Businesses are encouraged to sign up for Oct. 22 Expo

Time is running out for local businesses to secure a spot in the Third Annual Orillia & Lake Country Business Expo, set for Tuesday October 22 at Casino Rama.

The popular annual event will be open to the public, creating a captive audience of consumers for area businesses. The expo is also an ideal opportunity for business to business networking and develop new relationships that will pay off down the road, said Laura Thompson of the City of Orillia’s economic development office (EDO).

“It really is a great opportunity, first of all, to network and meet potential new customers,” said Thompson. “It’s also a place where you can learn about other businesses, where you might find a potential local supplier – or customer – in your own backyard.”

The event will be held this year during Small Business Week at Casino, which has donated its ballroom for the Expo. The new venue will allow for many more exhibitors.

“The Casino recognizes the value of this type of event for businesses of all shapes and sizes,” Thompson explained.

“In the first year, there were 12 exhibitors. Last year, we had 44,” said Thompson. “By having it at Casino Rama, we have room for 100 vendors. Already, we have more than 70 businesses – large and small – signed up, so the booths are going fast.”

That’s not surprising. The cost for a booth is only $100 – and includes electricity and all associated costs.

“For small businesses and home-based businesses that don’t have a storefront, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase what they do,” said Thompson, who added Scotiabank, a show sponsor, will host an exhibitors lounge and offer them free food and drink – and a quiet space to conduct business. “This is great value for the exhibitors.”

Exhibitors from around Orillia will also be featured in the event. Event organizers – the Orillia Business Association (OBA), the Orillia and Area Community Development Corporation (CDC), Orillia’s EDO, the Business Enterprise Resource Network (BERN) and the chambers of commerce in Orillia, Oro-Medonte and Ramara Township – welcome exhibitors from Orillia, Ramara, Rama, Severn and Oro-Medonte Township.

“There are so many great, successful small businesses in our communities,” said Ken Forbes, president of the OBA and one of the event’s founders.

“I’ve been here for 20 years,” he explained of his business Orillia Trim and Door. “And still, people walk through that door and say ‘I never knew you were here.’ This is a great way to market your business to not only your peers – potential customers – but also to consumers.”

The deadline for exhibitors to register for the Orillia and Lake Country Business Expo is Sept. 27. For more information, or to register, visit orilliabusinessexpo.ca or call Forbes at 705-329-1084.

Sidebar…

Those who have never participated in a trade show are in luck. The CDC is offering a free ‘Achieving Success at Trade Shows’ seminar on Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. until noon at R&F Construction in Orillia.

“The CDC, in partnership with BERN, will take participants through the important steps needed in achieving success at trade shows,” said Jacqueline Bayley, the CDC’s client services liaison. “Everything from goals, budgeting, booth design and set up, working the booth and more will be covered in this interactive workshop.”

To register for the seminar, call Bayley at 705-325-4903, ext. 107 or email jbayley@orilliacdc.com.

Photo:
Laura Thompson, economic development officer for the City of Orillia, and Ken Forbes, president of the Orillia Business Association, encourage local businesses to participate in the third annual Orillia and Lake Country Business Expo. The Oct. 22 event at Casino Rama is an opportunity to network, showcase your business and meet potential new partners and customers, the duo said.