Join AURI and Target for a dynamic and collaborative one-day convening designed to showcase Minnesota as a premier place to scale food and beverage businesses and to highlight the partnerships, innovation, and resources fueling our state’s vibrant food ecosystem.  This event is free, but space is limited! Please see note below for further information.*

Emerging and scaling food and beverage companies will hear directly from Target leaders, business development experts, and industry innovators on key topics, including:

• How to break into retail—and stay on shelf
• Real-world case studies from successfully scaled food & beverage companies
• Critical resources, partners, and pathways for growth
• Advancing solutions to food business challenges, including scaling manufacturing and food safety
• The role of AURI and Target Accelerators as supporters, educators, and catalysts for growth

The day will conclude with a lively "Smash the Senses"  networking reception from 3:30–5:00 p.m., featuring tasting booths, local entrepreneurs, and the Target Learning Center—an opportunity to connect, sample, and explore new ideas together.

The mission of the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is to accelerate the expansion of the agricultural economy by empowering expanded uses and markets of agriculturally derived products.

*Special Note to Interested Parties 

This event is by invitation only, but feel free to share with appropriate potential invitees. Pre-registration is required and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis as capacity is limited. In addition, registrants will be screened and in-person attendance priority will be given to emerging food and beverage businesses that are actively preparing for retail growth. We will notify you if your registration is not approved for in-person attendance. Please note that the morning sessions will be livestreamed with unlimited attendance restrictions.  Media is restricted but materials can be provided post-event at your request.