova app to:

Upload videos or brochures
Schedule demos or info sessions.
Offer coupons or raffles.
Exhibitor Guide linked here

Invitations to download the app will be sent early to mid January (please check your spam folder as this will be coming from Whova)

Parking

Parking available at the Mall of America and Radisson Blu.

See Overnight Rules

Hotel Reservations

Special exhibitor rate
Reserve by January 14, 2026 online or call 800-333-3333 and mention the MESPA Institute 2026 block.

Reserve a Room

Security

24/7 camera surveillance over public spaces (foyers, hallways, elevator banks, restaurant, lobby, etc.)
Regular patrols throughout the hotel
Take valuables home or to your room overnight.
Banners, paper and tablecloths are usually left overnight.

MESPA is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization

1970 Oakcrest Avenue, Suite 204
Roseville, Minnesota, 55113
952.297.8670