Astorino To Kick Off 10th Anniversary Mega Mixer Business Expo

will present an update on the state of affairs in the county as the Business Council of Westchester opens its 10th annual Mega Mixer Business Expo at the Hilton Rye Town hotel on March 15.

Doors will open at 1 p.m. in Rye for a “Conversation with the County Executive,” followed by an in-depth Q&A.

The Business Council of Westchester, the county’s business advocacy and membership organization, is running the expo from 2 to 6 p.m. At 4 p.m., a panel event for attendees, “Competing in 2012 and Beyond - How To Win In A Challenging Economy,” will include a group of experts in the fields of strategic planning, customer service, social media and banking discussing ways  attendees can take their business to the next level.

“Having the County Executive join us to launch our 10th anniversary Mega Mixer is an honor, and a very unique opportunity for members and attendees to engage in a dialogue about the issues that matter most to the Westchester business community,” said Dr. Marsha Gordon, Business Council of Westchester President/CEO.

The Mega Mixer Business Expo is expected to draw 1,500 attendees from Westchester and beyond and will feature 200 exhibitors in more than 70 different industries. In order to accommodate a growing number of exhibitors and attendees, the 2012 Mega Mixer will take place on two floors of the Rye Town Hilton.

“The Mega Mixer Business Expo is celebrating 10 years of building business and creating success for business owners in Westchester,” said Mega Mixer event chairman Mike Dardano of Buzz Potential. “An exhibit at the Mega Mixer Business Expo is a ‘must’ for anyone who does business in Westchester, or wants to. There is no better opportunity to meet new prospects and clients, solidify relationships, get inspired, and network with hundreds of other professionals.” 

There is no charge to attend “A Conversation with the County Executive” or the “Competing in 2012 and Beyond - How To Win In A Challenging Economy” panel event.

Admission to the Mega Mixer Business Expo is $10. The cost to exhibit is $455 for BCW members, $600 for future members, and $300 for not-for-profit members.

“We are a longtime sponsor of and exhibitor at the Mega Mixer Business Expo,” explained Ashley Zuckerman, College of Westchester.” It’s a tremendous networking opportunity, and the best way to spread the word to employers and prospective students about exciting new initiatives at the college.”

Dardano said special opportunities for exhibitors include a discounted rate of $300 for not-for-profit organizations (and special recognition in the event program for any business/corporation that sponsors a not-for-profit); a Green Aisle for eco-friendly companies and businesses that help others go green; and  awards for the most creative displays. The event includes live cooking demonstrations and samples from restaurants, caterers and beverage companies.

Patch.com is a media sponsor of the Mega Mixer.

The county’s largest business membership organization, The Business Council of Westchester says it is committed to helping businesses market, learn, advocate and grow. In addition, The Business Council of Westchester is involved in reviewing federal, state and county legislation and regulations in order to assess the potential impact on the business community and to influence the outcomes through advocacy when the business community’s interests may be affected.

The council also acts as an information resource for the business community and government leaders at all levels.

For information, or to register as an exhibitor or an attendee, call 914-948-2110 or visit www.westchesterny.org/megamixer.