Broward County Chamber Of Commerce

Broward County Chamber Of Commerce At the Broward County Chamber of Commerce, Our "Highest Priority" is to "Bring Business to Our Members." A Referral You Can Count On!

We promise to bring new customers to your door, to your website and calling on your phone!

๐Ÿšจ FLORIDA BUSINESS OWNERS โ€” THIS IS THE SHOW YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS! ๐ŸšจThe 2026 Florida Business Conference & Expo is com...
08/29/2026

๐Ÿšจ FLORIDA BUSINESS OWNERS โ€” THIS IS THE SHOW YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS! ๐Ÿšจ

The 2026 Florida Business Conference & Expo is coming Wednesday, November 18, 2026, and this is shaping up to be one of our biggest business events ever.

๐Ÿ”ฅ 12 EXPOS. ONE HUGE SHOW. ONE POWERFUL DAY.

Imagine walking into one event and connecting with business owners, CEOs, executives, investors, entrepreneurs, healthcare leaders, technology companies, property professionals, financial experts and decision-makers from industries throughout Florida.

That's what we're building.

๐Ÿ† ALL INDUSTRIES ARE WELCOME.
๐Ÿค NON-MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO EXHIBIT.

You don't have to belong to our Chamber to put your company in front of this audience.

๐ŸŒด 12 EXPOS IN ONE HUGE SHOW

๐Ÿ’ผ Business-to-Business โ€” Meet companies that need your products and services.

๐Ÿฉบ Medical Services โ€” Connect with one of Florida's most important industries.

๐Ÿงฌ Longevity โ€” Discover the rapidly growing business of living longer and healthier.

โค๏ธ Health & Wellness โ€” Meet businesses serving Florida's health-conscious population.

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ผ Women's Businesses โ€” Connect with women entrepreneurs, executives and business leaders.

๐Ÿจ Hospitality โ€” Build relationships throughout Florida's hotel, restaurant, tourism and hospitality industries.

๐Ÿข Property Management & Condominium Operations โ€” Meet professionals responsible for properties, communities and major purchasing decisions.

๐Ÿ’ป Technology โ€” Discover companies and solutions transforming the way we do business.

๐ŸŒŽ International Business โ€” Create relationships and opportunities that reach beyond Florida.

๐Ÿค– Artificial Intelligence โ€” Meet businesses embracing the technology changing virtually every industry.

โ‚ฟ Crypto & Finance โ€” Connect with professionals involved in investing, finance and emerging financial technologies.

๐Ÿ’ผ Careers & Employment โ€” Meet employers, professionals and organizations building Florida's workforce.

๐Ÿ’Ž PLUS: THE MILLIONAIRES INVESTMENT GROUP

A special networking gathering and presentation will bring together successful entrepreneurs, business owners and investors focused on building and preserving wealth.

๐Ÿ’Ž Meet successful entrepreneurs and investors.
๐Ÿ’Ž Expand your network.
๐Ÿ’Ž Exchange ideas.
๐Ÿ’Ž Discover opportunities.
๐Ÿ’Ž Learn from people focused on creating wealth.

CONNECT. COLLABORATE. CREATE GENERATIONAL WEALTH.

๐Ÿ† 30+ YEARS OF PRODUCING BUSINESS EVENTS

The Broward County Chamber of Commerce is proud of a record-breaking history:

๐Ÿ† 822 Consecutive Sold-Out Shows

๐Ÿค 55,611+ Exhibitors Served

๐Ÿ‘ฅ 1,000,000+ Attendees

And we're preparing to do it again.

๐Ÿšจ WANT TO EXHIBIT?

Don't wait until the last booth is gone and call us wishing you had reserved one.

Your next customer could walk past your booth.

Your next referral partner could be exhibiting beside you.

Your next strategic relationship could begin with one handshake.

GET YOUR BUSINESS IN THE ROOM.

