Internet Video Adds Twist to Business Expo Tradition, Draws World Audience

A world audience tuned in to a live Internet broadcast featuring 24 Cleveland-area speakers giving tips and techniques for growing the business community. The series was part of the Tri-City Chamber of Commerce 2006 Business Expo. There were more than 2,000 visits to the Expo Web site on the day of the show from 20 states across the country and 7 different countries.

The 2006 Get Growing! Business Expo was the first business-to-business show of its kind in Cleveland. It integrated more than 60 exhibitors, 25 expert speakers and a world audience using the latest Internet technologies including live video streaming, RSS feeds and podcasts. The speaker presentations, along with coverage of the Expo, are available to download and view on-demand at www.tricitybizexpo.com.

The show was the first step in utilizing technology to extend the audience and duration of face-to-face networking events and seminars in the Cleveland area. “Northeast Ohio’s first integration of Internet and video technology at a business show proved to be a success,” said Charlie Meyers, president of Western Reserve Internet Service and provider of the hosting services for the Expo Web site. “The site has had more than 14,500 visits since its inception. It’s good to know that commerce in Northeast Ohio is being looked at by that many people from across the nation and globe.”

“This Webcast proves we can target and engage an audience of potential new clients from virtually anywhere,” states Steve Petti, president of the Tri-City Chamber and owner of New Image Media. The company was responsible for producing the event and video applications.

Exhibitor video will be accessible on the Internet for the next year and available to exhibitors for e-marketing campaigns. This integration of technology and networking allows the duration of the expo to extend far beyond traditional efforts. “The Expo Web site has really become a virtual marketplace,” said Susan Heidinger, exhibitor and marketing and sales support specialist for Careerboard. “It enables companies to become or remain competitive in the global marketplace by applying a new technological twist to the traditional business show,” Heidinger added.

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