Chamber’s Expo puts entrepreneurs in spotlight

The Chamber presents its B2B Expo with an Oktoberfest theme, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St. Louis St. The event features small and large businesses – 150 in all – sharing the newest products and services and competing in a first-ever “best booth” contest. Tickets are free and available on the Chamber’s website, www.springfieldchamber.com.

Over lunch, four entrepreneurs will compete for $5,000 in the Chamber’s Go BIG Pitch Competition. It’s so big, the expo hall will close for the lunch hour as these finalists pitch their best plans to a team of judges. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door (includes lunch).

Four workshops will be presented at no charge throughout the day. Topics are: Top 10 Tips for Getting News Coverage, DIY Video for Marketing Your Business, Inside the SBJ Newsroom and Financial Management for Small Business. Register for free on the Chamber’s website.

The Expo day starts early with the Chamber’s networking breakfast Good Morning, Springfield, featuring a panel of young business professionals. The breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Expo Center. Register for Good Morning, Springfield on the Chamber’s website.

At 4 p.m., everyone is invited to the Expo Oktoberfest After Party to enjoy German fare and beverages.

For more information, contact the Chamber at 417-862-5567 or check the Chamber calendar at www.springfieldchamber.com.