The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce will host “The Big Connect” from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Omni Hotel at Yale, at 155 Temple St., New Haven.
The business expo will feature more than 70 exhibitors, nonprofit awards, panels and workshops, a networking and social hour, and “The Big Taste,” featuring food from area vendors and restaurants.
The theme for this year’s event, presented by Comcast Business, is dubbed “Ignite: Harnessing the Power of Connections & Resources to Accelerate your Business.”
The event provides opportunities for business leaders to meet new prospects and get qualified leads, as well as participate in workshops and interactive presentations.
Chamber President and CEO Garrett Sheehan encouraged people to attend.
“Our business community values the importance of connections, and there is no better way to make connections than in person,” Sheehan said. “This expo will provide our business leaders the opportunity to directly connect with other leading executives, building their footprint and increasing their brand exposure, while gaining valuable information from speakers and panels.”
The Big Connect will kick off at 8 a.m. with the Nonprofit Stars Align Awards Breakfast, sponsored by Mutual of America and The Good Karma Coffee Company. The event will honor nonprofits in the Greater New Haven region that are making an impact in their communities.
This year’s award honorees include The Coordinated Food Assistance Network; The New Haven Ballet; The Connection; Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services; Joshua Watkins, executive director of Community Soup Kitchen; and Louis Perno, executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven.
Others in the nonprofit sector – Jamie Owens of Marrakech Inc., Cara Santino of City Seed and Samantha Fazzino of SARAH Inc., – will receive grants to fund their graduate school studies.
Other highlights of The Big Connect include:
- 9 to 10 a.m. – Opportunities in the Industrial Arena in the New Haven Market: A conversation with Adam Winstanley. Moderated by Hamden’s Economic Development Consultant Dale Kroop, the conversation will review industry trends, opportunities in the region, as well as how to address challenges.
- 9:15 a.m. – Welcome remarks and ribbon cutting with Chamber President and CEO Garrett Sheehan; Tom Quinn, entrepreneur and author of “Delivering Greatness,” and area elected officials.
- 9:35-10:05 a.m. – The Avelo Story: A Conversation with WTNH’s Dennis House featuring Travis Christ, Avelo Airlines’ head of marketing.
- The Big Taste – The 14th Annual Big Taste will feature more than 10 restaurants and caterers from the Greater New Haven region, including The Anchor Spa, BAR, Jack’s Bar & Steakhouse, Zinc, Chacra, Bear’s BBQ Smokehouse, Shake Shack, Pacifico, Villa Lulu, New Line Blending & Roastery, Fest Faves, Sandra’s Next Generation and Community Soup Kitchen.
- Panels and Workshops – Topics include artificial intelligence, diversity, equity, and inclusion, marketing trends, sales management and small business management.
- Exhibitors – More than 70 exhibitors ranging from nonprofits to marketing agencies to colleges and universities and more. In addition, The Norwalk Havoc Robot Combat will showcase unique robots; Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center will have a flu shot and vaccine booth. Resume reviews will be conducted on site, and various hiring companies will be on the expo floor.
- Networking & Social Hour with Collaborative Connecticut – New this year, the Chamber is partnering with Collaborative Connecticut for additional networking time after the conclusion of the Big Connect expo hours with a cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres.
To register and learn more about The Big Connect, visit www.gnhcc.com.
