The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is again embracing a “Love Local” approach by hosting the region’s largest business trade show this fall.
Love Local Expo will be held Wednesday, September 27th from noon to 7 p.m. at the Morrow Building (155 Lansdowne Street West, adjacent to the Peterborough Memorial Centre).
Both admission and parking are free, with Signarama returning as show sponsor and kawarthaNOW.com stepping up as digital media sponsor.
Local businesses who are either contemplating a return to the annual show or eyeing first-time involvement would be wise to heed the advice of Karen August, the Chamber’s Manager of Membership Services.
“We can put you in front of a thousand potential customers, or clients, or business leads in one day,” August says.
“As well, there’s the opportunity to network with other chamber member businesses exhibiting that day. It’s about celebrating your business success and celebrating that you are a local Peterborough business.”
The trade show is called the “Love Local Expo” for a reason — it highlights the strengths and benefits of doing business locally with the many members of the Peterborough Chamber.
“We encourage people to keep your town in business by keeping your business in town,” August explains.
“We also encourage people to create a referral network and to see a chamber member first if you have a need. Whether it’s a new accountant or whether you need someone to cut your grass or build you a new studio, look through the chamber membership directory first.”
Love Local Expo, notes August, has evolved from its original manifestation as the Prosperity Trade Show. And it has grown — 110 exhibitors are expected to set up a one-day shop at this year’s show.
Back again, adds August, are show floor zones with a specific theme — “Hyper concentrated destinations for like-minded businesses” as she puts it.
“For instance, we have the Start and Grow Zone, which is sponsored by Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development. That is highlighting the businesses that come through their Business Advisory Centre. By sponsoring that, they give an opportunity to a fledgling business that may not be able to otherwise access the opportunity.”
Other zones will be in place under the headings of Green Business, Holistic, Innovation and, new this year, the Micro Business Zone which features a reduced rate of $200 for a table display as opposed to a full booth — an affordable option for newer businesses looking to participate in the show.
“That helps us to be more inclusive,” says August.
Also back this year, smack dab in the midst of the show floor, is the networking café where visitors and show participants can mingle as well as sample and purchase products being featured.
While Love Local Expo is “primarily a business-to-business trade show,” August says the open-to-the-public element is a bonus for participating businesses, allowing them to interact one-on-one with those who may be in the market for their products or services.
Signarama, adds August, is offering a discount to participants looking to add signage at their show location. In addition, free WiFi courtesy of Cogeco will be available to exhibitors as well as social media mention upon registration.
One change from last year is the date itself. Held September 7th last year, the show is being staged three weeks later — on September 27th — this time around.
“That was pretty early in the month,” August say. “People weren’t quite getting into the swing of things so soon after summer vacation.”
On a personal level for August, seeing diverse businesses from a wide range of sectors is the highlight of the show.
“You’ve got professional services, health and wellness, energy, financial services, construction, hospitality, arts and culture … everything is pretty much well-represented. And you can win fantastic prizes too. Every exhibitor gives away a prize at their booth, and MicroAge gives away a grand prize of a Lenovo laptop computer.”
Love Local Expo marks the beginning of what will be a busy fall for the chamber, says August.
“We have this event, then we have our Excellence Awards at Showplace, followed by the Business Summit. There’s no such thing as down time at the chamber. Come September, we’re going to hit the ground running. This is a highlight of the year, for sure. It’s a great way to reconnect with some members that you only see once a year. It’s great to see those faces.”
For more information on Love Local Expo, or to register for a booth or table, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
All photos courtesy of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.
