Arrowhead Builders Association Launches Inaugural Build North EXPO in Duluth

Contractors booking up months ahead of the building season pushed the Arrowhead Builders Association to create something new: a regional trade expo connecting Northland homeowners directly with builders, remodelers, landscapers, and designers before the calendar fills up.

The inaugural Build North EXPO opened Thursday at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center, 120 South 30th Avenue West in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, and runs through Saturday, March 14. More than 80 local businesses have filled the Seitz Arena floor across three days of show hours: Thursday 4 to 8 p.m., Friday noon to 9 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"The Arrowhead Builders Association members really wanted to bring an event to homeowners locally so they could get started on projects early in the season," ABA President Lindsey Whitlinger said, "because they were finding that contractors were getting booked up earlier and earlier."

The show is deliberately trades-focused. Organizers framed it with a blunt pitch to exhibitors: no gadgets, no gimmicks, no point-of-sale vendors. The goal is one-on-one contact between contractors and homeowners who are serious about moving forward on projects.

The ABA partnered with Jeff Stark and Winterfell Management to produce the event. Stark brings two decades of large-event experience to the project, a resume that includes Elton John and Eagles concerts at Bayfront Festival Park and the Tall Ships festival.

Saturday's schedule includes a Build Off competition pitting Wrenshall High School against Northwestern High School. The two teams will construct a shed on the expo floor; the finished structure will be auctioned off, with proceeds split between the two schools. Whitlinger sees the competition as a pipeline moment for the regional trades workforce. "If they are truly passionate about the trades, this is a great way to get connected and connect with business owners and see where that can take them," she said.

Admission is $5 purchased online or $8 at the door, with children 12 and under admitted free. Parking is free, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland is providing on-site childcare at no charge. A portion of event proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs as well.

Homeowners or contractors who want to reach the ABA directly can call 218-206-3430 or email events@abamn.org.