Michiana Event Center (MEC) leaders knew who to reach out to when it was time to grow their contacts and partnerships for one of their premier events, the Midwest Sportsmen Classic, which will be held on February 13-15 this year.
It’s an annual event designed for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a wide range of activities and exhibitors related to hunting, fishing, boating and other outdoor sports.
And Derek Borkholder, owner of Tagout Techniques LLC, has the connections. Adventure Productions, Borkholder’s newest company geared toward outdoor event management, is entering its fifth year of partnering with the MEC for the trade show that is aiming to draw 15,000 people this year.
“Every year the show has gotten a little bigger, a little better – we have to better our best every year to keep both exhibitors and attendees happy,” he says.
This three-day expo showcases products, services and gear from top manufacturers, along with seminars, demonstrations and live events. Attendees can explore the latest innovations in outdoor equipment, participate in hands-on experiences, and learn from experts in the field. The event also offers opportunities to meet with industry professionals, network with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and discover new outdoor destinations and adventures. Popular attractions include live hunting-dog demonstrations, archery competitions and wildlife conservation talks. Whether you’re a seasoned sportsman or a beginner, the Midwest Sportsmen Classic provides a family-friendly environment to enjoy all things outdoors, making it a must-attend event for anyone passionate about outdoor recreation.
Special speakers this year include Mark Zona, a well-known angler and host of “Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show” on Outdoor Channel. He’s appeared as a host on several outdoor shows including “Loudmouth Bass”, “BassCenter”, “The Greatest Angler Debate” and “Bassmaster Elite Series”. Also speaking this year will be Brian Dickenson, the climber who soloed the summit of Mount Everest in 2011 after his mountain guide became ill and went back down to camp. The climber became snow blind during his descent and recounted his experience in his book “Blind Descent: Surviving Alone and Blind on Mount Everest”.
Speakers also include six whitetail legends who will makeup the Legends Roundtable: Gene Wensel, Barry Wensel, Bobby Worthington, Al Foster, Don Higgins and Joe Miles. Terry Peer will moderate.
Under Borkholder’s leadership, Adventure Productions emphasizes creating engaging and memorable experiences for attendees. The company’s events are meticulously planned to ensure they provide value to both exhibitors and participants. For instance, the Midwest Sportsmen Classic offers various sponsorship opportunities including Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,250) and Show Bag sponsorships ($5,500), each providing different levels of exposure and engagement for businesses.
Vendors can also advertise in the show program with a full-page ad ($250) or a half-page ad ($175). Center-spread advertisements are available for $600 and back cover advertisement placement is $800.
For all exhibitor and sponsorship questions, contact Borkholder at 574-248-0322 or email coordinator.midwestclassic@gmail.com.
