Business Connections is The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s annual trade show that provides businesses and organizations an opportunity to showcase their products and services. The Chamber’s mission is to enhance our members’ success, and the Show provides a unique chance to make new member-to-member connections by exposing your business to hundreds of potential new customers. Members are encouraged to exhibit at Business Connections and to send key representatives to visit other exhibiting businesses.

CHANGES FOR 2017This year’s Show will feature a new floor plan, reduced booth prices, and a renewed focus of Always Buy Chamber (ABC). ABC encourages members to support fellow members which are businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to our area’s growth and progress by being a part of The Chamber. As a member, you are challenged, whenever possible, to look for opportunities to do business with other members.

BUILD BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPSWith all of the technology today and social media interactions, Business Connections provides a chance to get out of the office, away from the computer and interact face-to-face with potential new and former clients and customers. It’s a perfect venue to share ideas, gain exposure, introduce products and build bonds that lead to business growth.

SANGAMON CEO BUSINESSESThe Sangamon CEO program is a year-long, accredited high school class which connects high school students to local business leaders allowing them to “experience” the challenges and rewards of running a business. Students then utilize what they learn to create an actual business with real money, including branding and logos along with business and marketing plans. CEO students will be present to share information and answer questions.

ALSO FEATURED AT THE SHOW n Speed Networking n State of the City Luncheonn Business After Hours

SPONSORS

NETWORKING | EXPOSURE | SALES | REFERRALS | GROWTH | CONNECTIONS

Register by March 31 to get your early Bird Discount!

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017Prairie Capital Convention Center

Business Connections20

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PRINT SPONSOR

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY!Complete the registration application and return it with your booth payment. If the location(s) you select are taken, you will be assigned the next best location. Booths are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and reserved only upon receipt of payment. The Early Bird discount registration deadline is March 31. Booth registrations must be received by Friday, March 31 to guarantee inclusion in the Show Guide.

EXHIBIT SET UPAll exhibits must be set up between noon and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19. All exhibits must remain in place until the end of the show at 7:00 p.m. and must be dismantled and removed from the premises on Thursday, April 20. Exhibitors are responsible for loading/unloading their own exhibit materials and assembling/disassembling the exhibit. Pre-show shipments to The Center or The Chamber will not be accepted.

PARKINGThe Plaza Parking Garage is located on the west side of The Center. The garage has entrances on Seventh Street and Washington Street. The maximum height clearance for the garage is 6’ 6”. The maximum charge per day is $7.00. For unloading on April 19, parking meters on Washington (south side) and Adams (north side) streets will be bagged as ‘No Parking’ to accommodate for loading and unloading.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR 2017SPEED NETWORKINGSpeed Networking offers your business extensive exposure to help develop new leads in a structured, fast-paced and fun format. It will be held in the lower level of The Prairie Capital Convention Center on April 20 at 9:00 a.m. before the show floor opens. This will allow exhibitors a chance to participate without being taken away from their booth when the show is open to the general public. Attendees are encouraged to bring information about their business and plenty of business cards (at least 50 of each)! Each exhibitor can send one person from their business at no charge but advance registration is required.

STATE OF THE CITY LUNCHEON The Chamber’s State of the City Luncheon, featuring the Springfield Mayor, will be held at the Prairie Capital Convention Center on April 20 just before the start of Business Connections. Each year, the Springfield Mayor provides the administration’s view of the state of the city, a review of challenges and accomplishments from the past year, and a look at priorities over the next 12 months. Join your peers and local business leaders for a status report on the Springfield community and then walk through the show floor at Business Connections. The cost to attend the State of the City is $28 on or before April 5 ($35 after April 5) for Chamber members and $45 on or before April 5 ($60 after April 5) for non-Chamber members. This event is not included with the exhibitor registration.

ADVERTISING - UPDATE MAGAZINEThe Chamber will publish a show guide in advance of Business Connections. This piece will also serve as the official guide to the show with copies being distributed at the Prairie Capital Convention Center on April 20. Connect your business to thousands of potential customers by placing an ad in the Show Guide. To advertise in the Guide, contact Teri Hill at The Chamber at (217) 525-1173 or thill@gscc.org.

Business leaders throughout the Springfield area will directly receive information about the event and The Chamber has arranged for Business Connections to be promoted by local media outlets.

FREE WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICEThe Prairie Capital Convention Center has wireless Internet connectivity so exhibitors and attendees of the show will receive free, wireless high-speed Internet service. Any wi-fi capable computer will be able to access the Internet during the show.

DOOR PRIZESExhibitors are encouraged to conduct door prize drawings at their booths. Exhibitors should provide their own materials for collecting entries for their drawings. Exhibitors are also responsible for making arrangements for delivery of the door prize. Announcements will be made throughout the day and exhibitors can submit a brief announcement about their winners.

