EOCC: It’s that Time of Year – Rise & Shine at Business Expo!

Dorothy Hardee, Chamber Administrator

What do you need to start a business? Three simple things: know your product better than anyone. Know your customer and have a burning desire to succeed…… Dave Thomas, Founder, Wendy’s

It is that time of year again. Kids are out of school as we slip into the “Dog Days of Summer.” Visions of vacation dance in your head wishing to escape news of supply chain delays, increasing gas prices and shortages at the grocery store. Okay, let us not panic, BUT do get busy. The East Orlando Chamber (EOCC) Business Expo is August 25^th from 5-8 PM at the DoubleTree Orlando Airport Hotel.

Are you asking yourself why you should invest in participating in a Business Expo? With 100+ exhibitors, it is the best place to connect with EOCC Members and nonmember participants in one place, not to mention another 300-400 potential customers visiting your space during this three-hour event.

Not only are you building a potential client base and referral network, but also able check out the competition in a safe environment. Connecting with competitors also helps you get a well-rounded perspective of your industry and challenges others are facing. Believe me, you are not alone. It is the best place to learn from others.

The Business Expo is a suitable place to try out your messaging, tweaking it to get the best responses. This is a unique environment to evaluate products, messaging and to reward employees by allowing them to participate as well, not to mention have a little fun, too.

There is no doubt that exhibiting can be costly after you pay for your space, purchase branded materials, giveaways, and items to attract attention driving visitors to your table. It is important to be strategic and to not wait until the last minute to order collateral. If you arrive without setting targets and objectives, you will have no way of measuring success.

Other key issues that can cause a negative experience is not creating and implementing a lead capture strategy, a poorly executed pitch or demonstration and not targeting your leads properly. Engaging with visitors is how the relationship process begins. If you sit at your table, eating, talking, or texting on your phone or reading a book your potential customer will assume you are too busy and move on to the next table.

A fitting example of this was the year the event went from the atrium, convention area spilling into the hall. There were two businesses neighboring one another with a table and two chairs. Each had branded materials, an array of items on the table and people there to work. The difference was that Table A requested an additional chair and chose to sit behind the table, talking to colleagues, and not engaging with anyone unless they specifically walked up to the table asking a question. Table B had two team members standing beside the table they had pushed against the wall. They said hello to everyone that passed, making eye contact, and asking if they knew about their business and liked to save money. You felt welcomed into their space and not like an interruption.

They had giveaways and a way to capture contact information for prospects. In the end, Table A communicated they got nothing out of the event and would not return. Table B secured 25+ memberships on the spot and had a basket of solid prospects to follow up on after the event.

Participating in the Business Expo is an investment into your business; one you should not take lightly. Promotional products will help you stand out. Using a professional experienced in guiding their clients to select the right quantities, quality and type of products is important. The East Orlando Chamber has several outstanding members ready to assist with your promotional needs. Now is the time to make your selections and order to avoid delays or additional costs for express shipping.

Also, don’t forget to register for your table determining if you will need a space with electrical access or want to be included on our Bingo Card, all selections available when signing up. Space fills up quickly, so do not delay.

Would you like greater exposure? Consider sponsorship! There are sponsor opportunities available providing great visibility including pre-event billboards throughout East Orange County. Not ready to take the plunge, and prefer to see what it is all about? Then purchase tickets to attend. It is a real bargain at just $10 a piece for a chance to talk to vendors, sample delicious food, connect with others and win prizes.

The East Orlando Chamber Business Expo 2022 is Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the DoubleTree Orlando Airport Hotel, 5555 Hazeltine National Drive, Orlando, FL 32812. Register today at eocc.org.

For more information or to register for events call (407) 277-5951 or visit our website at eocc.org. The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce everywhere East of I-4.

UPCOMING EVENTS

After Hours: Eat, Drink & Get Social with Boardwalk Bowl

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

5:00 – 8:00 PM

Boardwalk Bowl

10749 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32817

EOCC Brain Trust

Thursday, July 28, 2022

8:00 – 9:30 AM

East Orlando Chamber office

12301 Lake Underhill Road, Ste. 245, Orlando, FL 32828

WISE Quarterly Luncheon: Unlocking Potential: Legal Well-Being