๐ŸŒ www.FloridaBusinessExpo.org

โ˜Ž๏ธ (954) 565-5750

๐Ÿ’ฌ Text Messages Only: (954) 485-3255

โœ‰๏ธ [email protected]

๐Ÿ“… WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2026
โฐ 1:00 PM โ€“ 9:00 PM

๐Ÿ“ Hilton Deerfield Beach Boca Raton
Fort Lauderdale Resort & Conference Center
100 Fairway Dr.
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

๐ŸŒด ONE POWERFUL DAY. ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES.

๐Ÿ”ฅ ATTEND. LEARN. DISCOVER. NETWORK. CONNECT. GROW.

๐Ÿ‘‡ TAG a business owner who should be exhibiting.

๐Ÿ” SHARE this with someone who needs to be in the room on November 18.

And tell us in the comments:

What industry would YOU most like to connect with at the Expo?

The Trade Show Is Over. Now What?The Fortune Isn't in the Leads. The Fortune Is in the Follow-Up.By Lawrence ZolnowskiPr...
08/26/2026

The Trade Show Is Over. Now What?

The Fortune Isn't in the Leads. The Fortune Is in the Follow-Up.

By Lawrence Zolnowski
President & CEO | The Chamber Guyยฎ

Over the past few weeks, I've written about two sides of trade show success.

First, why business owners should exhibit at trade shows.

Then, why business owners should attend trade showsโ€”and how to WORK the room instead of simply walking through it.

Today, I want to finish this three-part series with what may be the most important lesson of all.

The booths have been packed up.

The banners have come down.

The business cards are sitting on desks.

The emails, phone numbers and leads have been collected.

Last Wednesday's South Florida Business Expo is over.

Or is it?

Because if you exhibited or attended last Wednesday, your opportunity didn't end when you walked out the door.

In many ways...

It just started.

What Are All Those Business Cards Worth?

Here's a question I want every exhibitor and attendee to ask themselves:

How many business cards, leads and new contacts did you collect last Wednesday?

20?

50?

100?

More?

Now here's the more important question:

How many have you contacted?

Because a stack of business cards has almost no value sitting on your desk.

A spreadsheet filled with leads doesn't generate revenue by itself.

A phone full of new contacts doesn't build relationships.

And that tote bag filled with brochures isn't going to call anybody for you.

The fortune isn't in the leads.

The fortune is in the FOLLOW-UP.
If You Exhibited Last Wednesday, Do This Now

You invested money.

You invested time.

You prepared your booth.

You brought your team.

You shook hands.

You answered questions.

You collected leads.

Now protect that investment.

Don't send everyone the same cold sales message:

"Thanks for stopping by our booth. Would you like to buy something?"

Instead, continue the conversation.

Try:

"It was great meeting you at the South Florida Business Expo last Wednesday. I enjoyed our conversation and wanted to personally follow up. I'd love to learn more about your business and see if there's an opportunity for us to help one another."

Notice the difference?

You're not immediately asking for an order.

You're building a relationship.

And Don't Only Follow Up With Potential Customers

This is where exhibitors sometimes make a huge mistake.

They look through their leads and decide:

Customer.

Not a customer.

Customer.

Not a customer.

Stop doing that.

The person who doesn't need your product today may introduce you tomorrow to the biggest customer you acquire all year.

Your neighboring exhibitor may become a referral partner.

Another exhibitor may need your services.

Someone you met during networking may introduce you to an organization you've been trying to reach for years.

Never underestimate the value of someone else's network.

Your goal shouldn't simply be:

"How can I sell this person?"

Ask:

"How can we help each other?"

That question can create business for years.

If You Attended Last Wednesday, Your Work Isn't Finished Either

Maybe you didn't have a booth.

But you met exhibitors.

You exchanged business cards.

You picked up cards from our Business Card Exchange Center.

You met other attendees.

You entered raffles.

You had conversations.

Perhaps you even met someone while grabbing something to eat or having a drink.

Now what?

Reconnect.

Don't assume they'll remember you three months from now.

Send the email.

Make the call.

Connect on LinkedIn.

Follow their company.

Comment on one of their posts.

Invite them for coffee.

Schedule the meeting.