EXHIBITOR INSURANCEExhibitors must carry off-premises general liability insurance to cover any damage, theft or vandalism to merchandise and/or equipment. The exhibitor must provide a certificate of liability insurance coverage to The Chamber at least two weeks prior to the show. Your insurance provider will be able to provide the certificate. This insurance certificate must list The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce as the certificate holder. Such coverage shall be in the following amounts: Minimum amount of $300,000 for bodily injury for each

occurrence Minimum amount of $50,000 for property damage for each

occurrence

ADDITIONAL TERMS & CONDITIONS• There is a limit of one business per exhibit space.• All exhibits must remain within the confines of the assigned exhibit space. Aisles must be kept clear and may

not be used for exhibit demonstrations, displays of signs, solicitation or distribution of materials. Exhibitors must arrange their exhibits so that they do not obstruct other exhibits.

• Nothing shall be posted, tacked, nailed or otherwise affixed to the walls, floors or other parts of the Convention Center.

• Compressed gas cylinders and helium balloons are prohibited. A $250 fine per violation will be passed on to exhibiting company for each balloon that becomes air-born.

• Public address, sound producing, or amplifying devices that project sound beyond the exhibitor’s space are prohibited. These devices will be permitted if used within the confines of the exhibitor’s space in such a manner as to not interfere with other exhibitors in the area.

• All motorized vehicles must have a piece of plastic, cardboard or other means to protect the floor of the Convention Center from motor oil drips. Batteries must be disconnected. Gas tanks must be drained.

• Direct sales are permitted provided the product being sold is directly related to the business the exhibitor is promoting. The Chamber reserves the right to inspect items offered for sale.

• Any free food or beverage dispensed by an exhibiting company must be sample size only.• No exhibits are to be dismantled prior to the official closing time.• All merchandise that is at the show is at the exhibitor’s repairability and risk.• Please be aware that there is absolutely no soliciting by attendees of the Business Connections trade show.

Non-exhibitors caught soliciting will be asked to leave.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SHOW?Contact Bri Coons at (217) 525-1173 x216 or bcoons@gscc.org

MID-WEST FAMILY BROADCASTING

CAPITOL RADIO GROUP

NEUHOFF MEDIA SPRINGFIELD

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RESERVED RESERVED

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSPRINFIELD, IL

PERMIT NO. 847

E X P O S C H E D U L E :

Wednesday, April 19

nNoon - 5:00pm: Exhibitor Setup

Thursday, April 20

n9:00am - 11:00am: Speed Networking

n11:30am - 12:45pm: State of the City Luncheon

n1:00pm - 7:00pm: Show Floor Open

n5:00pm - 7:00pm: BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

n7:00pm: Show Floor Closes & Exhibitor Teardown

NETWORKING | EXPOSURE | SALES | REFERRALS | GROWTH | CONNECTIONS

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THURSDAY,APRIL 20, 2017

Prairie CapitalConvention Center

1011 South Second StreetSpringfield, IL 62704

Return Service Requested

CONTRACT AGREEMENTExhibiting company listed above agrees to be solely responsible for any claims arising out of the negligence of its own officers, agents and employees. Exhibiting company also agrees to fully indemnify and hold harmless The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce from any and all liability which might arise from the exhibitor’s participation in the show. The above exhibiting company also agrees to provide its own general liability insurance coverage and to provide in addition thereto worker’s compensation, vehicle premises and products liability for the exposition. It is also very important that the information within this brochure be read by the person authorized to sign this Contract Agreement. By signing below, you are confirming that you have read, understood and agreed to the indemnification clause above and to other terms and conditions as written in this brochure.

Signed:______________________________________________________________________ Title:_________________________________________________________

COMPANY INFORMATIONThis application, and its terms and conditions as printed in this brochure, serve as a Contract Agreement between the Exhibitor and The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Please print all information clearly. The business and contact information you list below will be used in the Show Guide unless additional information is provided to The Chamber.

_________________________________________________________________________Company

_________________________________________________________________________Contact Name

_________________________________________________________________________Address

______________________________________ _____________ _________________City State Zip

______________________________________ __________________________________Phone Fax

_________________________________________________________________________Email

_________________________________________________________________________Website

Avoid being placed next to your competitor. Provide a clear description of products, services and brandnames to be displayed in your exhibit.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

PAYMENT TERMSRegistrations must be received by Friday, March 31 to guarantee inclusion in the Show Guide but additional show reservations will be accepted through April 18. Refunds for exhibit space will not be given on or after March 31, or for failure to exhibit. Cancellations prior to March 31 will be assessed a $100 processing fee.

