Upcoming Events at the River's Edge ConventionCenter

River’s Edge has a number of exciting events coming up in the next few months and we couldn’t hold back from giving you a little preview. So mark your calendars because you won’t want to miss these!

St. Cloud Sportsmen's Show - February 5-7

From camping and outdoor equipment to travel and boats, this show will cover everything a sportsman needs to know! This show will also feature two famous speakers, Ted Takasaki and Billy Molls, who will host alternating seminars each day. This event is not just for the avid sportsman because the whole family is invited to attend. We even have unique shows running especially for families, which include (but are not limited to): The Live Trout Pond, The Great American Duck Race, and The Fur-Ever Wild show. For further information, visit stcloudsportshow.com.

St. Cloud Boat Show - February 12-14

You live in the land of 10,000 lakes. You would get real tired swimming through all of them, so how about exploring them in a new boat? The St. Cloud Boat Show has everything you’re looking for, whether it is a new pontoon to enjoy family weekends with, or a top-of-the-line fishing boat that makes fishing a whole new experience. Why settle for less when you can have the best? Help picture yourself in the best ride of the summer. Don’t forget to check out booths showcasing the latest engines, electronics, fishing gear and accessories to make this summer better than the rest! For more information, visit stcloudboatshow.com

Camp and Travel Show - February 18-21

Sick of the cold and eagerly waiting for spring? The Camp and Travel Expo is a great place to check out all the latest campers and trailers to make this summer’s vacation one to remember. Pleasureland will feature about 100 different recreational vehicles, which will make any camper’s mouth drop. Event planners say that February is the kick-off for planning summer activities, so don’t fall behind and make sure not to miss out on any specials going on during this expo. Best of all, admission is free!

Central Minnesota Farm Show - February 23-25

Come check out the Central Minnesota Farm Show, which showcases agricultural equipment, electric motors, barn flooring, milking equipment and other products in the Agriculture & Forestry field. There will be more than 300 professional vendors from the five-state area on hand to talk about their new products and services for the upcoming year. Come hang out with those who know how to grow.

Central Minnesota Wellness Expo - March 5

New Years Eve resolution dying down? Not sure what more you can do? The Central Minnesota Wellness Expo has all the information you need from health to fitness and even a little general wellness. This is your go-to expo where you can learn all you need to know about health and wellness without the pressure of buying anything. The show will also feature amazing guest speakers who will talk about how to unlock your full potential. To get a sneak peak of which exhibits will be there, and a preview of what you can expect, visit centralmnwellnessexpo.com

St. Cloud Home Show - March 11-13

One of the most anticipated events of the season is St. Cloud Home Show put on by the Central Minnesota Builders Association. This show will have more than 200 exhibits displaying enchanting landscapes, breath-taking carpentry and vendors from all over the state to help with those special projects that make your house a home.

There will also be seminars on DIY gardening, beekeeping, home building and selling tips as well as a project and play area for the kids and a fish fry and music on Friday. The show will also be auctioning off a brand new home. Don’t miss out on this year’s biggest show. With more than 5,000 people attending, you’re going to want to come early.

Check in with Facebook and Twitter to keep up with up-to-date information on these upcoming events and other sneak peaks!

Made in Minnesota Expo Draws a Large Crowd

The second annual Made in Minnesota Expo took place November 21 at the River’s Edge Convention Center.

More than 100 Minnesota-based businesses had stands set up during the event, which lasted from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The expo focuses on businesses that produce their products based out of the Land of 10,000 Lakes and allows them face-to-face interaction with customers to pitch their products.

Admission was free, courtesy of St. Cloud Red Wing Shoe Store. A large crowd of more than 1,000 came out to partake in free samples, games and giveaways and also got the chance to speak with local business owners.

It was also a good chance for the public to get some Christmas shopping done with a lot of products being on sale during the event.

The crowd was able to sample hot dish, nachos, granola, chocolate — among other things — during the expo.

The crowd could also register for a $500 stay at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd. The public could also explore a luxury ice house and the comforts that come with it in the west corner of the room.

A large contingent also gathered to take part in a session with the Trivia Ninjas. There was a bounce house on hand for the youngsters to burn off some energy while their parents did some exploring.

In addition, free massages were available from HealthSource Chiropractic.

The expo was presented by Smude Sunflower Oil and Townsquare Media.

Some events happening in January at the River’s Edge include the Pleasureland Scratch and Dent Show on New Year’s Day, the St. Cloud Wedding Expo on January 10, the St. Cloud Craft Beer Tour on January 16 and Catholic Charities’ Mardi Gras on January 23.

MADE IN MINNESOTA EXPO PREVIEW

The Made in Minnesota Expo returns to the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center this Saturday, November 21st. The expo, presented by Smude Sunflower Oil and Townsquare Media, runs from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free, courtesy of St. Cloud Red Wing Shoe Store. The expo focuses on businesses that are based out of Minnesota or produce their products in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Looking to start your holiday shopping? You’ll find something special, unique, and made in Minnesota, as most of the retailers will have items for sale. 

Last Year's Expo was the first year for the event, and it drew quite a crowd. So if you’re looking for a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon, stop by the River’s Edge Convention Center this Saturday for the 2015 Made in Minnesota Expo!

