In the beginning
Edge Life Expo, an exhibition focused on holistic living and the healing of body, mind and soul, was launched during Thanksgiving Weekend 2001 at the Minneapolis Convention Center by Gary Beckman, longtime founder and publisher of The EDGE newspaper (now Edge Life magazine), one of the foremost periodicals in the Upper Midwest that focuses on the evolution of consciousness and holistic living.

That first expo was a spirited gathering of a like-minded community excited by the possibility of the creation of a vibrant local expo that served the needs of consumers as well as businesses focused on healing, enlightenment and the evolution of human consciousness. Echo Bodine and Kathryn Harwig, two of the most acknowledged intuitives in the Twin Cities, were joined by keynote speaker Mark Earlix, a Chicago-based healer.

This first Edge Life Expo was unique compared to those to follow, as a powerful package of entertainment greeted those in attendance. Twin Cities-area bands Alchemy VII and 13 Hertz were joined by noted vocalists Patty Peterson, Kari Tauring and Mari Harris, violist Michelle Dunkirk and the Body Prayers Dance ensemble in presenting entertainment that was soulful and life-affirming. Native American drummers Thunder Nation presented the closing ceremony.

In the wake of the San Francisco-based Whole Life Expo, which had appeared for three consecutive years in the Twin Cities, Edge Life Expo filled a need that was yearning to be shared in community — and it was an overwhelming success.Since, Edge Life has presented similar events in Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota, and all have been well-received.

Vision for the expo
Expo producer Gary Beckman shares his vision for his expos:

“The Edge Life Expo concept was was presented to me in meditation during February 2001 I shared this idea with 10 friends and associates during a hastily called meeting. I was told that the lead time was much too short to produce a expo of the magnitude I envisioned. I could not and would not shake the vision. It stayed in my consciousness. I made the decision to move forward in March-April 2001.

“The November 2001 Expo was a success from a business and spiritual perspective, taking into consideration that 9/11 was two months before and had shifted the soul consciousness of the American people from both a emotional and business standpoint.

“The next four years were amazing in the growth of the expo. Attendance soared to well over 11,000 people, and the number of exhibitors and intuitive readers grew to more than 160. Many nationally know speakers and healers were presenters. Attendees traveled from all corners of the world. One lady came from South Africa to see James Van Praagh. Her son, who lives in Michigan, paid her way to attend, to help her put closure to the death of her husband.

“This has turned into the largest expo of it's kind in Mid-America, and we are proud. We have provided what I saw in my meditation: an event that shares a multitude of beliefs, healing modalities, new products and food for the soul.

“My intention was and still is to produce an event that gives all the attendees a clearer concept of their "purpose," of why they chose to come into human form to experience "life" on earth.”

The Upper Midwest
Edge Life is committed to sharing its vision to as many people as possible. The first expo sponsored by Edge Life outside of the Twin Cities took place in May 2004 at Waukesha County Expo Center, Waukesha County, Wisc., 15 miles west of Milwaukee. The event was well received by attendees.

In May 2007, the debut of Fargo Holistic Expo took place at Fargo Civic Arena in Fargo, N.D. Thanks to the support of local residents, especially Troy and Chanda Parkinson, the expo was a great success. It featured four keynote speakers, nearly 80 exhibitors and free workshops. Fargo Holistic Expo returns to the Civic Arena on April 19-20, 2008.

Edge Life's first major presence was successfully established in Iowa March 15-16, 2008, with the debut of Iowa Holistic Expo at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. Featured speaker Dr. Norm Shealy, a pioneer of complementary and alternative medicine, shared vital information on the state of healing, as well as introduced his new book and the new film, Medical Renaissance: The Secret Code.

Speakers and much more
Edge Life Expo was designed to be an annual event from the outset — and the following features have become standard each year in Minneapolis, Des Moines and Fargo:
• Internationally and nationally known keynote speakers
• Nationally and locally known guest speakers
• More than 100 exhibitors promoting a balance of body, mind and soul
• Free workshops featuring exhibitors and local presenters
• Intuitive readers
• An expo bookstore if possible, offering the works of keynote and guest speakers, and much more.

Edge Life Expo -- and the newer Fargo Holistic Expo and Iowa Holistic Expo -- has introduced the following speakers to its audiences since its inception: Janis Amatuzio, M.D., Allen & Linda Anderson, Lynn Andrews, Insiah Beckman, Echo Bodine, Gregg Braden, Dannion Brinkley, Dolores Cannon, Phyllis Currott, George Catlin, Master Stephen Co, Mark Earlix, Susie Ekberg, Steven Farmer, Dahna Fox, Kathryn Harwig, Geoffrey Hoppe, Carole J. Hyder, Sunny Dawn Johnston, Tiffany Johnson, Susan Just, Sri Ram Kaa & Kira Raa, Phillip H. Krapf, Rita Louise, Ph.D., Carol Lowell, Patricia Monaghan, Troy Parkinson, The Psychic Panel, Ian Punnett, Finbarr Ross, Marilyn Rossner, Paul R. Scheele, Maria Shaw, Norm Shealy, M.D., Shari Silvey, Stephen Simon, Michael Underwood, James Van Praagh, Doreen Virtue, David Wagner, Neale Donald Walsch and Lynn Young.

In partnership with Edge Life magazine, Edge Life Expos continue to explore life as it exists in harmony with all of creation, living in balance, the internal, the external, with loving care for the planet and each other.

Edge Life is always open to receiving your comments, questions and ideas. We are open to your vision of what your expo can offer your community. And we support you on your journey toward realizing and being all that you are.