Local entrepreneurs, industry professionals and curious patrons were among those in attendance for the second annual Brantford Business Trade Show on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Sam Gernhart, event organizer and owner of Clarity Marketing and Design, said that the trade show is not only designed to give businesses and non-profit organizations the opportunity to get an early head-start on their marketing, but to mingle and network with the local community too.
“This event is really a great chance to get out there, kick off the new year and to get that extra exposure for whatever it is you do,” she said. “In addition to that, it’s also a great chance to build new connections because not only are the businesses and organizations that are here getting to network with each other when there’s downtime, but they’re also getting a chance to speak with anyone who comes through those doors and so it’s an opportunity to network with attendees too.”
With a variety of 33 exhibitors from Brantford, the County of Brant and the surrounding area, Gernhart said she was thrilled to see that the trade show had attracted a mix of industries.
“I try to keep this event as neutral as possible; we’re in a neutral space and it’s very up to date and modern, and by keeping it neutral, it attracts different businesses in different industries,” she said. “Going into this, I really wanted a mix of exhibitors so it wasn’t just service based, it wasn’t just products or realtors, or just people in marketing, I wanted to have a variety and we’ve achieved that. It’s also great because we have quite a few trade businesses here and I love that because we don’t always get to see them in other trade shows so it really gives them a space to market themselves.”
From Mindful Path Counselling to Gem Electrical Services, Postiano Wine Making, the CREW Real Estate, and more, there was a wide range of businesses taking the opportunity to display their services.
Gernhart added that this year, she also went out of her way to include more non-profits into the mix, allowing organizations such as the United Way, the Brantford Food Bank, the Alzheimer’s Society and Crime Stoppers to have a table at the trade show free of charge.
“Last year we allowed non-profits to have a free table as well, but I just couldn’t quite make those connections before the event got up and running. This year, I got in touch with the Brant Regional Association of Volunteer Administrators (BRAVA) and I was able to spread the word through their network so we have quite a few non-profits here today,” she said. “It’s great because these organizations need to promote and spread awareness about what they’re doing just like a business would, and for them, it’s a great chance to meet a potential new volunteer, or a future board member, a sponsor, or someone they can partner up with so we’re happy to have them.”
Lyndsey Campbell, Lead FASD Coordinator for Contact Brant, and her coworker Sheryl Ruman, said that while they didn’t know what to expect from the event, they were pleasantly surprised with what they saw.
“It’s a beautiful space and there is a really nice mix of vendors here,” Campbell told the Brant Beacon. “I was a little worried that we might be the only non-profit here, but it’s great to see that there’s actually quite a few of us. I’ve been to tons of events in the past, and so far I’ve found that people here have been much more willing to converse with us at the booth and talk about the services and the supports that we offer, so it’s been very engaging for us.”
With an uptick of exhibitors from last year, Gernhart said she was happy to see that the trade show experienced an overall growth.
“Last year we had around 25 tables set up around the venue and I’m happy to say that this year the event has grown. We did have a few exhibitors cancel which is totally fine, that happens, but none of that matters as long as the event continues to grow each year,” she said. “I think another great thing for me is that we actually had a lot of businesses from the inaugural event that returned for 2025. It’s nice to know that they see the vision and they know it is going to grow and that tells me the trade show is on the right track. “
Deb Halloran of Impact Home Staging, said that not only has she attended both of the Brantford Business Trade Shows, but she’s also participated in Gernhart’s Women in Business Expo since it started back in 2023.
“It’s nice to see everyone again, I’ve done every event with Sam since day one and I just love the way she runs them,” said Halloran. “The turnout is always great and there’s always a good selection of vendors here so everybody gets to learn something new every time you chat with another exhibitor or speak to an attendee.”
She added that overall, the trade show is the perfect opportunity to continue building connections and market her services.
“These trade shows are great because the more people that see you at these events, the more they remember you and know who you are and what you do,” said Halloran. “Just because someone may come to your table and they don’t need a stager, doesn’t mean they don’t know somebody who does and so it’s the perfect chance to speak with people face to face and let them know you’re an option.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
