Partner with an award-winning exhibition to engage Minnesotans with environmental ideas, challenges, and inspiration for a better future.
This 12-day exhibition from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) draws nearly 260,000 visitors per year. As one of the most popular buildings at the State Fair, the event draws prominent visitors like Minnesota’s governor, state and federal representatives, business, media and nonprofit leaders, and local Arctic explorers.
Apply to be an exhibitor
Join a virtual informational meeting (November 13 at 10 a.m.) about being an exhibitor at the 2025 Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair.
All prospective exhibitors, including previous exhibitors, must apply through the online application by 5 p.m. on December 2.
This application is for those interested in displaying/exhibiting at the 2025 Eco Experience for the full 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair (Aug. 21-Sept. 1).
Engaging
Visitors spend time asking questions and learning about environmental ideas and the work of the MPCA. One third of the people who come to the Eco Experience are looking for specific information. Other organizations around the country have replicated the exhibit because of its high impact and engagement value. Since 2006, the event has been recognized for its large scope, high integrity, and widespread impact.
Media and social coverage of the exhibition has generated an average of 50 million media impressions every year. In 2024, there were nine television segments, six radio shows and stories, and nearly 20 print and online stories and features published during the Fair. The more than 100 social media posts (includes Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Nextdoor) reached over 150,000 viewers and triggered more than 1,500 engagements.
Media contacts
For story ideas and information, contact MPCA's Stephen Mikkelson at 218-316-3887 or 800-657-3864 (Minnesota toll free).
Collaborative
In addition to the Minnesota State Fair and MPCA, many government, business, and nonprofit partners contribute more than $1 million each year to the event.
2024 exhibitors and major partners
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Blue Thumb Partners
- Center for Global Environmental Education at Hamline University
- Clean Energy Resources Teams
- Firefly Play Environments
- Health Partners
- Metro Transit
- Minnesota Department of Transportation
- Minnesota Department of Commerce
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
- Minnesota Greenstep Cities
- Minnesota Electric Vehicle Owners
- Renewing the Countryside
- Reuse Minnesota
- Tree Care Advisors
- University of Minnesota
- Xcel Energy
Innovative
Partners connect with visitors through creative and interactive experiences and exhibits.
Xcel Energy: Renewable energy and energy efficiency
Learn more about energy efficiency programs like AC Rewards, Home Energy Squad, lighting deals, and more. Visit our tiny house to discover tips and tricks to conserve energy at home. Learn more about what renewable option is right for you by visiting our Renewable Pillar. Practice charging an electric vehicle in our EV Garage. We want to empower visitors to take action and understand that together we can get to a carbon-free future.
Renewing the Countryside: Farmland access, food and economic resilience
Educational and engaging storytelling that speaks to the issues and solutions around farmland preservation and resilience playing out in Minnesota today and what we hope to see in the future. The exhibit will feature hands-on activities for kids to learn more about Minnesota-grown produce, Minnesota farmers and food-makers who will offer samples of their products, daily demonstrations by celebrated Minnesotan chefs who will teach us their favorite recipes using Minnesota ingredients, daily movie and local popcorn nights, and more!
Blue Thumb: Protecting water and pollinators in your backyard
Educational native plant exhibit will help visitors envision their own yards bee-ing a part of the change to support pollinators. Take a stroll through our garden and learn about all the different native plants you can plant in your own yard. Learn how to create pollinator habitats, manage stormwater runoff, and find resources to start a project. Get to know our state pollinators, the Rusty Patched bumblebee and Monarch butterfly, and grab a free button upon completing our pollinator activity.