Expo 2031 and Lakeville Chamber & CVB Begin Community Engagement in Lakeville

October 6, 2026

Local businesses, organizations and residents are invited to learn about Expo 2031 and help shape the opportunities and legacy it could create for Lakeville.

LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA / October 2026  Expo 2031 Minnesota USA and the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau have begun a new phase of public engagement in Lakeville, introducing local businesses and organizations to Expo 2031 and beginning a community conversation about what hosting an international horticultural exposition could mean for the city.

The business engagement is part of a broader effort to ensure that Lakeville residents, businesses, community organizations and civic leaders have opportunities to learn about Expo 2031, ask questions, share ideas and help inform the opportunities and legacy that could be created for the community.

Introducing Expo 2031 to the Lakeville Business Community

Throughout October, Expo 2031 is meeting with Lakeville businesses and organizations to introduce the Expo, its proposed Lakeville site, major program elements and its legacy-first approach.

The conversations are also beginning to explore an important question:

What could it mean for Lakeville to become an Expo Host City and how can Lakeville businesses participate?

Expo 2031 is being planned as much more than a six-month event. From planning, design and construction through operations, hospitality, programming and permanent legacy, the project has the potential to create opportunities for businesses across many sectors.

Local companies could ultimately participate through procurement and supplier opportunities, workforce development, visitor services, hospitality, programming, partnerships, international business connections and the permanent economy surrounding the Expo legacy destination.

The goal at this stage is not to prescribe what that involvement should look like. It is to begin building it with the community.

Building a Host City Economy

One of the ideas being introduced to Lakeville business leaders is the concept of a Host City Economy.

Rather than waiting until 2031 to think about the economic impact of Expo, Expo 2031 and its community partners are beginning the conversation now: How can Lakeville use the years leading to Expo to strengthen businesses, develop talent, prepare for visitors, create new experiences and build relationships that continue long after the Expo closes?

For local businesses, that could mean opportunities to sell, supply, hire, host, program, connect and grow.

It also means thinking beyond the Expo gates. Restaurants, hotels, retailers, manufacturers, healthcare organizations, professional services firms, trades, technology companies, transportation providers and other businesses all have different roles they could potentially play in helping Lakeville welcome the world.

The objective is straightforward:

Expo should not simply happen in Lakeville. Lakeville should be part of building, hosting and creating the legacy of Expo.

Public Open House on October 21st

The business engagement is a companion to a broader Expo 2031 Public Open House taking place later this month.

Tuesday, October 21, 2026

4:00–7:00 PM

Lakeville City Hall / City Council Chambers

The Open House is open to everyone.

Residents, businesses, community organizations and other interested members of the public are invited to stop in, learn about Expo 2031, see how the project is developing, meet members of the team, ask questions and share ideas.

The evening will introduce key elements of Expo 2031, including the proposed site, international participation, horticulture, the USA Pavilion, Climate Zones, agriculture and innovation, visitor experiences and the project's approach to permanent legacy.

Most importantly, the Open House is intended to be a conversation.

What opportunities could Expo create for Lakeville?

What should the community experience during Expo?

How should local businesses and organizations participate?

What should remain in Lakeville after 2031?

These are questions that are best explored with the people who live, work, own businesses and build organizations in the community.

Legacy Starts Before the Expo

Expo 2031's approach is based on a simple principle: legacy should not be something considered after a major event. It should be one of the reasons the event is built.

That means thinking now about the community, economic, workforce, tourism, business and physical assets that can continue creating value in Lakeville after 2031.

The October conversations are an early step in that process.

Between now and 2031, engagement will continue to expand as planning advances and more specific opportunities for businesses, organizations and residents are developed.

For now, the invitation is simple:

Come learn.

Ask questions.

Share ideas.

Help imagine what Expo 2031 could mean for Lakeville.

Expo 2031 Public Open House

October 21 | 4:00–7:00 PM

Lakeville City Hall | City Council Chambers

All are welcome.