The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the 28th Vermont Chamber Business and Industry EXPO. The May 23 & 24 trade show, held at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Burlington, features a wide variety of seminars, special events, and award ceremonies. Check the schedule of events below.
Wednesday, May 23
8 ‘9:45 am ‘Senator Leahy Business Breakfast:The annual U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy's Business Breakfast hosts representatives from Facebook. Get practical tips about how to use Facebook to grow your business.Diamond Ballroom, $35SPONSORED BY VELCO
10 am ‘5 pm ‘The Vermont Chamber Business & Industry EXPO :Visit northern New Englandâ s largest business-to-business trade show featuring 200 exhibitors. Stop by the Technology Pavilion on the second floor.Lake Champlain Exhibit Hall (Level 1)Emerald Ballroom & Promenade (Level 2), Free [$10 after May 18]PLATINUM SPONSORS ‘FAIRPOINT COMMUNICATIONS &VERMONT BUSINESS MAGAZINE
10 ‘10:30 am ‘Presentation of the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award:Governor Peter Shumlin will present the award.Sheraton Conference Center Foyer, FreePRESENTED BYVERMONT BUSINESS MAGAZINEAND THE VERMONT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
12 noon ‘2 pm ‘Business Luncheon: Online Marketing Strategies with Google:Join Googleâ s head of Global Cross-Product Solutions, Seth van der Swaagh, and learn about whatâ s new in online media and marketing, and how to stay relevant to your customers.Diamond Ballroom, $40SPONSORED BY KSE PARTNERS & NPI
2 ‘3:30 pm ‘7 Experts ‘7 Tips ‘7 Minutes The Seven Blind Spots of Business and How to Prevent Them:As a business owner or leader, time and knowledge is critical. Recent news of financial misappropriation by employees, brand hijacking and natural disasters have left many businesses in the lurch and even closed many. This yearâ s 777 panel will explore the many blinds spots that exist and offer some simple tips for identifying and preventing them from doing further damage.Amphitheatre, $25MODERATED BY VERMONT FAMILY BUSINESS INITIATIVE; SPONSORED BY FAIRPOINT COMMUNICATIONS
5 ‘7 pm ‘EXPO Networking Reception:An EXPO exclusive event that is FREE to all EXPO exhibitors and attendees. Come mingle and relax with your colleagues.Gâ s Restaurant, FreeSPONSORED BY WAITSFIELD AND CHAMPLAIN VALLEY TELECOM
Thursday, May 26
9 am ‘4 pm ‘The Vermont Chamber Business & Industry EXPO:Visit northern New Englandâ s largest business-to-business trade show featuring 200 exhibitors. Stop by the Technology Pavilion on the second floor.Lake Champlain Exhibit Hall (Level 1)Emerald Ballroom & Promenade (Level 2)PLATINUM SPONSORS: FAIRPOINT COMMUNICATIONS &VERMONT BUSINESS MAGAZINE
9 ‘11:30 am ‘Building Blocks Seminar Series:Attend one or stay for all four! These short seminars will give you news you can use and get you on your way in 30 minutes.Amphitheatre, $10 per seminarSPONSORED BY TD BANK
21stCentury Business Etiquette:Anna Post, Emily Post Institute, will explain how corporation can bring civility into their cultures to increase professionalism, retention and productivity.
Selling Your Product in China:Dana Eidsness, Vermont Chamber of Commerce, will explain the big picture opportunity that China represents and provide market entry strategies to help you sell effectively in China.
Art of Networking and Public Relations:Wendy Knight, Knight and Day Communications, will give advice on how to build and maintain key relationships with journalists, other business owners, community leaders, vendors and customers.
Avoid the Risks of Cyber Crime and Social Media:Matt Boric and Harry Fell, Downs Rachlin Martin, will provide an overview of various challenges, as well as tips for social media opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed.
12 noon ‘2 pm ‘Business Luncheon:Attendees will hear about Vermontâ s relationship with Canada and international trade from Governor Shumlin and Quebec Premier Jean Charest at the noon luncheon.Diamond Ballroom, $40SPONSORED BY COMCAST BUSINESS CLASS
1’2:30 pm ‘Power Pitches: Business Plans Meet the Experts:Six students have three minutes each to prove why their business plan is a viable investment and how their idea excels above the rest. A panel of experts will offer advice and determine if the plan should go back to the drawing board or is bound for success.Amphitheatre, Free
2:30 ‘3 pm ‘Centennial Business Awards:Vermontâ s oldest businesses are recognized for enriching our economic heritage and enhancing our community for the last 100 years. Award recipients include:Brattleboro Savings and Loan, 1912; Tuttle Printing and Engraving, 1912; White River Paper, 1881; Key Bank of Vermont, 1847; Woodstock Aqueduct Company, 1909; West Hartford General Store, 1856; Vermont Structural Slate Co. Inc., 1859; Clifford Funeral Home, 1875; Emerson's Inc., 1885; H.N. Williams Store, Inc., 1840; The Jenks Studio of Photography, 1886; Densmore Stone Co. and Marble Center, 1911; Gandin Brothers, Inc, 1912; Quimby Country, Inc., 1894.
Register and learn more by going towww.vtexpo.comor call the Vermont Chamber at 802-223-3443.
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the largest statewide, private, not-for-profit business organization, represents nearly every sector of the stateâ s corporate/hospitality community. Our mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life.