When the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce started its annual Business to Business Expo 10 years ago, it was lucky to draw three exhibitors and a handful of business people.
What a difference a decade makes.This year's expo, which runs March 31-April 2 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, will feature more than 250 companies using 346 booths. And chamber officials expect more than 17,000 local business people to check out new products and services as they exchange business cards and make new contacts at the event.
"(The expo) is the largest trade show of its kind in the Intermountain West," said Maria Sweeten, chamber director of programs and special projects. "We have every kind of company you can imagine in here. . . .
"I think it has grown because of its diversity. We're not simply a high-tech show, and we're not simply a home and garden show. We go across the board."
Sweeten said the expo will feature business equipment and supply companies, but its exhibitors also will include high-tech companies, employee placement and advertising firms, Internet service providers and even a paper shredding business.
A food court will give people a chance to sample food from 22 different vendors, and celebrity chefs will share their recipes.
"It's a place to network your business, and it's a place to grow your business," she said. "It's a place to find out what's going on in the business community."
Opening night festivities are set for 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, with live entertainment and the famous expo balloon drop, when business people scurry around the Salt Palace to catch balloons in hopes of winning one of 3,800 prizes. Sweeten said those in attendance Wednesday also will have a chance to eat some of "the largest birthday cake in the state."
The expo continues its run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 1, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 2.
The event is open and free to business people over 18 years of age. Tickets are available in advance at the chamber, 175 E. 400 South, Suite 600, or by calling 364-3631. They also are available at the door to the show.
The expo is co-sponsored by John Mecham Enterprises, Sprint PCS, KSL Television and the Deseret News.