Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals upcoming events

Connects Social Event at Surly Brewing (04/15/2026)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

COST: FREE!

Connects is a committee within UMAPP that organizes social gatherings for members, their friends and family, as well as nonmembers. It’s a chance for industry professionals to meet new people, build connections, and enjoy some relaxed social time together.

CANCELLED: Generative AI: The Mindset Shift That Will Unlock Innovation and Impact - EAST SIDE (04/22/2026)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:30:00 GMT

THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED. PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE SAME PROGRAM HELD ON APRIL 21 IN HOPKINS.

Invest in Yourself!

Program Overview

Generative AI is reshaping our world at a pace never before seen in history. For the first time, everyone has unprecedented access to harness and shape data, redefining how we live, work, compete, and connect. In this dynamic, high-impact presentation, you'll discover…

The difference between AI and Generative AI - and in a clear, non-technical way, how they work, and how embracing platforms like ChatGPT, CoPilot, Gemini, etc. can give you a competitive edge.

How Generative AI creates a Mindset SHIFT™ by streamlining work, harnessing your expertise, and freeing you to focus on strategic thinking, innovation, and authentic human connections.

Practical AI tools you can start using immediately, demonstrated through real examples across all areas of business, to unlock new levels of performance and deliver measurable outcomes.

A forward-looking view of Generative AI that will shape tomorrow’s business landscape and leadership decisions; ethical considerations, data privacy and security, workforce transformation (role evolution) and more.

Featuring examples customized to the audience, and strategies and techniques drawn from Sam’s years of experience developing AI tools and resources used by organizations around the globe every day, this motivating, practical, and highly entertaining program will leave you inspired, empowered, and ready to lead in your AI-powered future.

This presentation will help leaders understand the issues and opportunities they face. Leaders wilL:

How to create a mindset SHIFT™
Practical tools that will create greater productivity and measurable outcomes
Forward-thinking process and policy ideas to protect your business in a changing world

All Attendees Receive Exclusive Access to the Leader’s Resource Vault, including:

All attendees will receive access to custom AI-powered tools

Speaker

Sam RichterCSP, CPAE

A Hall of Fame speaker and bestselling author celebrated for his mastery in harnessing digital insight to uncover opportunities, foster genuine connections, build trust, and communicate with authenticity. Recognized as one of the World’s Top 50 Global Gurus as an Internet thought leader, Sam has also won a Codie Award - the 'Oscars' of the software industry, a Gold Award at the International Film Festival, and he’s been inducted into both the Minnesota and the National Speaker Hall of Fame. He’s recognized as a Top 100 Motivational Speaker, Top 50 Sales Keynote Speaker, Top 15 Virtual Presenter, IES Speaker of the Year, and he was a Finalist for Inc. Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year. He’s been featured in Forbes, CNN, USA Today, and newspapers and online publications around the globe, and he’s also the creator of the AI-powered Intel Engine, used by top organizations worldwide to gain a competitive edge. That’s why executives and meeting planners call Sam’s programs “must-attend events.” Learn more at www.samrichter.com.

Note: There must be 50 people registered by April 20 in order to hold this event.

Storm Creek "Earth Day Showroom Social" (paid advertisement) (04/22/2026)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

REGISTER HERE THROUGH STORM CREEK

The UMAPP Room Show (05/14/2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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ROOM SHOW

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Crowne Plaza, 3131 Campus Dr, Plymouth, Minnesota
9:00 - 3:30 pm. | Registration deadline: May 6

LEARN. CONNECT. GROW.

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More than a trade show - this is a teaching show. Join us for a one-of-a-kind event designed to inform, inspire and elevate. At this educational trade show, every session is a classroom, and every conversation is a lesson. Discover new products, gain valuable insights, and leave with fresh ideas you can put into practice right away.

Arrive with anticipation and leave with fresh ideas, great new product samples, plus new friends and connections.

Learn. Connect. Grow.

New:

Teaching show. Get educated and informed. Interactive presentations.
Better samples - more useful, thoughtful and valuable
Prizes & Pours! Lots of great door prizes, plus two FREE drink tickets per person
The first 100 people at the Prizes & Pours party receive a free SURPRISE BOX filled with pre-approved items from each one of the exhibitors.

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Please welcome the 2026 Exhibitors:

Ball Pro

ADG

Edwards Garment

Illini

Prime

S&S Activewear

Spector

HPG (OrigAudio/Handstands & HUB Pen)

Warwick

Formgraphics, The Bucket People

Crystal D

How does this show work?

A unique event that is one of the original room show styles often copied by other groups. Distributors rotate together from meeting room to meeting room for 25-minute exhibitor presentations throughout the day.

Distributors are placed into groups of 10-18 people. During the registration process, requests can be made to keep people together or separate.

Schedule:

8:00 Check in for registration package pick up begins. Coffee available all day.

9:00- 12:30 Exhibitor Presentations (with a short morning break)

12:30 - 1:30 Buffet lunch in ballroom plus awards announcements

1:30 - 3:30 Exhibitor Presentations (with a short afternoon break)

3:30 Prizes & Pours Party immediately following the show.

New! Prizes & Pours!

Come enjoy a spread of tasty hot and cold bites, along with two free drink tickets per person and exciting high-end door prizes! Don’t forget your raffle ticket and get ready for some fun.

The first 100 party attendees will get an exciting “Surprise Box” packed with items from our 11 exhibitors, each handpicked and approved by the UMAPP Procurement Committee. Every item is chosen to be useful, thoughtful, eco-friendly, and valuable for our guests.

$30 UMAPP members (plus credit card processing fee)

$45 Nonmembers (plus processing fee)

Includes 11 supplier presentations, coffee all day, morning snacks, hot buffet lunch, Prizes & Pour Party with food, beverages, and door prizes. Our exhibitors are dedicated to providing education and innovation. This is a show that teaches and inspires.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS - Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West (763) 559-6600

The UMAPP block rate expired on April 8.

LUNCHEON: Awards Celebration & Annual Meeting of Members (05/14/2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Join us for the Annual Awards Celebration and UMAPP Members’ Meeting! This event takes place during the luncheon in conjunction with the Room Show. Enjoy a delicious hot buffet lunch while the meeting is held in the ballroom.

UMAPP's President, Patrick Napurski, will provide a State of the Association address as part of the required annual meeting of members and the awards will be announced for Lifetime Achievement, Super Star, Hall of Fame, and Volunteer of the Year.

For all UMAPP members, current and retired, and their family and friends.

Note: Exhibitors at the show along with all distributor attendees are automatically signed up for this event and their show registration fee covers this cost. Do not register again for the awards meeting if you are already signed up for the room show. After the lunch ends, the Room Show will commence at 1:30 pm.

Summer Golf Tournament (08/10/2026)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Join us for a fun, casual summer golf tournament held in connection with the Brand Connection Expo End Buyer Show.

Location:

Oak Marsh Golf Course, Oakdale Minnesota
(right next to the show venue)

Shotgun start:

12:00 noon

Contests and More:

Hole in One! $5,000 to the winner

Putting Contest

Raffles for door prizes

Awards ceremony

Buffet appetizers

Swag bag!

Awards Celebration, Dinner and Networking!

NEW! Come celebrate as we present several awards to our golfers, then stick around for a delicious buffet dinner and great networking opportunities, all part of your golfer fee.

Awards Sponsor

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This is always a fun and exciting event on a beautiful course that provides just enough challenge for the seasoned golfer and not too much for the beginner.

Hole Sponsorship, Swag Bag, or Door Prize for Golf Tournament (08/10/2026)