PAYMENT OPTIONSCheck(s) enclosed - payable to: The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

Credit Card Payment

For secure credit card payment, please call The Chamber office at (217) 525-1173. If paying by credit card, the application can be faxed to The Chamber at (217) 525-8768.

Mail agreement and payment to:

The Greater SpringfieldChamber of Commerce

1011 S. Second St.Springfield, IL 62704

Business Connections 2017 - Registration Agreement

BOOTH LOCATIONPlease indicate your booth preference for exhibit location.

Preference #1 ________________

Preference #2 ________________

Preference #3 ________________

Preference #4 ________________

Preference #5 ________________

If the location(s) you select are taken, you will be assigned the next best location.

One Booth

Two Booths

Three Booths

Four Booths

Exhibit SpacesNon-Member

Cost Amount Due

$_____________$_____________$_____________

Electrical Hook-UpCost is $75 ($100 if ordered after March)Payment should be included with order. If 220 hook up is needed, the cost is $120 ($140 after March).

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: $_____________

$_____________

EXHIBIT BOOTH FEESPricing includes 10’ x 10’ booth, 6’ skirted table, 2 chairs, pipe & drape (8’ foot back walls & 3’ foot side walls) and identification sign.

$$$$

350550700800

400600750850

$$$$

$300 additional charge for Non-

Chamber member companies

Sub-Total: $_____________

Regular Rate

Please contact me about advertising in the Show Guide (see details on reverse side)

STATE OF THE CITY LUNCHEONNOT included with exhibitor

registration

$28 on or before April 5 members$35 after April 5 members

$45 on or before April 5 non-members$60 after April 5 non-members

Go on-line to register www.gscc.orgor call 217/525-1173

Early Bird(By March 31)

The April issue of Update magazine will feature the Business Connections Show Guide. The Update serves as a communication and information source to keep members current with Chamber activities as well as important business and economic issues.

Our Business Connections Trade Show will take place April 20th at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. Local businesses will exhibit and showcase their products and services.

The Show Guide section will include a schedule, fl oor plan and list of exhibitors with booth locations. The magazine will be mailed to all members in advance of the show, distributed at the show and at events throughout the day. Approximately 2,800 copies will be distributed.

Full PG: 8.5”W X 11”H

1/2 PG Horizontal: 7.5”W X 4.875”H

1/2 PG Vertical: 3.625”W X 10”H

1/4 PG Horizontal: 7.5”W X 2.5”H

1/4 PG Vertical: 3.625”W X 4.875”H

1/8 PG Horizontal: 3.625”W X 2.5”H

1/8 PG Vertical: 1.875”W X 4.875”H

Ad Size Exhibitor Non-Exhibitor 3X

Back Cover $1,350 $1,400 $1,300Inside Front Cover $1,250 $1,300 $1,200Inside Back Cover $1,150 $1,200 $1,100

Full Page $850 $900 $8001/2 Page $600 $650 $5751/4 Page $425 $450 $4001/8 Page $275 $300 $250

2017 Update Magazine Rates

Business Connections Show Guide in April Issue

For more information and reservations, contact Teri Hill at 217.525.1173 x208 or thill@gscc.org

Advertise in the Update Magazine

Advertising Deadline: Friday, March 31

Members are both a business to business and business to consumer audience.

Speed Networking at

Business Connections 2017

Thursday, April 20 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Prairie Capital Convention Center

(Lower Level)

Speed Networking offers your business extensive exposure in a fast-paced and exciting format.

Develop new leads in a structured format, perfect for any businesses.

Participants will be assigned to a table of up to 9 other people and each attendee will have 2

minutes to make a presentation about their company and product or service. Each person will give

their presentation four times to a different group of prospects. Attendees are encouraged to bring a

one page summary about their business and plenty of business cards (at least 50 of each)!

This event is limited to the first 110 people that register and is limited to one person per company*.

Advance registration is required. Deadline is Monday, April 17. Exhibitors at Business

Connections can send one person to Speed Networking at no charge.

Complete this form and return with payment to The Chamber office or register for the event online

at www.gscc.org. For more information, please contact Bri Coons at (217) 525-1173 x216 or

bcoons@gscc.org.

*To accommodate independent contractors such as Realtors and Insurance Agents, we will accept two from the same

company but can not guarantee that they will not sit at the same table during the event.

Registration Form

Name

Company

Address City St Zip

Phone Email

Cost (please check one):

$10 per person (Chamber members) $25 per person (Non-members)

FREE Exhibitor (1 per exhibitor)

Payment Type (please check one):

Cash Check No: __________ Credit Card:

(for credit card payment, please register online)

Register online at www.gscc.org!

1011 S. Second St.

Springfield, IL 62704

Tel. 217.525.1173

Fax 217.525.8768

www.gscc.org