Promoting Progress
Have you ever taken the time to look up fundamental terms or words? I do that routinely. I’m odd like that.
I look things up because it helps me to see or think about everyday things sometimes in a different way, or it can remind me of the “what and why” we do the things we do.
So, this week’s word is “Expo.”
Quora.com defines “Expo” as “an event that aims at educating the public, sharing innovation, promoting progress and fostering cooperation.” Not only does that definition speak to some of the values of the Chamber, but it certainly represents our intent each year when we present the region’s largest and most-attended Business Expo.
This year’s Expo will do exactly that.
If you don’t yet have it on your calendar, now’s the time to add it. March 30. As in the end of the month. At the Abilene Convention Center.
We’ll start the day promptly at 10 AM with a ribbon cutting where we’ll not only open the show, but also thank this year’s show presenting sponsors Lawrence Hall Abilene, Pest Patrol and Fat Matt Roofing.
I also want to thank Coca Cola Southwest Beverages, First Bank Texas, LMB Real Estate, CBS Insurance, and Taylor Electric Cooperative for their tremendously supportive roles in this year’s show.
The show will run all day from the opening bell at 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. While the public is welcome to stroll through, this event is designed to foster supplier relationships among the Chamber’s current and future members. It’s a good place to meet fellow business decision-makers, buyers, and those in positions of influence. It’s also a great time to rekindle relationships and make new contacts among our thriving business community.
Remember, for your Chamber, it’s all about capturing every single penny spent in our community and keeping it right here at home. Think of my “hole in the bucket” analogy. We can keep pouring it in the top of the bucket, but we’ll never fill the bucket as long as it’s leaking out the bottom.
Each time I visit the Expo show floor, I’m astounded at the engagement levels not only of the exhibitors, but of the business people who attend and simply walk it. They all know that there’s no better way to gain new business leads and customers or to give your brand added visibility than to participate in the Big Country’s official business marketplace.
Expo is also a great opportunity to introduce a new product or service and to remind the community that you’re here.
And of course it wouldn’t be Expo without the mother-of-all Business After Hours events, which kicks off immediately following the show in the foyer of the Convention Center. I’d plan on 4:00 or so. Typically, our exhibitors will break down at 3:30 and make it into the Business After Hours event at about that time.
As always, we’ll wrap up the event with our live auction, where you’ll find opportunity to bid on all sorts of great value packages provided by our members. It’s fast-paced and fun. You won’t want to miss it.
Finally, I want to offer a shout out to the hardest working guy in show business, Kelly Jay of TMI Advertising. This fellow puts in a ton of time and effort before, during and after the show. We’re grateful for Kelly’s leadership and involvement. In fact, this year’s entire Expo Planning committee has done a remarkable job in planning and preparing to execute this one-of-a-kind show. We couldn’t do it without this great group of members.
So – remember: Wednesday, March 30 at the Abilene Convention Center, starting with a Ribbon Cutting to open the show at 10 AM. It will be great to see our members doing their thing, and our business community there to support them.
Onward!
Doug