Events

MIO Events

MIO Coalition activity can best be summed up as non-stop! From January to December, full speed ahead is an accurate depiction of the energy level generated by the 75 member strong MIO Coalition. The primary goal of the Coalition is to generate consumer awareness for locally grown and processed food products. A multitude of innovative efforts, all working together to brand MIO products as ones consumers can depend on for consistency, taste, and safety are the backbone of MIO’s annual marketing campaign.

The MIO Expo

What has evolved into the cornerstone of MIO membership, the annual Expo has been held at Southwind Hills in Goldsby, OK since 2016. The MIO Expo is a members-only, one-day trade show. MIO Coalition members roll out the red carpet, hosting buyers, marketers, merchandisers, and food industry leaders from around the state and the surrounding region. Attendees are treated to Oklahoma’s finest locally grown and processed food products served up in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. MIO members mix and mingle with the trade, form new partnerships, rekindle existing relationships, share information, and generate goodwill among their industry peers. In 2019, MIO welcomed the newly inaugurated Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell who announced the MIO Restaurant of the Year winner.

MIO Legislative Reception

The MIO Coalition has earned the respect of Oklahoma’s elected legislative officials. They have been championed as a positive example of a public-private partnership. The MIO Coalition receives funding from the State Legislature, and, for every dollar received, individual Coalition members contribute another two dollars, all of which is budgeted to create and enhance awareness for Made in Oklahoma food products. The annual Legislative Reception, held at the Governor’s Mansion, is an opportunity for MIO members to thank the legislators for their continued support, tout their accomplishments, and promise to be good stewards of additional funding. In 2019, MIO instituted a state-wide 4-H Recipe Contest. The winners were recognized at the 2019 Legislative Reception for their achievements.