The Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing to welcome hundreds of attendees to this year’s Business Expo. Photo courtesy of Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing to welcome hundreds of attendees to this year’s Business Expo, an annual event aimed at connecting local businesses, entrepreneurs and community members in one vibrant networking space.

The Business Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 26 at Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive.

Now in its 14th year, the Business Expo has become an important part of the city’s economic and community development. What began in 2011 as a small gathering has expanded into a full-scale event that fills City Hall’s north parking lot with business booths, interactive displays and networking opportunities.

“The first one was very small,” said Diann Rogers, president and CEO of the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce. “Within a few years, we had to move to the back parking lots at City Hall. About six years ago, we shifted to the north lot to accommodate the growth. I’m so proud of what it’s become. We’ve got a solid formula and its very successful.”

What began in 2011 as a small gathering has expanded into a full-scale event that fills the City Hall’s north parking lot with business booths. Photo courtesy of Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce

This year’s Business Expo will feature several exhibitors from a wide range of industries, including finance, media, health care and technology. The Chamber of Commerce has stepped up its promotional efforts this year by expanding its social media outreach, ensuring even greater visibility for vendors and drawing a larger crowd of attendees.

“We’re focused on making this event as effective and efficient as possible for businesses,” Rogers said. “Especially post-COVID, businesses are more mindful about how they allocate resources. We’ve designed the Expo to take place during business hours so companies don’t have to pay overtime and we’re offering a light lunch for exhibitors.”

Attendees can expect a dynamic experience with an interactive “passport” program, which encourages visitors to engage with a variety of booths by collecting stamps. The booth layout is carefully designed to ensure there’s something interesting around every corner.

“Our goal is to create an environment that is conducive to making real connections,” said Rogers. “We even hold a mixer the night before so exhibitors can meet each other and start building relationships early.”

The event’s impact goes beyond business networking. With an estimated 60/40 mix of returning and new exhibitors, Rogers said that the Business Expo is a strong indicator of the region’s economic health.

The Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 26 at Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive. Photo courtesy of Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce has developed several key partnerships to drive the Business Expo’s success. Collaborations with media outlets, event sponsors, city leadership and chamber ambassadors ensure robust outreach and a smooth experience for vendors and guests alike. Nonprofit organizations are also invited to participate, adding a layer of community service to the day’s activities.

For businesses interested in exhibiting, there’s still time to get involved. Registration can be completed online through the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce website.

“We’ve kept the exhibitor fee very reasonable and offer a strong marketing package,” Rogers said. “From fliers to billboards and online promotion, we’re committed to making sure every vendor gets visibility.”

Rogers’ message to the public is simple: “Come by. This is a great way to support local businesses. The vast majority are very local. See what our community has to offer. Physically be there.”

For more information or to register as an exhibitor, visit ranchocordova.org.