This October, Bismarck is seeing a leap in event formats: hybrid models mixing in-person gatherings with virtual attendance and virtual booths. Local sponsors can now tap not just local foot traffic but also audiences across North Dakota and beyond.
Traditionally, local conferences and exhibitions in Bismarck drew audiences from the city and nearby counties. But starting with the 2025 Behavioral Health & Children & Family Services Conference and the NDCEL Fall Conference, organizers are expanding virtual participation and booth setups to broaden reach.
For example, the Behavioral Health conference in late October offers “a booth at Bismarck Event Center, and a virtual booth to connect with over 500 online attendees.” That opens the door for local nonprofits, health agencies, mental-health providers, and small businesses to showcase services beyond the local sphere.
Similarly, the NDCEL 2025 Fall Conference (Oct 15–17, Bismarck Event Center) invites sponsors and exhibitors to provide prerecorded “breakout sessions” for its digital platform — so even non-attendees get to engage with content.
And the NDACo Annual Conference (Oct 27) is offering exhibitor and sponsor slots that function in both live exhibit halls and extended networking windows for virtual participants.
These hybrid pivots come as local organizers seek to future-proof events, reach more participants during tight travel budgets, and offer more value to sponsors.
“We’re honored to host professionals from across the state here in Bismarck,” said a ND HHS Behavioral Health coordinator. “This is our chance to strengthen connections and share best practices in real time.”
“We want local businesses and agencies to reach beyond the hall — into every home in North Dakota,” says Linda Skogen, head of a local nonprofit that plans to try a virtual booth at the Behavioral Health conference.
Meanwhile, Jessica, event manager for NDCEL, adds: “We’ve seen a jump in sponsor interest now that they know their logo and content will be seen both on site and by virtual viewers statewide.”
The influx of professionals and guests boosts local hospitality, restaurants, lodging. Hybrid success will favor local partners who can package both local presence and online assets (video, downloadable resources, virtual chat staffing).
Bismarck’s event landscape is evolving. With hybrid formats and virtual booths now in the mix, local sponsors and organizations can break geographic limits. Whether you're a nonprofit, education group, business, or health provider, October’s hybrid push offers fresh opportunity to engage both in the room and in the cloud.