Do something that turns:

"It was nice meeting you."

into:

"Let's stay in touch."

And eventually...

"Let's do business."

Don't Wait Until You Need Something

One of the greatest mistakes in networking is contacting people only when you want something from them.

Real relationships don't work that way.

You met someone last Wednesday?

Send them a referral.

Introduce them to someone.

Share their business with a friend.

Comment on their LinkedIn post.

Congratulate them on an accomplishment.

Ask how you can help.

Become valuable before you need value in return.

That's how a contact becomes a relationship.

And relationships are where business happens.

The 24-Hour Rule Is Great. But It's Not Too Late.

Ideally, you follow up within 24โ€“48 hours.

But maybe you didn't.

Maybe Thursday got busy.

Then Friday disappeared.

Then the weekend happened.

And now those cards are still sitting there.

Here's my advice:

STOP READING FOR A SECOND AND LOOK AT THEM.

It's not too late.

Today is better than tomorrow.

Tomorrow is better than next month.

Pick five people.

Contact them.

Then pick five more.

You don't have to follow up with 100 people in one sitting.

Just start.

Put Your Leads Into a System

Don't trust your memory.

Create a simple system.

For every meaningful contact, record:

Who are they?

What company are they with?

What did you discuss?

What do they need?

How could you help them?

What is the next step?

When should you contact them again?

Then schedule the follow-up.

Not every lead should receive the same message.

Your best opportunities deserve personal attention.

Follow-Up Doesn't Mean Once

This is important.

Sending one email isn't follow-up.

It's an email.

Real follow-up happens over time.

Today: Send a personal message.

Next week: Check in.

Later: Share something useful.

See them at another Chamber event? Say hello.

Notice something their business is doing? Congratulate them.

Have a referral? Send it.

Stay visible without becoming annoying.

Because here's what I've learned after decades of bringing businesspeople together:

People do business with people they know, like, trustโ€”and remember.

What Was That Lead Really Worth?

Imagine you collected 50 meaningful contacts last Wednesday.

Maybe only five eventually become customers.

Maybe one becomes a major account.

Maybe three become referral partners.

Maybe another introduces you to someone who changes your company.

Maybe one becomes a friend you know for the next 20 years.

What was the trade show worth then?

You can't measure the ROI of networking the morning after an event.

Sometimes the return arrives next week.

Sometimes next year.

And sometimes one relationship continues producing opportunities for decades.

The Expo Ended Wednesday.
The Relationships Didn't.

That's the lesson I want to leave you with at the end of this three-part series.

Exhibiting matters.

Attending matters.

Working the room matters.

But none of it reaches its full potential without what happens afterward.

FOLLOW UP.

Make the call.

Send the email.

Connect on LinkedIn.

Schedule the coffee.

Make the introduction.

Give the referral.

Help somebody.

And then stay in touch.

Because the business card isn't the relationship.

It's only the invitation to start one.

The South Florida Business Expo may have ended last Wednesday...

But some of the best business from that show hasn't happened yet.

Maybe your next great customer is already sitting in your stack of business cards.

Maybe your next referral partner is already saved in your phone.

Maybe your next life-changing relationship is waiting for you to send one simple message:

"It was great meeting you. Let's stay connected."

Don't wait for them.

You go first.

Here's My Challenge to You

Before today ends, follow up personally with at least five people you met at the Expo.

Then come back and tell me in the comments:

How many people did you contact?

Let's see how much business we can create from relationships that have already begun.

And if you know someone who attended or exhibited at a trade show recently, share this article with them.

Their next great opportunity may already be sitting on their desk.

๐Ÿ“ฌ Subscribe to The Chamber Guyยฎ

If you enjoy practical business advice you can actually put to work, subscribe FREE to The Chamber Guyยฎ LinkedIn Newsletter.

Every week, I share lessons from decades of working with business owners on networking, marketing, AI, business development, strategic partnerships and growing successful companies.

