Chamber Invites Public to “Connections” Tradeshow
100+ Exhibits, Food Samples & Prizes; Free at Oct. 24 Event
Prince William, VA – Connections, Prince William’s largest tradeshow returns on Thursday, October 24 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, located at 10900 University Boulevard in Manassas. An event of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, Connections 2013 is free to attend and open to the public, thanks to the support of event sponsors Gift & Garden USA, Prosperity House, PNC Bank, Piedmont Physical Therapy and University of Maryland University College. Comcast is the Chamber’s Business Growth Vision Partner.
“We are proud to host the largest trade show in the greater Prince William area,” said Chamber President & CEO Rob Clapper. “This is an opportunity for the community to meet the people behind area businesses and to discover local services they may not have known about. For exhibitors, it is a perfect mix of business-to-consumer and business-to-business interaction; a showcase for all that Prince William companies have to offer.”
He said that the business community will roll out the red carpet for local consumers and fellow business people during Connections. A free shuttle, provided by Tracen Technologies will bring visitors from the George Mason parking lots to the show. Visitors can sample food from Grafton Street Restaurant, R&R Catering, Glory Days Grill and Uno Chicago Grill. All attendees will be entered into a cash prize drawing courtesy of Dominion Virginia Power, and many vendors will offer special show pricing and giveaways.
For businesses considering membership in the Chamber, Clapper encouraged them to stop by the Chamber’s booth to take advantage of event-day specials on membership.
Gift & Garden Vice President Patty Baisden noted that while her company participates in a number of tradeshows across the country, sponsoring this particular one is really all about the community connection.
“Of course we want people to buy our products, but that’s not our top reason for sponsoring Connections. We want to meet the people who make up this community and tell them about our commitment to Prince William County, Manassas and especially Manassas Park where we are based,” said Baisden. “It’s important for businesses to be plugged into the community; to contribute to the local economy and quality of life. That is why we are so involved in the Prince William Chamber…This is our chance to tell our neighbors who we are.”
Based on past attendance, the Chamber expects close to 1,600 attendees. More than 100 exhibitors will participate. Booth spaces are still available. For more information about attending or exhibiting at Connections, visit www.pwchamber.org/connections or call 703-368-6600.
Additional sponsors to date include: 95 Express Lanes, ActionCOACH of Old Town Manassas, Evolution Printing , IMAGINE, Prince William Times and Washington Business Journal. 