While you learn more about some local companies, test out some free hot dish samples (what’s more Minnesotan than hot dish?) and register to win a $500 stay at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd. You can also test your brain power by playing trivia with local trivia masters, the Trivia Ninjas. For the youngsters, there will be a bounce house to help them burn off some energy.

The expo allows businesses face-to-face interaction with customers and allows them to pitch their products from all over the state. With a cold weekend anticipated, come inside to the River’s Edge Convention Center and see what products our great state has to offer! 

This year's vendors include:

Fall Fun Fest 2015 at River’s Edge Convention Center

The Joy Christian Center’s Fall Fun Fest drew a packed crowd to the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center this Halloween.

The event (which went from 1-5 p.m.) was free and open to the public and collected donations for area food shelves.

Originally held in a shed, the event started in 1998 and only drew in about 100 people. Seventeen Halloweens later, the Fall Fun Fest was held in the River’s Edge Convention Center and was expected to host around 5,000 - a successful improvement.

Kids that came to event played games and left the River’s Edge with their trick or treat bags filled with candy. Most of the parents and kids in attendance were decked out in their best costumes.

There were more than 100 games to play and a puppet show was also performed. Kids could also have their faces painted, burn off some energy in bouncing castles, and have their pictures taken in front of Halloween backgrounds.

Was your halloween just as successful? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!

2015 Toward Zero Deaths Conference

More than 900 traffic safety advocates came together in St. Cloud Oct. 29-30 at the River’s Edge Convention Center for the annual Toward Zero Deaths Conference.

New York Times reporter and best-selling author Matt Richtel, the author of Confessions of a Phone Addict: Distracted Driving and the Brain was the headline speaker to open the conference on Thursday.

Richtel provided a presentation describing the relationship between our brains and our smartphones and other gadgets. He broke down why they are so alluring to use while driving, even at high speeds and in bad weather.

Richtel also talked about why phones are so compelling to use while driving even though we know the great risk that goes with it. He tried to provide changes and solutions that the people in attendance could use for distracted driving.

Bethany Olson spoke at the conference on Oct. 30. She shared her story about how her children survived a car crash after she made life-saving adjustments to their cart seats at a car clinic just days before the crash.

The conference was attended by law enforcement officers, emergency medical and trauma service providers, engineers, public health officials and educators from around the state.

The goal of the annual conference is to always share best practices, identify ongoing and new traffic challenges and share new approaches to reduce traffic deaths and injuries.

In a survey in 2012, 86 percent of those polled admitted that texting while driving was a bad idea. However, 40 percent of those people also admitted they still did it. The goal of TZD is to try and minimize bad driving habits as much as possible.

Toward Zero Deaths started in 2003. Since that time, the number of traffic deaths has declined 45 percent, from 655 in 2003 to 361 in 2014 - the lowest number of road fatalities in Minnesota since World War II.

The 2015 Kid’s and Parent’s Expo

The annual Kids and Parents’ Expo sponsored by McKay’s took place October 10 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.There were 44 vendors on hand for the annual event, which brought in kids and parents of all ages. Kids 12 and under were admitted free to the event.

The event was sponsored by Once Upon A Child, Geyer Rentals, Savers, Little Saints Academy, Robinson’s Fruit Shoot and Royal Tire.

Kids were able to take their pictures with Elsa from “Frozen” and Spider-Man during the day. Elsa also sang songs and read Usborne Books throughout the day. Spider-Man didn’t want to reveal his secret identity, so he kept quiet.

Kids were also able to look at a St. Cloud Fire Department fire truck up close and hop on inflatables in the “Bouncing Kidz Zone.” People seemed to enjoy the bouncing castle the most, which featured a long slide.

Kids were also able to pet animals at the Expo and try on Halloween costumes.

The River’s Edge Convention Center can easily accommodate all events from concerts, weddings and socials, trade and consumer shows, conventions and conferences for a wide array of businesses and group sizes.

The River’s Edge Convention Center includes 150,000 square feet of space, 19 meeting rooms, 60,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 16,000 square foot ballroom and flexible square configurations available for all types of events.For more information, contact us online or by phone at 1-800-450-7272.

The River’s Edge Convention Center Has A New Website!

Planning your wedding, coordinating your next businesses meeting or figuring out how you’re going to spend your next night out in St. Cloud became a whole lot easier with the launch of the River’s Edge Convention Center’s new website! The new website was built with you in mind -- the people who plan and attend events in St. Cloud’s 180,000 square foot premier destination. The website is clean, easy to navigate and all the resources you need are readily available.

The main tabs across the top of the screen direct you to the pages you need when you’re planning an event at River’s Edge Convention Center. Click on the tab you need (Weddings/Socials, Conferences, Meetings, Entertainment, Consumer/Trade Shows) and you’ll be directed to all the information and resources needed to make your event a success. You’ll have access to our building layouts, catering information, internet service, room prices and more.

Not planning an event but are looking for something fun to do in the area? Scroll down our home page for our calendar of events, parking information and directions, or you can even sign up to receive notifications about River’s Edge Convention Center news and happenings. We want your experience at our facility to be the absolute best it can be, and we are very excited to provide you with all the resources you need to make that happen. You can also stay updated about events by getting social with us; click on the social media icons on the left side of the homepage.

We look forward to seeing you at the River’s Edge Convention Center! What do you like best about our new website? Your feedback is important to us! Let us know in the comments below: