January 6, 2025

Trade Shows & Expos

Hey Bob,

If one of your goals this year is to grow your business, a great way to do that is to exhibit at a trade show or expo. Being face-to-face with your prospects and referral sources is the fastest way to build the trust needed to move the needle on your sales. And these shows can get you in front of a LOT of people!

The upside to doing this is, if you bring the energy and pick the right show, you can experience massive success (I've seen it). The downside (for some) can be the cost, both in money and in time.

But if you are going to do it, now is the time to start planning for it and it starts with what show or shows you will do in 2025. If you primarily work in Rhode Island, 2025 will be a banner year for trade shows and expos. Here are just a few....

If you are in the BUSINESS TO CONSUMER market, you might want to consider:

-THE RI WOMEN'S EXPO on March 16th.

-THE RI HOME SHOW from April 10th to April 13th.

If you are in the BUSINESS TO BUSINESS market, you might want to consider:

-THE STATEWIDE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS on April 30th.

-THE MARKETING CAMP from May 16th to May 17th

-THE OCEAN STATE BUSINESS EXPO on November 12th.

All of these shows have a proven track record. I know the people running each of these so if you are interested in more info, I am happy to put you in touch with them.

Lastly, if you would like more information on how to successfully do a trade show or expo, check out this week's article below.

The importance of exhibitions in today’s business landscape lies in their ability to create connections with decision makers that simply cannot be achieved through digital channels alone. It offers your business many potential leads with customers you can meet in person, giving more customers access to your solutions. Despite our world becoming increasingly remote and digital, exhibitions present game-changing opportunities that you won't get anywhere else.

-from leavedates.com

The Mission of  MOMENTUM

is to support the local small business community and entrepreneurs by encouraging them to:

ENGAGE (get out to seminars, networking and other events); 

EDUCATE (commit to lifelong learning); 

ENJOY (if you cannot laugh and have a little fun, then you are not doing it right!).

See you out there!

Bob

P.S. Another benefit to exhibiting at a trade show or expo is the NETWORKING. Not only with the attendees who visit your booth but also with other exhibitors. Speaking of networking, if you like cigars (or don't mind them), please consider joining me tonight at CIGAR NETWORKING at the WHITE ASH CIGAR LOUNGE in Pawtucket RI.

See below for more information and the link to sign up.

Should You Exhibit at Trade Shows and Expos?

-by Bob Salvas

Like most marketing expenses, exhibiting at a trade show or expo can either be a terrific investment or a colossal waste.

The advantages? Having a booth at a show gives you the opportunity to display your visual brand imagery (signage, etc.); it gives you the ability to sell products to attendees or give samples or (if you sell a service) to set appointments; and of course...

CONTINUE READING

TONIGHT! In-Person Networking:

Cigar Networking

with Kamil Sarji

January 6, 2025 5pm-8pm



Come out and enjoy a cigar with Kamil and I and a host of regulars as we network casually at the WHITE ASH CIGAR LOUNGE in Pawtucket RI. Even if you don't smoke cigars, this relaxed atmosphere makes for some terrific business connections!

REGISTER HERE

National Quitters Day

January 10, 2025

Do you know that most of the people who set New Year's resolutions will quit by this day. How are you doing on your 2025 goals/resolutions?

In-Person Networking:

Real Estate Deal Makers

at Myrtle, East Providence RI

January 14, 2025 6pm-8pm

Real Estate Deal Makers Event - January: Start the New Year off right!

Network with professionals! Join us and learn how to start the New Year off RIGHT!

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

The Heart of Massachusetts

at Spring Hill Suites, Wrentham MA

January 15, 2025 5:30pm-7pm

The Heart Of Massachusetts

Gather and collaborate with The Heart of Massachusetts to connect, grow, and thrive in a vibrant, community-focused event.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Nonprofit Connections RI

at Sin, Providence RI

January 15, 2025 6pm-8pm

This is a free event. We will be share some very light snacks but it is a no host bar. The owner is donating access to the space for this private event at no charge, so be sure to say thank you with a beverage purchase!

REGISTER HERE

Virtual Event:

Create a Thriving Business by Attracting Profitable Clients You Love

with Josh Vanada

January 15, 2025

In-Person Networking:

RI/MA Referral Makers Networking

with Paula Allin

January 21, 2025

8:30am-10am



If it is the third Tuesday of the month, then it is time to network with Paula Allin and HOMESMART at 550 Douglas Pike in Smithfield RI.

