Business Champions Awards Breakfast
The Business Champions Awards program was established by the MetroHartford Alliance and their partner, the Hartford Business Journal in 2004. The program recognizes the fastest growing privately-held companies headquartered in Central Connecticut that have experienced significant achievements in one or all four of the following categories: revenue; innovation; workforce development; and sustainability for 2009 over 2008. These companies are recognized at the Business Champions Awards Champagne Breakfast, presented by the MetroHartford Alliance and the Hartford Business Journal on June 10th at 7:15 AM at the Connecticut Convention Center ballroom.

Match Maker Session
The Small Business Administration’s Business to Business Matchmaker Session is the Business to Business version of Speed Dating: a rare opportunity for you to sit down with buyers from a variety of Federal Agencies, State and Municipal Agencies and major corporations all in one convenient location… the June 10th 2010 CT Business Expo! Through a series of pre-scheduled meetings, you will meet face-to-face for 10 minutes with the key purchasing officials from each company or agency. In short order you will determine if the purchasing representative has a need for your product or service and if so, what would be then next steps to pursue contracts with that particular company. It is important to come prepared with a brief but complete “pitch” and a one or two page brochure outlining the highlights and capacities of your business. It is also important for all participating in the Matchmaking sessions during which you explain how your business or service can benefit that organization. Pre-scheduled appointments with the SBA are required. Contact Lisa Powell, SBA, (860) 240-4892 or lisa.powell@sba.gov for more information and to schedule your appointment.

CT Business Connection (9am-3pm)
Need financing for a building or equipment? Interested in lean principles? Need to hire or train workers? Want to learn about the state’s export assistance? Looking for equity capital? Want to learn about tax credits?Want to learn about government contracting, licensing, and permits? Looking to save on energy costs? Seeking business plan assistance?

The “CT Business Connection” at the 2010 CT Business Expo gives attendees the rare opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from DECD, Connecticut Innovations, the Connecticut Development Authority, Regional Revolving Loan Funds, ConnSTEP, and many more. No appointment is necessary.

Ask the Experts
Get the latest information on health care and insurance plans for your business and employees. Ask questions and learn techniques to reduce costs and maximize coverage. Sponsored by the Chamber Insurance Trust and Chamber Benefit Centers Leadership Cabinet.

Nonprofit Heroes Awards Event
The Nonprofit Heroes Awards program was established by the Hartford Business Journal in 2009. The program recognizes indviduals and organizations making a difference in the nonprofit community. Award categories include: Nonprofit volunteer of the Year, Nonprofit Executive of the Year, Nonprofit Organization of the Year, Nonprofit Grantor of the Year, Social Entrepreneur of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year. These companies and individuals are recognized at the Nonprofit Heroes event, presented by the Hartford Business Journal on June 10th at 4:00pm at the Show Floor Theater on the show floor. The event is held in association with the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits and sponsored by Comcast Business Class.

Networking Extravaganza (5-7pm)
Wrap up your expo show day by joining us for lots of networking cheer, entertainment and fun prizes in the Connecticut Convention Center Atrium. Sponsored by Cox Business.

Author Series 2010- Show Floor Theater

Discuss the hottest topics influencing your company’s success and growth with these business experts. The 2010 Author Series will be held at the Show Floor Theater located in the center of the Exhibit Floor. Admission is free and pre-registration for this event is not required.

Steve Cone 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Words That Sell Brands, Grip Fans, & Sometimes Change History
Moderated By: Yvonne Nava, Co-Host, Morning News, NBC Connecticut HD.

Why is a catchy slogan or phrase important for your product? Cone's observations about memorable lines and expressions from successful marketing campaigns are designed to stimulate your creative marketing abilities. Cone begins his work by defining the "Powerline" that is so memorable that one cannot forget it if he tried. Cone then explores why famous slogans like "M&Ms melt in your mouth" are still relevant and powerful. Finally, Cone takes the reader on a crash course describing how to compose a compelling "Powerline" to take your business to the next level.

Ruth Sherman 11:45 am - 12:15 pm
Get Them To See It Your Way, Right Away
Moderated By: Norman Bell, Editor, Hartford Business Journal.

Whether you're in the elevator, the hallway, or a washroom, Ruth Sherman's techniques for selling yourself will make you a more persuasive communicator. Sherman's insightful observations will teach you how to utilize verbal and non-verbal feedback to determine when you should pursue, alter, or abandon your message. The plethora of helpful observations in this book will make people want to listen to what you have to say.

Brian Halligan
12:45 pm - 1:15 pm
Inbound Marketing: Get Found Using Google, Social Media, and Blogs
Moderated By: Ken Cook, Founder and Managing Director of Peer to Peer Advisors, LLC
Instead of chasing down leads to find customers, why not save time and have prospective customers find you? In light of the rapidly decreasing effectiveness of traditional "cold" sales calls and direct mail, Brian Halligan has presented a different strategy to market your business: Focus on making it easy for consumers to find you. Halligan provides practical methods to increase traffic to your website and to expand your circle of influence into the cyber world.

Show Floor Theater Activities

"What are APPs and Does my business need one?"
9:45am- Show Floor Theater
Jon Rondeau, New Wave Industries

Join us at the show floor theater for an informal conversation to learn the potentially business value of apps and if they provide a substainable value for business. Learn what it takes to create an app and how companies are using apps to sell more, serve better and streamline process.

"A conversation about the state of Professional Selling"
2:00pm- Show Floor Theater
Duane Cashin, Cashin & Co.

"A conversation about the state of Professional Selling" will feature Duane Cashin and Kate Emery of Walker System Solutions. Their topics will include penetrating the "C" suite and building long term and high value relationships.