Expo 2031 Minnesota

What Expo 2031 Minnesota does

Expo 2031 Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation (EIN 39-3281672) founded in 2023 to organize and host America's first A1 International Horticultural Exposition, scheduled as a six-month global event in Dakota County, Minnesota from May through October 2031. The organization serves three principal customer cohorts: international nation-state delegations (60–80 countries expected to design and operate national pavilions and gardens), enterprise Investor Partners across seven mandated sectors (Agriculture, Energy, Water, Health & Wellbeing, Future Technology, Tourism & Gateways, and Horticulture), and the general public visitors (4–6+ million projected) attending the exposition. Governance is delivered through the Global Horticulture Council, an advisory and partner-recruiting body with 50+ founding members, chaired across sector committees and convened via quarterly in-person Expo Connect events and monthly LinkedIn Live sessions.

The core product is the exposition itself, anchored by five climate-zone biodomes (Arid, Tropical, Temperate, Continental, and North Star) featuring curated living horticultural collections, a 29,000-square-foot USA Pavilion designed by BRC Imagination Arts around Land, Water, and Sky elemental forces, a pollinator-shaped central lake, and a horticultural IoT infrastructure comprising air, soil, biodiversity, and microclimate sensors feeding a real-time environmental dashboard. A unified digital twin is planned to connect energy, water, mobility, buildings, and public space across the future living district. Adjacent initiatives include the Global Pollinator Network (technology partnership with HiveTracks), the Wiggli the Honey Bee mascot program, and the Future Living District — a post-event mixed-use, technology-enabled neighborhood intended to operate long after the 2031 event closes.

The business model is fully privately funded through a $971 million budget, with revenue anticipated across four streams: private investment and partner contributions (Founding and Investor Partners exchange capital for naming rights, showcase footprints, and legacy recognition), visitor ticket sales during the six-month exposition, sponsor and hospitality activations (food and beverage, retail, events within the expo grounds), and legacy district real estate and licensing revenues from the post-2031 Future Living District. Pricing for visitor admission, partner sponsorship tiers, and supplier arrangements is not publicly disclosed. The go-to-motion is event-driven and consultative, with enterprise sales led by the CEO and GHC leadership engaging sovereign nations, multi-national corporations, U.S. state agencies, and institutional investors. The expo operates under both AIPH A1 international classification and U.S. federal approval, providing a regulatory and reputational foundation distinct from typical event-driven businesses.

Name

Expo 2031 Minnesota

Legal name

Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA

Website

https://expo2031.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Expo 2031 Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizing America's first A1 International Horticultural Exposition, a six-month global event scheduled for May–October 2031 in Dakota County, Minnesota, serving nation-state delegations, global horticulture and technology partners, and millions of visitors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Horticultural Exposition

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional & Certification Expos Organizers (THAHABAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pavilion & Country/Group Exhibit Build-Outs (THAHAHAD), Environment, Climate & Sustainability Congresses (THAHAJAH)

Keywords

• Horticultural exposition
• International expo events
• World fair organization
• Event management services
• Public garden exhibitions

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Private Investment & Partner Contributions: Expo 2031 is funded entirely through private investment. Founding Partners and Investor Partners provide capital contributions in exchange for naming rights, showcase footprints, zone anchoring opportunities, and permanent recognition within the legacy site. The private development model is designed to reduce public cost and risk.
2. Visitor Revenue & Ticket Sales: Revenue generated from admission tickets to the six-month exposition (May–October 2031). With projections of 4–6+ million visitors, ticket sales represent a significant revenue stream.
3. Sponsor & Hospitality Activation: Revenue from partner activations, hospitality experiences, food & beverage concessions, retail, and events within the expo grounds. Partner brands showcased in climate zones and pavilions generate commercial activation income.
4. Legacy District Real Estate & Licensing: Following the expo (post-2031), the site transitions to a Future Living District generating long-term economic value through mixed-use real estate development, innovation labs, R&D spaces, and ongoing licensing/deal/revenue streams.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Expo 2031 Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizing America's first A1 International Horticultural Exposition, scheduled for May through October 2031 in Dakota County, Minnesota. The organization develops and operates a six-month world-class event featuring the USA Pavilion, five climate-zone biodomes, national pavilions for 60-80 participating countries, and a Global Pollinator Network initiative, with the site transitioning to a Future Living District post-expo.

