Business Showcase Highlights

On Monday, March 26, and Tuesday, March 27, the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce will launch the newly-labeled Business Showcase, formerly known as the Area Business Connection. This event is downstate Illinois’ largest business to business trade show. Roughly 200 exhibitors will attract approximately 3,000 people to the Peoria Civic Center. This year’s show will feature many new improvements, based on attendee and exhibitor input from 2006.

The Business Showcase is designed to be a representation of businesses in the Peoria area that are making a difference right here and now within the community. The Business Showcase is also designed for Chamber and non-Chamber members to market their products and services. At this event, anything goes. While attending the Business Showcase, you are able to take advantage of the businesses, products and services that will be promoted. There is no fee to attend the show, but a business card or company I.D. is required to enter. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards!

To stay ahead of competition, it is key for businesses to continue building relationships which generate qualified leads, and more importantly, help companies achieve their sales goals. There is no better place to do that than at the 2007 Business Showcase!

Some of this year’s changes include revised exhibitor packets—featuring new package pricing for exhibitors. Exhibitors will receive their choice of advertisement size in the showcase’s Business Directory, two complimentary Power Breakfast tickets and 15 Business After-Hours event passes. The Business Directory, also a new marketing piece, will feature advertisements of all exhibitors in attendance.

Another big change to the show is the layout. The Chamber booth, now in the center of the main aisle, will serve as the headquarters and nucleus of the show. In previous years, the Power Breakfast has been in Hall A, off of the main entrance of the lobby. This year, the Power Breakfast will take place in the opposite area, Hall C. This will allow for the Business Showcase to use the entrance off of the lobby as a grand main entrance.

As individual business owners and operators, the Chamber recognizes the importance of a fresh and updated approach for our businesses to remain competitive. The Chamber Board, committee volunteers and staff recognize the strength and energy of our business community and support each business’ commitment to our local economy. This year’s Business Showcase will be a fantastic event highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and prospering in the Peoria area. For more information visit www.peoriachamber.org/goto/BusinessShowcase. tpw