2009 Expo Facts

Download and print Expo Facts here.

Join City of San Marcos Mayor Susan Narvaiz for the 24th Annual Business Expo Official Kick Off – at the Sneak Peek Party, Wednesday August 26 from 5:30- 8:30 pm. Enjoy food and beverage sample from area restaurants and caterers and delicious
hors de oeuvres from Embassy Suites as you visit with 100 exhibitors and network with over 1,500 attendees. Admission tickets provided to all chamber members. Additional complimentary admission tickets provided to sponsors and exhibitors.

PARKING:
Free parking for all Business Expo attendees.

LOCATION:
Business Expo 2009 will be held on Wednesday August 26 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. and Thursday August 27 from 10 am – 5 pm
at the San Marcos Conference Center located at Embassy Suites, 3101 South IH 35, San Marcos.

SHOW DETAILS:
This trade show/mixer combination event is in its 24th year and is one of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce’s best
attended events. It is the premier networking event for 2009 and provides a great opportunity to reach key business contacts.
Attendance is expected to exceed 1500 and we are planning for 100 booths and exhibits representing a wide cross section of
Chamber member businesses in the region.

BOOTH PACKAGE:

UPGRADES:
Numerous upgrades including additional exhibit tables, power, phone lines, internet, risers, and drayage service will be
available from Embassy Suites Convention Services Department. Information regarding upgrades will be included with
your exhibit confirmation or you can contact Embassy Suites Convention Services at (512) 392-6450. Please reference
SAN MARCOS BUSINESS EXPO when calling Embassy.

ADVERTISING:
The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the San Marcos Daily Record to offer a special 2009 Business
Expo Program that will be published in the SMDR and distributed at the Expo. All sponsors will receive advertising as part
of their sponsor package in the 2009 Expo Program. Exhibitors may purchase advertising in the Program at Special Chamber
Member Exhibitor Rates.

NEW IN 2009: EXHIBITOR HOSPITALITY SUITE
An exhibitor hospitality suite will be open from 9 am to 5 pm on the day of the EXPO. It will be located near the Exhibit Hall.
Enjoy complimentary soft drinks, water, and snacks – and comfortable chairs to rest in! Please be sure to thank the sponsors
that make the Exhibitor Hospitality Suite possible!

BOOTH PRIZES:
You are NOT required to give away a prize. However, many trade show exhibitors have found it advantageous to have a drawing
for goods or services directly related to their business. SORRY, but Expo coordinators will NOT be able to announce multiple
prize winners for individual booths. Please plan to notify your winners during or after the expo.

DAY OF SHOW EXHIBITOR PARKING:
During the Expo (after set up is completed), please plan to park at the north entrance Conference Center Parking lot area. This
will allow for more spaces to be available for Expo attendees.

EXHIBITOR TRAINING SESSIONS:
All exhibitors will be invited to an exhibitor training session to help them get the most from their Expo investment! More details
to follow.

2009 EXPO BOOTH CONTEST:
Judging will be based on visual appeal, effective marketing message and staff knowledge. (Chamber members only) Awards will
be presented in three categories.

1. Best of Show – to be awarded to the booth who creatively incorporates the Commerce on the Corridor theme into their
   booth design.
2. Best Interactive – to be awarded to the booth that does the best job of creatively engaging the audience.
3. Most Congenial – show that you have the friendliest staff in town by winning the Most Congenial booth award.

LOAD-IN:
Load-in is Wednesday August 26 from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm. All booths must be completely set up by 3:00 pm.

LOAD-OUT:
For safety purposes, load out may not begin until 5:00 pm on August 27. Please do not dismantle your booth prior to the close
of the Business Expo to allow your neighboring exhibitors the maximum time possible with attendees. Exhibitors must vacate the Conference Center no later than 8:00 p.m. All exhibitors will be asked to complete an exit survey at 5:00 pm and the surveys will
be entered into a drawing for a free booth at the 2010 Business Expo.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
Petitioning or distribution of political materials is prohibited. Flyers, giveaways, etc. are permitted only within your booth space.

Any exhibitor planning to bring any unusual or large items will need to contact Robert Watts via email at robertw@sanmarcostexas.com or call (512) 393 – 5906 as this may affect your booth placement and load-in time.
Deadline for notification is on or before Friday, July 31, 2009.

Thank you for choosing to exhibit at the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Business Expo 2009!
For more information regarding Business Expo 2009 including Sponsorship opportunities, contact the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce at (512) 393-5900 or email Robert Watts at robertw@sanmarcostexas.com