"It was a great networking opportunity for us."
That is what Dave Bender, regional sales manager of e:Visibility, an internet marketing agency, said about the Carlsbad Business Expo.
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s 17th annual expo took place last month at Westfield Plaza Camino Real in Carlsbad. The event featured more than 100 vendors from a variety of industries.
"It was a great turnout. All of the sales reps who went and manned the booth said they had a lot of fun and made some contacts," Bender said. "We made some prospects as far as doing marketing for some businesses in Carlsbad."
He added that the food was "great." During the event, 10 vendors, including Organic To Go, Costco and Chef DK Catering, gave out free samples of their delicious food.
Dave Krohn, owner of Chef DK, served roasted heirloom tomato soup, chicken marsala, Italian potato salad and seared shrimp with
anchovy butter, among other mouthwatering items.
"There was definitely a lot of exposure at the expo," Krohn said.
He said he went through a "ton" of food at his booth and everyone really enjoyed everything.
Besides the free food samples, the hottest goods and most dynamic business professionals caught the attention of the more than 1,000 people who attended the expo.
"The chamber enjoys hosting the business expo because it highlights the unique and exciting companies that serve our region and it gives the business community the opportunity to showcase their products and services," said Lisa Manemann, director of special events for the chamber. "The annual event provides North County with a vehicle for driving business connections."
Some of this year’s vendors were highlighted in three main pavilions: Technology, Health and Wellness and Home.
The Technology Pavilion highlighted AT&T’s U-verse, a suite of Internet protocol-based products and services that includes U-verse television and super high-speed Internet access. Those who visited the pavilion learned about the latest technology solutions ranging from Web design to video surveillance.
Featured in the Health and Wellness Pavilion, Tri-City Medical Center’s booth focused on the importance of establishing community health care by discussing the hospital district’s latest endeavor, a wellness center in Carlsbad. The pavilion also featured local health-related services ranging from chiropractic care to nutrition.
The Home Pavilion showcased vendors specializing in home repair and remodeling. Consultants and vendors offered attendees tips, products and services to help improve their living spaces.
Other highlights included San Diego Gas & Electric’s Clean Transportation Vehicle, which is part of the Go Green Save Green program, a Sundowner networking reception and a Small Business Success Center booth where attendees received counseling and referrals to business resources.
E-World Recyclers collected a total of 1,900 pounds of electric waste from those who attended the event.
"That’s almost 2,000 pounds of waste that didn’t end up in the landfills," said Sheree Tweddell, vice president of E-World Recyclers. "The county’s initiative is to achieve a zero waste policy for all recyclables."
The presenting sponsor of the expo was Westfield Plaza Camino Real.
"We love having the event on our site and plan to host it there for years to come," said Becky Smith, general manager of Westfield Plaza Camino Real. "The quality of the expo is what makes it so successful. It fulfills a need businesses have to connect with potential customers."
Other sponsors included Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc., Tri-City Medical Center, AT&T, TechDepot by Office Depot, Waste Management, the North County Times and CDS Printing.
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