Affinity Place was a business epicenter unto itself this past weekend, with the Estevan Showcase Business Expo running from Sept. 25 to 27.
Representatives from businesses all over Western Canada and beyond visited the community for the three -day event, filling the arena’s main and mezzanine floors with exhibits showing the finer points of their businesses.
Almost 2,500 guests filed into Affinity Place over the course of the weekend to check out what sorts of business exhibits there were on display. About 2,200 attended last year.
Exhibit booths featured business info from an assortment of sectors, from technology and agriculture to housewares and political information. Booths were done up in eye-catching styles, with representatives eager to chat with guests on what their businesses were about and looking to build business connections. Many of the exhibits featured assorted demonstrations and displays of products, like a large section of steel framing on the showcase floor, set up by Frame Tech Systems, to display the product they provide.
Jackie Wall, executive director of the Estevan Chamber of Commerce, noted that this year there was an uptick in attendance. There were 92 booths set up this year, compared to last year’s 91. She noted growth in turnout was consistent with other years.
“I think it strengthens business in Estevan. When you have that many exhibitors coming from all over, they’re utilizing fuel, utilizing hotels, utilizing restaurants, and they’re seeing what Estevan has to offer,” said Wall. “It also brings people from the surrounding communities.”
Some of the businesses that set up had multiple booths, which contributed to the growing number of registrations, indicating a growth in business commitment to the event.
“It was a big mix of businesses,” said Wall. “Lots of people from Alberta and B.C., and even one from Calgary with a rep from Quebec was here, as well.”
The majority of businesses present at the expo were from Western Canada. While Friday’s crowd was the most robust, the entire weekend entailed steady activity for everyone involved.
Ryan Patterson, divisional manager with the Clarence Campeau Development Fund was impressed with Friday’s crowds, and said even in the case of Saturday’s and Sunday’s smaller crowds, his exhibit got steady traffic.
“It’s been good all day since about seven or eight. We’ve been giving away a lot of information on what we do. We work with business startups, expansions and acquisitions for Metis,” said Patterson, on Saturday morning.
“Judging by the parking, it’s a busier expo,” joked Wayne Gray, a business development specialist with the same company.
Patterson noted there is potential for Clarence Campeau to do an increasing amount of business in the Estevan area, saying there is a growing clientele present in the region.
“We have Métis energy resource projects, and we often get involved with those in the energy and resource sectors,” said Patterson. “We offer nine or 10 programs, and the most utilized program is the loan equity contribution program. We partner with banks and credit unions, to leverage up finances.”
Sharon Dean, manager of Budget Blind, a company that specializes in providing access to various brands and styles of custom blinds and window coverings, noted that a lot of the interest in her exhibit was concentrated on Friday.
“Today was pretty slow – probably because it’s so nice out. Our goal is to book in-home consultations. We booked 10 so far,” said Dean, at her exhibit on Saturday. “It’s still good for us, despite the economic context this show is happening in.”
When asked what advantages the expo brought her business, Dean said, “It’s a great way to come and put our business out in front of people who might not know about us. It’s a chance for them to come talk to us and learn who we are and what we do, before we go to their house.”
Courtney Lorencz, an account executive with Konica Minolta Business Solutions, said the weekend went well for her and added she enjoyed the opportunity to meet locals and get the brand name out into the community.
“I wasn’t here last year, but there’s been some interest this weekend. If I was to do this again, I’d bring out some printers,” said Lorencz on Saturday afternoon, contemplating how to bring more business to her booth. “We’re looking for a local business clientele to take interest. I’m a rep trying to connect with the local community over the next two years. We’re in Regina, but we do have a local technician who services the area.”
Bryron Stepp and Jessica Jansen, representatives for the Canada Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs said they thought the facility was a great choice to hold the expo.
“It’s been a great day. We spoke to a lot of people and are getting plenty of questions,” said Stepp on Saturday. “A few former members talked to us who wanted to get back into the clubs and to get their kids involved too, so it’s good to get that renewed interest.”
