Marketplace for Entrepreneurs is coming back to Bismarck, in full force.

The entrepreneurial convention grew out of the touch economic times of the '80s, said Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson. It was developed by Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., and then-commissioner Sarah Vogel.

"I don't think there was any idea that it would get as large as it has become,"Johnson said.

Now, in its 20th year, as the state watches the rest of the nation's economy slip and slide, the convention is expected to draw a crowd of about 10,000 people looking to be inspired, to network, to get new ideas or talk through old ones, at Bismarck's Civic Center.

"This year, our special feature is 'North Dakota:The new economy,'"executive director Marilyn Kipp said. "We're trying to talk about what North Dakota's new economy is going to look like, and give people lots of ideas"

Marketplace for Entrepreneurs is technically only one day, on Wednesday. But a lot of activities and contests begin early on, such as the statewide talent contest, set for 7 p.m. Tuesday. Two of the finalists are from the Bismarck-Mandan area, Johnson said, and the public is invited to attend. Tickets are free.

Other contests include the invention contest and the business plan competition. All the contests are at the Civic Center.

The keynote speaker this year is Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Economy.com. Kipp said Zandi's commission is to address how North Dakota fits into the global economy.

"He knows a lot about the crisis that the country is in, and he can explain that and then fit in how he feels North Dakota will fit into the new economy that we're going to have to build,"Kipp said.

The convention has been well-received in Bismarck, Kipp said. It typically rotates through Fargo, Grand Forks and the capital city.

This year, there will be 275 exhibits, Kipp said, and about 70 classes. The classes are grouped together, like eBay classes, marketing, patents and trademarking.

"This is the favorite day of the year for me,"Johnson said, "because there are always problems with agriculture. But this is the day that we don't talk about the problems, but new and exciting opportunities."

To register to attend Marketplace, go to www.marketplaceforentrepreneurs.org.

(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@;bismarcktribune.com.)