Product overview

Expo 2031 Minnesota is America's first A1 International Horticultural Exposition - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizing a six-month world-class event in Dakota County from May-October 2031. The portfolio consists of the core Expo event itself, featuring the USA Pavilion (a 29,000-square-foot national showcase designed by BRC Imagination Arts around Land, Water, and Sky themes), five climate zone biodomes (Arid, Tropical, Temperate, Continental, and North Star), and the Global Pollinator Network initiative with HiveTracks. The Global Horticulture Council serves as the leadership governance platform. The mascot Wiggli the Honey Bee anchors brand engagement. Post-event, the site transforms into a Future Living District. The organization also hosts quarterly Expo Connect gatherings and monthly LinkedIn Live sessions as engagement programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• USA Pavilion: America's national showcase and gateway to the Expo experience, themed Where the American Dream Meets the Living World
• Global Pollinator Network
• Global Horticulture Council
• Wiggli the Honey Bee
• Expo Connect
• Future Living District

Products and services

• Expo 2031 Minnesota Horticultural Exposition
• USA Pavilion
• Global Pollinator Network
• Future Living District
• Global Horticulture Council
• Expo Connect Event Series
• LinkedIn Live Sessions

Quantifiable outcome

• 4–6+ million visitors expected during six-month expo (May–October 2031)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• BRC Imagination ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 March 2026BRC Imagination Arts serves as the Official Creative & Experience Design Partner for the USA Pavilion. With 45 years of experience and 500+ international awards, BRC has designed pavilions for Johnnie Walker Experience, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Las Vegas Raiders Allegiant Stadium Tour, Great Wolf Lodges, and World Expo pavilions across Shanghai, Milan, and Osaka 2025. Christian Lachel, Chief Creative Officer, leads the team in designing the pavilion around Land, Water, and Sky elemental forces.
• Shanna WoodburycoreOthers · 9 March 2026Appointed as Executive Director of the USA Pavilion. In this role, she oversees the pavilion's strategic development, international coordination, and operational planning, working closely with Expo leadership, federal partners, international delegations, and private sector collaborators. Former world expo participant and international events professional.
• TrivandicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrivandi serves as the USA Pavilion Advisory & Delivery Partner, bringing expertise in major infrastructure project delivery and event management to ensure the pavilion meets international standards and operational requirements.
• SRF Consulting GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding & Expo Site Partner providing infrastructure and planning strategies for the physical foundation of the expo. SRF's leadership ensures intelligent design, environmental responsibility, and lasting value. Todd Polum serves as Executive Committee Member and Andy Mielke as Global Horticulture Council Infrastructure Chair.
• TPN EventscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding & National Experience Design Partner ensuring Expo 2031 delivers a world-class visitor experience. TPN's leadership defines how the U.S. produces and manages large-scale cultural and innovation events, establishing a national model for sustainable, data-driven, human-centered experience design. Allison DeLeone represents TPN on the GHC.
• Modern ClimatecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Partner — Creative Agency responsible for Expo 2031's creative leadership, brand voice, visuals, and digital experiences. Kris Fitzpatrick and John Hyduke serve on the Executive Committee and GHC as Co-chairs.
• Weber Johnson Public AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding Partner — Government & Public Affairs providing public affairs, coalition building, and strategic diplomacy. Richard Larkin McLay represents Weber Johnson on the GHC and serves as GHC Director.
• MPS (Marketing Premium Services)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding Partner — Grower Sustainability, bringing global leadership in grower sustainability accreditation and certification. MPS helps define a sustainability model for future international expositions. Arthij van der Veer serves as GHC Co-chair.
• FRSecurecoreTechnology or IntegrationFounding Partner — Future Technology Pavilion & Cybersecurity providing cybersecurity expertise and digital integrity for expo infrastructure. Drew Boeke and Vanae Pearson represent FRSecure on the Executive Committee and GHC.
• Medical Alley AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding & Health & Wellbeing Pavilion and Programming Partner. Medical Alley's global healthcare industry network ensures Expo 2031 connects environmental and human health. Roberta (Bobbie) Dressen and Elizabeth Shaw represent Medical Alley on the Executive Committee and GHC.
• Messerli Kramer Law FirmcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFounding Partner — Law Firm providing legal expertise for the establishment of the Expo 2031 Nonprofit Corporation, legal framework, and post-Expo Expo 2031 Foundation entity. Tony Barthel serves on the Executive Committee and Michelle Jester on the GHC.
• DevryBV Sustainable StrategiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding Partner convening the food production industry — bringing together growers, agribusinesses, innovators, and policymakers to accelerate regenerative and climate-smart systems. Erik Brand represents DevryBV on the GHC.
• Laurel Public RelationscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding Partner — Public Relations & Media Agency transforming how the expo communicates with the public. Shelisa Demuth represents Laurel on the GHC.
• Dana Thompson ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding Partner — Culinary Programming embedding Indigenous values of reciprocity, stewardship, and regeneration into the Expo's food programming and culinary experiences. Dana Thompson co-chairs the GHC Food Committee.
• Future-IQcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding Partner — Regional Planning providing foresight frameworks and futures thinking to shape Expo 2031's long-term success measurement. David Beurle represents Future-IQ on the GHC.
• Biomimetics InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding Partner — Biomimetics Annual Event ('24–'25) serving as the global showcase of nature-inspired innovation. Their legacy includes ongoing research partnerships, educational programming, and establishment of a Center for Bio-Inspired Futures in Minnesota. Michael Wright represents Biomimetics International on the GHC.
• Government AnalyticacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding Partner — Global Affairs providing evidence-based analytics, transparency, and strategy for international engagement. John Pournoor represents Government Analytica on the GHC.
• HiveTrackscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology partner for the Global Pollinator Network, a collaborative initiative launched May 20, 2026 on World Bee Day. HiveTracks provides pollinator monitoring technology and data platform connecting gardens, farms, schools, and communities globally around pollinator stewardship and biodiversity data.
• Architect Consortium (4RM+ULA, HCM Architects, LSE Architects, Miller Dunwiddie, Oertel Architects)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAn architect consortium of five Minnesota-based firms providing architectural design services for the expo site. Each firm brings distinct expertise: 4RM+ULA for cultural/inclusive design, HCM for enduring constructability, LSE for diversity/belonging, Miller Dunwiddie for Minnesota heritage, and Oertel for guest experience hospitality.
• Global Horticulture Council (GHC) Advocates: AmericanHort, USDA, US Botanic Garden, American Public Gardens Association, Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture, AURI, MN State Horticultural SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe GHC includes horticulture advocacy organizations as key supporters: AmericanHort (industry association), USDA (federal agriculture), US Botanic Garden (federal public garden), American Public Gardens Association (network of 600+ public gardens), Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture (state agency), AURI (Applied Research), and MN State Horticultural Society (8K+ member organization). These organizations provide expertise, legitimacy, and industry network access for expo development.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Expo 2020 Dubai: Expo 2020 Dubai's organizing entity delivered the most recent A1/BIE-recognized World Expo with comparable scale (multi-million visitors, 190+ country pavilions, $7B+ project budget). It is a closely matched operational benchmark for mega-event delivery and post-event district monetization.
• Kunming International Horticulture Exposition: The 1999 A1 International Horticultural Exposition in Kunming, China, was the most recent A1 horticultural expo held outside Europe before Expo 2031. It shares the A1 horticultural classification, nation-pavilion model, and long-tail tourism impact mechanics.
• Floriade Expo: Floriade is the world's flagship A1 International Horticultural Exposition held every ten years in the Netherlands. It is the most directly comparable international horticultural expo organizer, with similar nation-pavilion structure, A1 classification, and multi-month visitor cadence.
• Expo 2025 Osaka: Japan's official World Expo 2025 organizing entity (Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition) operates the active six-month world expo on Osaka's Yumeshima Island. It is a contemporaneous world expo reference for staging, country pavilion operations, and nation-state coordination.