Subscribe here:

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-chamber-guy-7482863600278155264/

Lawrence Zolnowski
President & CEO | The Chamber Guyยฎ

๐Ÿ“ง [email protected]
๐ŸŒ www.ChamberRSVP.com
๐Ÿ“ž 954-565-5750

Our Highest Priority Is To Bring Business To Our Members.

EXHIBITOR SPACE IS SOLD OUT!!!WED, AUG 19th 3:30pm-8:30pm - TIME TO DO BUSINESS!๐Ÿšจ๐Ÿ”ฅ SOUTH FLORIDA โ€” GET READY! ONE OF THE...
08/19/2026

EXHIBITOR SPACE IS SOLD OUT!!!

WED, AUG 19th 3:30pm-8:30pm - TIME TO DO BUSINESS!

๐Ÿšจ๐Ÿ”ฅ SOUTH FLORIDA โ€” GET READY! ONE OF THE BIGGEST BUSINESS EVENTS OF THE YEAR IS ALMOST HERE! ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿšจ

2026 SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS CONFERENCE & EXPO
175+ EXHIBITORS โ€ข MULTIPLE EXPOS & EXPERIENCES โ€ข MAJOR SEMINARS โ€ข NETWORKING โ€ข CAREER OPPORTUNITIES โ€ข ONE HUGE EVENT!

๐Ÿ“… Wednesday, August 19, 2026
๐Ÿ“ Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel & Convention Center.
11775 Heron Bay Blvd, Coral Springs, FL 33076. Conveniently located off the Sawgrass Expressway.

South Florida, this is your invitation to spend one incredible afternoon and evening meeting people, discovering businesses, making connections, learning, networking and exploring new opportunities โ€” all under one roof.

Whether you're a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, investor, healthcare professional, salesperson, job seeker, community leader, professional or consumer, there is something waiting for you at this event.

And with 175+ exhibitors already participating, there will be a LOT to discover!

๐Ÿ”ฅ COME TO NETWORK.
๐Ÿ”ฅ COME TO LEARN.
๐Ÿ”ฅ COME TO DISCOVER NEW BUSINESSES.
๐Ÿ”ฅ COME TO FIND NEW PRODUCTS & SERVICES.
๐Ÿ”ฅ COME TO MEET POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS, CLIENTS & REFERRAL PARTNERS.
๐Ÿ”ฅ COME TO FIND YOUR NEXT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY.

โญ THREE MAJOR FEATURED SHOWS

๐Ÿฅ SOUTH FLORIDA HEALTH EXPO

One of the largest components of this year's event brings together healthcare, medical services, longevity and wellness.

Explore physicians, medical practices, clinics, healthcare services, innovative treatments, medical technology, preventative care, longevity solutions, wellness providers and organizations helping South Florida live healthier and longer.

Featuring:

๐Ÿฉบ Medical Services Show
๐Ÿงฌ Longevity Expo
โค๏ธ Health & Wellness Experience

๐Ÿ’ผ BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS EXPO

Meet companies representing industries throughout South Florida and beyond.

Discover businesses you may want to buy from, sell to, partner with, refer business to โ€” or simply get to know.

If you're serious about expanding your professional network, bring plenty of business cards!

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ผ WOMEN'S BUSINESS SHOWCASE

Meet and support South Florida's women business owners, executives, entrepreneurs and professionals.

Discover innovative companies, develop new relationships and celebrate the extraordinary impact women are making throughout our business community.

๐ŸŒด THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO EXPERIENCE!

Throughout the event you'll discover companies, organizations and opportunities representing:

๐Ÿ’ผ Business-to-Business
๐Ÿฉบ Medical Services
๐Ÿงฌ Longevity
โค๏ธ Health & Wellness
๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ผ Women's Businesses
๐Ÿจ Hospitality
๐Ÿข Property Management & Condominium Operations
๐Ÿ’ป Technology
๐ŸŒŽ International Business
๐Ÿค– Artificial Intelligence
โ‚ฟ Crypto & Finance
๐Ÿ’ผ Careers & Employment
๐Ÿ“ฑ Social Media
๐Ÿ“š Business Development
๐Ÿ‘‘ VIP Networking
โ€ฆand much more!

