by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
According to organizers from the Chamber of Commerce, Business Expo ‘04 should attract about 1,000 tonight at the Morocco Shrine Center.
Planning for the Expo, which is designed for small businesses, began nearly a year ago.
“This is an annual event and only the second of its kind, so we truly want to be sure that we’re as ready as we can be,” said Maja Blaskova, the Chamber’s senior manager of events and benefits. “We have over 200 exhibitors participating.”
Exhibitors, said Blaskova, who represent the cross-section of businesses affiliated with and supported by the Chamber.
“Basically every kind of business you can think of,” she said, “flower shops to banks to advertising agencies. It’s a great variety and we think there’s something for everyone.”
Other businesses scheduled to attend the Expo include Verizon Wireless, Merrill Lynch and Ponte Vedra Resorts.
Blaskova said exhibitor booths have been sold out for weeks, though tickets for general admission will be available at the door.
“The response has been wonderful because this is geared toward small businesses,” said Blaskova. “It was created with them in mind so they could showcase their products and services to other Chamber members and to the entire community.
“There are going to be so many wonderful opportunities for people to socialize, learn and potentially conduct business.”
Over 40 Chamber staffers will be present to answer questions. However Blaskova says the event is much more than a convention.
“We modeled it after our Business After Hours program so we encourage people to meet as many people as they can,” she said. “There is a $5 cover and with that you are invited to eat, drink and socialize.”
Blaskova said attendees will be issued two drink tickets at the door and are free to sample “heavy hors d’oeuvres.”
“It’s not just going to be booths and series of presentations.”
Business Expo ‘04 is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and will last approximately four hours.