Trade shows can be a dime a dozen. But here on Long Island, one that stands out is this week’s Hauppauge Industrial Association’s (HIA) 21st Annual HIA Long Island Business Trade Show and Conference. It has come a long way from its meager beginnings and has grown to the premier event of its kind in the region. The show will take place May 21 at the Suffolk Community College Sports and Exhibition Complex from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The show has come a long way, and we are very proud of what it has become,” says HIA President Terri Alessi-Micelli. “The show is fantastic.”
This year, the HIA expects at least 300 exhibitors and more than 3,500 attendees at the show. It is a far cry from the small crowd at the first show over two decades ago. Now 30 years old, the HIA represents 1,600 companies, 55,000 employees and has a membership of more than 4,000 professionals.
“The show was founded by HIA members to establish a real business-to-business trade show among the members,” says Alessi-Micelli. “Every year the show has gotten bigger.”
This year, job seekers will have the opportunity to meet and network with possible employers and make net connections. Alessi-Micelli says it is a great chance for those who are seeking employment or for companies to find talent. “With so many people looking for a job, this is a natural setting for everyone to meet,” she says.
The show offers more than just exhibits. Seminars and workshops take place throughout the entire day and are hosted by some very familiar names. For example, National Grid Chairman Robert Catell, LIPA President and CEO Kevin Law and New York Power Authority President and CEO Richard Kessel are among the many notable speakers at the show.
“There is so much value for the attendees,” says Alessi-Micelli. “It’s very informative.”
Seminar topics include: Enterprise 2.0 – How New Web Technologies Can Transform Your Business And Improve Profitability; Who Seduced Your Client When You Fell Off the Grid?; Best Practices for Going Green; and Increase Your Market Share During Slow Times – There is a Silver Bullet.
Admission is free for anyone who is pre-registered and there is a $10 fee for walk-up attendees. The show floor is well designed, says Alessi-Micelli, including four pavilions: Clean Tech, Healthcare, Manufacturing and the Economic Development. Each features companies that specialize in those fields.
In a region that can be saturated with events throughout the year, Alessi-Micelli promises that the Hauppauge Industrial Association Business Trade Show and Conference stands out.
“There is no other event like it for the business community,” says Alessi-Micelli. “This is the biggest and best on Long Island.”
Hauppauge Industrial Association Business Trade Show and Conference
Suffolk Community College Sports and Exhibition Complex
May 21, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
www.hia-li.org/tradeshow2009