๐Ÿ’ฐ SPECIAL GATHERING OF MILLIONAIRES & FUTURE MILLIONAIRES

The Millionaires Investment Group will host a special networking gathering and presentation during the event.

๐Ÿ’Ž Meet successful entrepreneurs and investors.
๐Ÿ’Ž Expand your network.
๐Ÿ’Ž Exchange ideas.
๐Ÿ’Ž Discover opportunities.
๐Ÿ’Ž Learn from people focused on building and preserving wealth.

CONNECT. COLLABORATE. CREATE GENERATIONAL WEALTH.

Whether you're already successful or working toward your first million, this creates another unique reason to attend.

๐ŸŽ“ WANT TO DO BUSINESS WITH BROWARD COUNTY?

One of our most popular seminar topics returns:

๐Ÿ›๏ธ HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH BROWARD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Presented by Broward County Government

Learn more about opportunities for businesses interested in providing products and services to Broward County.

๐ŸŽ“ WANT TO SELL TO BROWARD COUNTY SCHOOLS?

Don't miss:

๐Ÿซ HOW TO SELL YOUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES TO BROWARD COUNTY SCHOOLS

Presented by the Broward County School Board

If you've ever wondered how your company can pursue opportunities with one of the area's largest public institutions, this is a presentation you'll want to attend.

๐Ÿค COME READY TO MAKE CONNECTIONS

Sometimes one introduction can change the direction of a business.

You may meet:

๐Ÿ”ท Your next customer
๐Ÿ”ท Your next supplier
๐Ÿ”ท Your next referral partner
๐Ÿ”ท Your next employer or employee
๐Ÿ”ท Your next strategic partner
๐Ÿ”ท Your next healthcare provider
๐Ÿ”ท Your next investment connection
๐Ÿ”ท Your next great business opportunity

You won't know who is in the room unless YOU'RE IN THE ROOM.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ REGISTER BEFORE THE EVENT & SAVE 50%!

We've made it easy to choose the admission experience that's right for you:

๐ŸŽซ GENERAL ADMISSION
โญ VIP ENTRY
๐Ÿ’Ž PLATINUM ATTENDEE PACKAGE

๐Ÿšจ HERE'S THE IMPORTANT PART:

PURCHASE ANY OF THESE ADMISSION PASSES ONLINE IN ADVANCE AND SAVE 50%.

Wait until you arrive at the event and ALL ADMISSION PRICES WILL BE TWICE THE ADVANCE ONLINE PRICE.

Why pay double at the door?

Register now. Save 50%. Have your admission taken care of before you arrive.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE:

https://www.chamberrsvp.com/product/business-expo-attendee-admission-be-081926-tix/

๐Ÿ“ EVENT DETAILS

๐Ÿ“… Wednesday, August 19, 2026

๐Ÿค Exclusive Exhibitor Networking:
1:00 PM โ€“ 4:00 PM

๐ŸŽ‰ Conference & Expo Open to Attendees:
3:30 PM โ€“ 8:30 PM

๐Ÿ“ Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel & Convention Center
11775 Heron Bay Blvd.
Coral Springs, FL 33076

Conveniently located right off the Sawgrass Expressway.

๐Ÿ† THERE'S A REASON SOUTH FLORIDA KEEPS COMING BACK

821 Consecutive Sold-Out Shows
55,417+ Exhibitors
1,000,000+ Attendees

Presented by the Broward County Chamber of Commerce, bringing South Florida businesses and communities together through conferences, expos and networking events for decades.

๐Ÿšจ ONLY 5 EXHIBITOR SPACES REMAIN!

Companies still thinking about exhibiting are running out of time.

With 175+ exhibitors already participating, we're approaching capacity.

ALL INDUSTRIES ARE WELCOME TO EXHIBIT.

Your company does not need to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce. OPEN TO ALL!

Don't call us after the last booth is gone wishing you had reserved one.