Emerging players

• IPM Essen: IPM Essen is the world's leading international trade fair for plants (held annually in Germany), focusing on horticulture, floriculture, and garden retail. It is a more frequent but narrower horticulture trade fair — comparable in target audience (growers, breeders, retailers) but not at A1/world-expo scale.

Others

• AmericanHort: AmericanHort is the primary U.S. horticulture industry trade association and Expo 2031's named endorsing industry body. It is adjacent ecosystem infrastructure rather than a competing event organizer, but its network of growers, breeders, and nurseries overlaps materially with Expo 2031's customer base.
• AIPH (International Association of Horticultural Producers): AIPH is the international governing body that approves A1/A2 horticultural exposition classifications and is the regulator that granted Expo 2031 its A1 status. It is the umbrella international organizer for the horticultural expo category and indirectly serves as the standards-setting peer for Expo 2031's classification framework.

Broad incumbents

• Hannover Messe: Deutsche Messe operates Hannover Messe, the world's leading industrial technology trade fair. It is a broader-incumbent reference for global expo venue programming, country-partner hosting, and industrial/horticulture-adjacent show operations.
• Informa Markets: Informa Markets operates the world's largest portfolio of trade exhibitions and conferences (hundreds of B2B events annually across multiple sectors). It serves as a broader-incumbent reference for trade show/expo organization, sponsorship sales, and visitor monetization at scale.
• Reed Exhibitions: Reed Exhibitions (RX) runs a global portfolio of trade and consumer exhibitions across industries, including major horticulture and lifestyle events. It is a broad-incumbent comparator for venue programming, partner packaging, and expo operations across recurring and one-off event formats.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/EXPO2031USA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@EXPO2031MinnesotaUSA
• Facebookfacebook.com/expo2031
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/expo2031
• Instagraminstagram.com/expo2031usa
• Pinterestpinterest.com/Expo2031MinnesotaUSA

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Expo 2031 Minnesota