FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 12, 2007

For more information contact:
Brandon Marshall, Business Retention and Entrepreneurship Program Manager
Wyoming Business Council
Office: 307.777.2820

Wyoming organizations to host business expo

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Business Council in partnership with 10 other organizations will offer speakers, panel discussions, a working trade show, one-on-one networking opportunities, entertainment and a variety of business experts at the Wyospace.com Idea Expo, Sept. 26-28 at the Casper Events Center.

The Idea Expo is a full-service business conference offering advice for new and established companies.

“The Idea Expo will do just what it sounds like it will do; inspire ideas for companies to become more innovative in their approaches to all aspects of business,” said Brandon Marshall, Wyoming Business Council Business Retention & Entrepreneurship Program Manager. “In the past, state agencies and private entities each held their own individual business conferences. This year, we wanted to host one all-encompassing conference covering a variety of topics because business owners and entrepreneurs need information in the shortest amount of time possible. We understand how valuable time is to everyone.”

The Idea Expo will feature 31 breakout sessions and panel discussions. Over 40 business experts from Wyoming and outside the state will offer their advice and host discussions on a variety of topics including: increasing capital, patents and trademarks, workforce issues, business plans, marketing, exporting and shipping, quality of life, web tips, long-term planning, grant funding, human resources, innovation and technology, expansion, manufacturing, international business and more.

Keynote speakers include Golden Compass.com’s Michael Benidt and Sheryl Kay discussing hidden treasures of the internet and Thought Equity Motion’s Kevin Schaff talking about his own Wyoming Innovation Story.

Additionally, the Idea Expo will feature big-name entertainment provided by The Second City Comedy Touring Company at the conference on Sept. 26. Second City is the comedy company who launched the careers of actors like Chris Farley and Stephen Colbert. For more information, visit www.secondcity.com.

In addition to speakers and business sessions, the Idea Expo will offer a working trade show portion featuring 36 Wyoming businesses, state agencies and vendors. Attendees should expect to come to the show floor expecting immediate assistance.

“We sold out of the vendor booths early and we are thrilled with the selection of exhibitors that we have to offer at the expo,” said Marshall. “Businesses can expect help with everything from filling out permits to marketing consulting.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to network during receptions at the Casper Events Center. Networking can also take place at the Interactive Business Innovation Station, which will guide business owners and entrepreneurs down the path of innovation by exploring the various steps toward becoming an innovative company.

“The Expo will cover every aspect of business,” said Marshall. “This conference is for individuals who are interested in starting a business and for already successful businesses that are looking to expand.”

Registration fees cover will all of the sessions as well as the Second City performance, receptions on Wednesday and Thursday and lunch on Thursday and lunch on Friday. The cost is $125 before September 26 and $150 at the door. To register for the Idea Expo, visit www.wyomingideaexpo.com. Contact Brandon Marshall at 307.777.2820.

The Business Council in partnership with the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce Executives (WCCE) will also offer a special rate of $50 to all Chamber of Commerce members in Wyoming, allowing them to attend only the Thursday sessions and the after hours networking event that evening. Chamber members interested in taking advantage of this opportunity should contact their local chamber of commerce to register.

The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.wyomingbusiness.org.

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