๐ŸŒ www.SouthFloridaExpo.com

โ˜Ž๏ธ Phone: (954) 565-5750
๐Ÿ’ฌ Text Messages Only: (954) 485-3255
โœ‰๏ธ Email: [email protected]

๐ŸŒด ONE POWERFUL DAY. ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES.

ATTEND. LEARN. DISCOVER. NETWORK. CONNECT. GROW.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ SAVE 50% โ€” REGISTER BEFORE THE EVENT!

https://www.chamberrsvp.com/product/business-expo-attendee-admission-be-081926-tix/

๐Ÿ‘‡ TAG THE PERSON YOU WANT TO BRING WITH YOU AND SHARE THIS WITH SOMEONE WHO SHOULD BE IN THE ROOM!

08/19/2026
08/19/2026

Stop Going to Trade Shows โ€” Start Working Them
How One Afternoon Can Produce Customers, Referrals and Relationships for Years
By Lawrence Zolnowski President & CEO | The Chamber Guyยฎ

I've produced business expos for decades, and I've watched thousands of business owners walk through the doors.

And I've noticed something fascinating.

Two people can attend the exact same trade show.

One leaves a few hours later carrying a bag filled with brochures.

The other leaves with 20 new relationships, five potential customers, three referral partners and appointments already on the calendar.

Same show.

Same exhibitors.

Same attendees.

Completely different results.

Why?

Because one person attended the trade show.

The other person WORKED it.

And there is a huge difference.

Your Next Customer May Already Be in the Room
Think about how much money businesses spend trying to reach the right people.

Advertising.

Email marketing.

Social media.

Direct mail.

Search engines.

Lead generation.

All of those can work.

But now imagine walking into one building filled with hundreds of business owners, executives, professionals and decision-makers who are there for exactly the same reason you are:

To meet people and discover opportunities.

They're expecting you to introduce yourself.

They're expecting to exchange business cards.

They're expecting to talk business.

Where else does that happen?

That's why I believe attending the right trade show can produce one of the highest returns you'll ever receive from a few hours of your time.

But there's a catch.

You have to know how to work it.

Don't Bring 25 Business Cards. Bring 250.
If you're attending a business expo, prepare for it like you're going there to generate business.

Because you are.

Bring at least 250 business cards.

Then make yourself a promise:

I'm not going home with these cards.

Visit every exhibitor.

Introduce yourself.

Learn what they do.

But don't make the mistake of immediately launching into your sales pitch.

Instead, ask:

"Tell me about your business."

"Who is a great customer for you?"

And my favorite:

"How can I help you?"

Those questions can be far more valuable than telling someone how wonderful your company is.

Because business is built on relationships.

And relationships begin with conversations.

The Most Valuable Person You Meet May Never Buy From You
This is one of the most important lessons I've learned from decades of networking.

Suppose you meet someone who will never need your product or service.

Was that conversation a waste of time?

Absolutely not.

That person has customers.

Friends.

Vendors.

Employees.

Business associates.

Neighbors.

Professional contacts.

And every one of those people has a network of their own.

That's why I never judge the value of a new relationship solely by whether that person can become a customer today.

Your network doesn't grow one person at a time.

It grows one NETWORK at a time.
You have absolutely no idea where one handshake may eventually lead.

Use the Business Card Exchange Center
We've created something inside the South Florida Business Expo specifically to make this kind of networking even easier.

It's our Business Card Exchange Center.

Bring your:

Business cards.

Postcards.

Color flyers.

Once you're inside the Expo, you can place your materials in the Business Card Exchange Center at no additional charge.

But here's the other half of the opportunity...

Look through the business cards and materials other professionals have left.

See someone you want to meet?

Pick up their card.

You may discover your next customer.

Your next vendor.

Your next referral partner.

Your next strategic alliance.

Or someone who simply becomes an important relationship in your life.

Think of it as a giant physical business matchmaking center.

But don't just drop off your cards and walk away.

WORK THE ROOM.

Here's My Trade Show Formula
After producing hundreds of business events, here's exactly what I recommend:

COME EARLY.
Don't arrive when half the opportunity has already passed.

