11th Annual B2B Expo a Huge Success!

The 11th Annual B2B Expo, New Mexico's largest Strategic Networking event & Business-to-Business Expo, was a huge success last week with a packed house of 920 in attendance. This year we used Addmi's new Technology App, making it easy to track attendance and attendee preferences. The event broke previous attendance records with 836 attendees and 138 exhibitors representing more than 46 industries. Additionally, over 132 people attended educational round tables prior to the Expo's kick off!

"Given our record numbers, it is obvious business people are looking for an opportunity to network, learn and make important connections," said DJ Heckes, founder of the Expo and CEO of EXHIB-IT! "There are many industry trade shows, but nothing dedicated solely to business. We have already secured the date for next year's event Tuesday April 23, 2019 with many returning Sponsors already committed."

The event started with the Educational Roundtables with 12 Award Winning Presenters:

• Mark Herman, CEO of Dion's
• Andy Lim, Owner of Addmi, Inc.
• Sandra M. Bustamante, Payment Solutions Market Manager with U.S. Bank
• Diane Villegas, Owner of Big Picture Marketing
• Ryan Cangiolosi, Director of Economic and Community Development of UNM Health Sciences Center
• Annemarie Henton, Director of Communications and Marketing with AED
• Dale R. Dekker, Founder of Dekker/Perich/Sabitini
• Chris Moore, Strategic Director/Partner of 3 Advertising
• Chris Schroeder, Chief Operating Officer of Real Time Solutions
• Ernie C'deBaca, CEO of Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce
• Kristelle Siarza, CEO of Siarza Social Digital
• Mark "Pardo" Gonzales, Owner of Mark Pardo SalonSpa

Next was the Main Event that started off with a VIP Meet & Greet with 41 Candidates in this year's election.

The Candidates were available to meet with all attendees throughout the evening.

Best Local Brand Winners

Best Local Brand Commercial Winner: New Mexico Pion Coffee

Best Local Brand Nonprofit Winner: LifeRoots

Each of our winners took home $6,825 in marketing Prizes!

The event was full of strategic networking with attendees and exhibitors throughout the event. You could feel the excitement in the air while walking the event and see people truly interacting.

Testimonials from Survey Responses

Top 5 Comments:

• "The event was a great adventure where I gained information about different products and services that are out in the market place and met just a whole group of nice and educated people."
• "I was able to make a very important business connection by attending a roundtable discussion being conducted by my prospect. Thank You"
• "[The roundtable sessions were] very informative and a great way to get in front of potential clients."
• "I was able to make connections with companies I didn't think I would have relations with."
• "If you are business minded, this is the place to be. The conversations I had with everyone were absolutely amazing experiences!!!"