SBA business expo set for Wednesday

More than 3,000 people are expected to attend Schaumburg Business Association's expo Wednesday, Nov. 17, where more than 100 businesses will exhibit.

Both the theme and the featured presentation this year were chosen with the economy in mind, said event coordinator Teresa Faidley. “A Healthy Dose of Business” is the theme. The expo takes place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive.

Tom Nolan of Gallup Consulting is the featured speaker. He will address employee well-being and how this has a direct impact on the company's bottom line.

Nolan has more than 20 years of business development, marketing, management and consulting experience.

The presenting sponsor this year is Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, Schaumburg campus.

Organizers say the event is taking a heavy business-to-business approach this year. “The event allows the exhibitors to showcase themselves as market leaders,” Faidley said.

She adds there are also informational sessions on how to better prepare for the business expo and how to follow up with potential clients afterward.

The expo features an array of interactive booths, food and wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and much more.

Organizers said they heard from many area small business owners who told them they could not afford to participate as exhibitors. “I don't know how you cannot afford to participate,” Faidley asks, saying that for the $500 fee there are many paybacks.

“The $500 investment is one of the most cost-effective ways to market, collect leads and form long-term business partners,” Faidley said.