VISIT EVERY EXHIBITOR.
You paid to enter a room filled with businesses. Meet them.

ASK QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU SELL.
Find out what people need before telling them what you offer.

GIVE PEOPLE YOUR BUSINESS CARD.
Make it easy for them to remember you.

USE THE BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE CENTER.
Leave your materials and find people you'd like to meet.

PARTICIPATE IN THE EXHIBITOR RAFFLES.
It's another opportunity to interact, have fun and be remembered.

And perhaps most importantly...

STAY LATE.
Don't Leave When Everyone Else Does
This is one of the biggest mistakes I see people make at trade shows.

They walk through once.

Collect some brochures.

Talk to a few exhibitors.

Then leave.

Meanwhile...

Hundreds of additional businesspeople may still be coming through the doors.

And you'll never meet them.

Our business expos are unique because they also become giant After Hours Business Card Exchanges.

Once you've visited the exhibitors, slow down.

Grab something to eat.

Have a drink.

Relax.

Talk to the person standing next to you.

Introduce yourself.

Meet the second wave of attendees.

Then the third.

Some of the most valuable conversations at a trade show happen after people stop "working the show" and simply start talking to each other.

The Fortune Is Often in the Follow-Up
Now here's where most networking fails.

People leave an event with 50 business cards...

And Monday morning those cards are still sitting on their desk.

A month later, they're still there.

Don't do that.

Within 24โ€“48 hours, follow up.

But don't send:

"Would you like to buy something from me?"

Try this instead:

"It was great meeting you at the South Florida Business Expo. I enjoyed learning about your company. Let's stay connected and see how we might be able to help one another."

That's how relationships begin.

Then stay in touch.

Someone you meet today may not need your services tomorrow.

They may need you six months from now.

Or they may introduce you next week to someone who needs you immediately.

One Afternoon Can Change Your Business
That's what I love about trade shows.

You never know which handshake matters.

Which conversation leads somewhere.

Which introduction becomes a customer.

Which customer becomes a referral source.

Which referral becomes a partnership.

Or which business relationship eventually becomes a lifelong friendship.

One afternoon can expand your networkโ€”and potentially your businessโ€”for years.

But only if you participate.

Don't stand against the wall.

Don't stare at your phone.

Don't walk through once and leave.

Introduce yourself.

Ask questions.

Shake hands.

Exchange cards.

Help people.

Stay late.

Follow up.

Don't just attend the trade show.

WORK IT.
Because somewhere inside that room may be someone who can change your business.

And don't forget something equally important...

You may be the person who changes theirs.

Now Put This Strategy to Work
You don't have to wait for another opportunity to try this.

Join us at the South Florida Business Expo on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

And there's a big advantage to planning ahead:

ADVANCE ONLINE TICKETS ARE 50% OFF.
We've created three attendee levels, so you can choose the experience that's right for you:

General Admission

VIP Admission

Platinum Attendee Package

Whichever level you choose, come prepared to make the most of it.

Bring your business cards.

Bring your flyers.

Use the Business Card Exchange Center.

Meet the exhibitors.

Introduce yourself to other attendees.

Come early.

Stay late.

And follow up.

Because your next customer, referral partner, strategic allianceโ€”or lifelong business relationshipโ€”could already be planning to attend.

Purchase your advance tickets and save 50% here:

https://www.chamberrsvp.com/product/business-expo-attendee-admission-be-081926-tix/

I'll see you at the Expo.

And when you get there...

Don't just attend it. WORK IT.

I'd Love to Hear Your Story
What's the best customer, partnership, referralโ€”or friendshipโ€”you've ever made at a trade show or networking event?

Tell me about it in the comments.

Your story might inspire another business owner to introduce themselves instead of walking past their next opportunity.

And if you know someone who says...

"Trade shows don't work."

Share this article with them.

Maybe trade shows aren't the problem.

Maybe they just haven't learned how to WORK one yet.
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Lawrence Zolnowski President & CEO | The Chamber Guyยฎ

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