In-Person Networking:

January PVD Networking & Social

with Mass Professional Networking

January 21, 2025

6pm-8pm

January PVD Networking & Social Event w/ Mass Professional Networking

Mass Professional Networking would like to invite you to our January Rhode Island Business Networking Event at Level 99 in Providence RI

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

The Heart of RI Networking & Referral Group

at Plant City, Providence RI

January 22, 2025

8:30am-9:30am

The Heart of Rhode Island Networking & Referral Group was founded in March 2022 by Deb Honor and Natalie Delmage. Deb Honor and Charise Wilson run this monthly event! It is an event that continually evolves and grows in size! We have sold out at 100 attendees since September 2023. It is a free event to the public…but we count on our attendees to take turns sponsoring the event each month to provide breakfast treats and coffee for the attendees. Plant City-Providence continues to be a wonderful partner for this event and we are so grateful to their team AND Kim Anderson for providing the space! Come and check us out…we would LOVE to meet you and help you grow your network.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Event:

RI Brew Fest 2025

at Waterfire Arts Center, Providence RI

January 25, 2025

1pm-8:30pm

Join us for a winter celebration of delicious craft beer at the 2025 Rhode Island Brew Fest at Waterfire Arts Center in Providence on 1/25.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Momentum & Trust 4th Monday Networking

at Towne Tap, North Attleboro MA

January 27, 2025

5pm-7:30pm

The return of the longest running OPEN NETWORKING event in southeast New England. Kick off 2025 with some great networking. Free parking and snacks along with a cash bar. Bring lots of business cards!

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Business is Brewing: Networking Pop-Up

with the Northern RI Chamber of Commerce

January 28, 2025

5pm-7pm

Build relationships that will generate new customers/clients

Our Women’s Business Council & Emerging Leaders team up for a night of joint networking at Narragansett Brewing Co. Join us as we reconnect, and celebrate the new year. You can find more information about our Women’s Business Council at www.nrichamber.com/wbc and more information about our Emerging Leaders program at www.nrichamber.com/emerging-leaders

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking: Cigar Networking

with Sal and Uncle Jay

January 29, 2025 4pm-6:30pm

Regency Cigar Emporium

752 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI

Join us at the Regency in East Greenwich for a little casual business-to-business networking.

Sit back and relax, enjoy a cigar and adult beverage.

Discuss the issues of the day and unwind from the grind.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Good Networking Coffee Hour

at Good Working

January 30, 2025

8am-9am

Good Working Coworking .

585 Smithfield Road,

North Smithfield, RI

What to Expect: Join fellow professionals at our monthly Good Networking Coffee Hour held at the cozy and inviting Good Working co-working space. Whether you're a freelancer, business owner, etc.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Last Friday Coffee

at Englund Studio, North Kingstown RI

January 31, 2025

8:30am-10am

Quonset Office Park

70 Romano Vineyard Way, North Kingstown, RI

Bring plenty of business cards and a positive energetic business attitude. Stop by and meet new contacts and, as always, rebuild your associations.

In-Person Event: Super Bowl Sunday

at the Superdome, New Orleans LA

February 9, 2025

6:30pm

In-Person Event:

PUFFS & PAWNS

with Bob Salvas and Bill Parmentier

February 23, 2025 1pm-5pm



If you like to smoke cigars and play chess, we have a casual gathering that you might want to be part of. PUFFS & PAWNS in Pawtucket. It started as a few business guys going to the WHITE ASH on a Sunday afternoon and enjoying casual chess, conversation, and cigars. Now we are opening it up to all who might have an interest. No cost to play. All skill levels welcome.

The annual RI WOMEN'S EXPO is always a popular event in the state. This year it will take place on March 16, 2025 at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI.

The 75th year of the RI HOME SHOW will take place April 10-13, 2025 at the RI Convention Center in Providence RI.

The multi-chamber STATEWIDE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS will take place on April 30, 2025 from 5pm-7:30pm at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI.

The 5th year of THE MARKETING CAMP is planned for May 16-17, 2025 at the Wyndham in Newport RI.

The 4th annual BUSINESSES GIVE BACK TOYS FOR TOTS event will be held November 10, 2025 at the Guild Brewery in Pawtucket RI.

The long-awaited return of the OCEAN STATE BUSINESS EXPO & NETWORKING EVENT takes place on November 12, 2025 at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI.

Let's be sure to reach out in gratitude to those who have helped us succeed in business and in life. Make that notion of gratitude more meaningful by sending something TANGIBLE to those you appreciate. I like to call it MOMENTUM MAIL- sending tangible thanks not only makes you feel good but it builds momentum for your business and for your life!

Many of you will think about this but then get too busy.

Trust me, MAILBOX POWER is the solution you have been looking for.

Send small gifts or cards affordably and conveniently right from your laptop.

CHECK IT OUT HERE!



This is an easy and creative solution to gift giving and card sending, so I encourage you to take a closer look at MAILBOX POWER (try it free for 14 days). Everything can be done from your laptop and at an affordable price too!

LET YOUR CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS KNOW YOU APPRECIATE THEM!