Annual Southeast Ohio Tourism and Business Expo Set for March 5

SOUTHEAST OHIO – The 8th Annual Southeast Ohio Tourism and Business Expo will take place on March 5, 2016 from 10:00 am-4:00 pm at the University of Rio Grande, Lyne Center, 218 N. College Avenue, Rio Grande, Ohio 45674. Admission is free.

Promising to be a great event for all ages, the Expo gives exhibitors the opportunity to showcase travel, historic, and business destinations from all over the region and connect one-on-one with the general public. With the endless possibilities that an event can make on the public, organizers may wish to think about enlisting the help of somewhere like Smart Works for future events, so they can see how hosting virtual events via online streaming could be another option worth considering when it comes to reaching a wider audience.

Gallia County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Executive Director Amanda Crouse said the Southeast Ohio Tourism and Business Expo is beneficial to both Gallia County and the surrounding region.
“It’s a great networking opportunity that gives the exhibitors the opportunity to market themselves and magnify their exposure to the public. By working with surrounding communities, Southeastern Ohio is stronger as a whole, which directly benefits our individual counties,” said Crouse. “It also educates the community members about what their area has to offer, not only in their backyard, but all across the region.”

Exhibitors signed up for the 2016 event include attractions and businesses from both Ohio and West Virginia. Two new counties to sign on are Belmont and Carroll counties in Ohio.

Last year, the GCCVB, who has successfully organized the event for the past seven years, partnered with the Gallia County Chamber of Commerce to add a business aspect to the Expo. “We are excited to be a part of this event. We wholeheartedly believe it will be a great opportunity for our local and regional businesses to promote themselves to potential customers. We hope to see the Expo grow and expand in the coming years,” said Chamber Executive Director Michelle Miller.

Participating exhibitors include the following: A Pup and A Cup Tea Company; Abbyshire Place; Belmont County Tourism; Bossard Memorial Library; Cadot-Blessing Camp #126; Cambridge-Guernsey County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Carroll County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Chester Shade Historical Association; Chris Rathburn – DreamTrips; Colony Club; Emancipation Celebration Committee; Gallia County Artisan Market & Studio; Gallia County Chamber of Commerce; Gallia County Conservation Club; Gallia County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Gallipolis Career College; Gallipolis in Bloom; Gallipolis in Lights; Gayle Roy; Hampton Inn – Gallipolis; Hocking Hills Moonshine; Jackson County Genealogy OGS; Just Fired Ceramics; Kelly Logan – Origami Owl; LuLaRoe – Linds Johnson; Mason County Tourism; Meigs County Tourism; Moose Hollar Noshuns; Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Morgan’s Raid & Battle of Bluffington Island Committee; Once Again Consignment; Pike County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Raccoon Creek Water Trail Association; Rio Tomato; Rio Valley Stables; Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau; Servpro; Super 8 Motel – Gallipolis; Tandy Flint – Pink Zebra; University of Rio Grande & Rio Grande Community College; and the Vinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

All Exhibitors will be providing a Door Prize that attendees can purchase a chance to win. Door Prize drawing will be held at 3:30 pm but participants do not have to be present to win.

For more information or those interested in doing a presentation, contact either the Gallia County CVB at 740-446-6882 or Gallia County Chamber of Commerce at 740-446-0596.