The main concourse area transforms to vendor row, featuring local and regional builders and services.
Amanda Page is an event planner with Page Wedding & Event Planning, and is helping organize the Midland Home & Outdoor Living Expo this year. Some of her duties include selling sponsorships, contacting vendors, and organizing booth spaces.
“It’s a wonderful show for people that are buying their first home, looking to upgrade their homes or remodel, and can meet the vendors one-on-one,” Page says. “We’re going to have over 100 home vendors at the show, ranging anywhere from flooring to roofs, gutters and siding. We’re going to have eight builders, painting companies, and more.”
The expo provides customers with a chance to interact with vendors and companies in-person, as well as networking opportunities between vendors. It’s a chance to get acquainted with local businesses you might not have otherwise heard about, says Page. 
“The Home Builders Association of Midland has a lot of good resources. If you’re looking for a licensed roofer, we can give you 5-10 of them,” she says. “It’s all about getting your name out there, letting people know what you do and what you’re capable of.”
At Dow Diamond, the main concourse area transforms to vendor row, featuring local and regional builders and services. New this year is the addition of some food trucks too. On the suite-level upstairs, there will be local downtown boutiques, and nonprofits for visitors to browse and learn more about. On the same level, there’s also a new element to this year’s event – the student showcase.
“It’s going to be a show for everybody, there’s really something for everybody,” Page says. “The student showcase is where we’ve invited kids from Midland County and Saginaw schools to bring in their woodworking projects. The trade students from each of the schools are going to be bringing in projects they have made. The guests coming through the door are going to be able to vote on the projects they like the best. We’ll be giving out prizes for first, second, and third place.” Page says it’s nice to see young people involved in the trades, and give them a chance to showcase their hard work to expo visitors. 
On Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., the expo hosts a family funday, specifically catered for kids, featuring a scavenger hunt, police and firefighters, special guests, art projects, and more. There is no ticket charge for kids 0-18 years old.
“The event is for all-ages, even if people just want to come out and test out the food trucks,” Page says. “We’ve got a bunch of different eateries that are going to be here too. The vendors are very interactive, and some are going to be having demonstrations, even for kids. It’s a lot of fun for all ages.”
Tickets are $5 for adults, and tickets are free for kids and veterans. Tickets are sold at the door only. Interested vendors can still apply for the expo, by calling 989-835-2562.