In the beginning
Edge Life Expo, a three-day exhibition focused on 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.

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

“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.”

Speakers and much more
Edge Life Expo was designed to be an annual event from the outset — with the following features to become standard each year:
• 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 offering the works of keynote and guest speakers, and much more.

Edge Life Expo has introduced the following speakers to its audiences since its inception:

• Keynote speakers: Janis Amatuzio, M.D., Lynn Andrews, Michele Blood, Echo Bodine, Gregg Braden, Dannion Brinkley, Dolores Cannon, Phyllis Currott, Cyndi Dale, Mark Earlix, Kathryn Harwig, Geoffrey Hoppe, Phillip H. Krapf, Ian Punnett, Marilyn Rossner, Paul R. Scheele, Stephen Simon, James Van Praagh, Doreen Virtue, Neale Donald Walsch.

• Guest speakers: Allen & Linda Anderson, Insiah Beckman, George Catlin, Master Stephen Co, Steven Farmer, Dahna Fox, The Healing Forum, Carole J. Hyder, Sunny Dawn Johnston, Lori L. Lorenz, Rita Louise, Ph.D., Patricia Monaghan, Lori Palm, The Psychic Panel, Maria Shaw, Shari Silvey, Cathryn Taylor, Michael Underwood, David Wagner, Kim West and Lynn Young.

In partnership with the recently evolved Edge Life magazine, Edge Life Expo continues 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 Expo is always open to receiving your comments, questions and ideas. We are open to your vision of what Edge Life Expo can be for this community. And we support you on your journey toward realizing and being all that you are.