AnnArbor.com Business Review
Seminar Information
A Learning Experience:
The 2012 Business 2 Business EXPO, which took place on March 29, 2012, offered an exciting mix of exhibitor booths and training workshops presented by local business experts on a variety of subjects.
If you are interested in presenting a seminar at the 2013 B2B Expo, please contact Jill Tewsley at: jilltewsley@annarbor.com
or 734-623-4654
2012 Schedule:
Exhibitor Set Up: Wednesday, March 28th, 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Expo Hours: Thursday, March 29,
9:00am – 5:00pm
Outlook Luncheon: Thursday, March 29, 11:30am
- 1:30pm
2012 Seminar Schedule
All of the sessions at the 2012 B2B Expo were free and open to the public.
Optimize Your Website
Date: March 29, 2012
Time: 9:00am - 10:15am
Place: Morris Lawrence Building, Classroom TBD
This seminar presents proven marketing strategies and tactics to make websites more valuable as marketing assets. We will directly address the specific needs of attendees. Upon registration attendees will be asked to submit their website links and any questions or concerns they may have regarding their websites. Sign up early - last year's session was filled up!
Presented by Annie Wolock, Keystone Media
The Business Plan
Date: March 29, 2012
Time: 9:15am - 10:15am
Place: Morris Lawrence Building, Classroom TBD
If you are just starting your business or you've been in business for years, the business plan is your foundation. It tells the world (and you) what kind of business you are - the who, what, where, when and how. If you want to get a loan, interest an investor, or convince someone to join your business, it's the business plan that will make or break the deal.
Presented by Steve Feinman, Ann Arbor SCORE
The Mobile Solution: Ways to Capitalize with Your Business
Date: March 29, 2012
Time: 9:00am - 10:00 am
Place: Morris Lawrence Building, Classroom TBD
With the way the cellular industry has evolved in the last few years just about everything you could want to do with your mobile device has become possible. We are not just talking about making phone calls or sending text messages anymore. The questions most ask are "Just what is possible?" "How can I utilize that in my business?" And, "How do I start?" This session will answer those questions. And, we guarantee that you will leave with at least one solution that could save you time, money, or possibly both.
Presented by Jason Tracey, Director of Stores for locally owned Wireless Zone.
Jason has over 11 years experience in the wireless industry teaching both individual and business consumers the most effective methods of wireless communication. Through the Smartphone boom in the last year Jason has evolved with his product, while offering a full range of classes to educate consumers at store locations and teaching seminars on location at several local businesses. In this seminar he will draw from his experience and discuss several stratigies that can help you take your business to the next level.
The Mobile Solution: Open Consultation
Date: March 29, 2012
Time: 10:00am - 11:00 am
Place: Morris Lawrence Building, Classroom TBD
Still have questions? Weren't able to make the session? Don't worry! Jason is sticking around to answer questions specific to your needs. Just drop in anytime during this session and get YOUR questions answered.
Hosted by Jason Tracey, Director of Stores and Brian Biskner, Account Executivefor locally owned Wireless Zone.
Make it Your Business to "Think Local First"Date: March 29, 2012
Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Place: Morris Lawrence Building, Classroom TBD
Join Ingrid Ault, Director of Think Local First, as she discusses the positive impact that "getting to know your neighbors" can have upon your business.
Presented by Ingrid Ault, Think Local First
From Idea to Market:
A Toolkit for High-Tech Innovators
Date: March 29, 2012
Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Place: Morris Lawrence Building, Classroom TBD
Looking to take your high-tech idea or product to the next level? Stop looking and start DOING. Paula Sorrell, Michigan Economic Development Corp. managing director of Entrepreneurial Services, will discuss the services and tools available to Michigan innovators.
Presented by Paula Sorrell, Michigan Economic Development Coorporation
Keeping Up with Social Media (Panel Discussion)
Date: March 29, 2012
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Place: Morris Lawrence Building, Classroom TBD
You are probably an active user of one or multiple social media tools. But, is your business utilizing social media effectively? At all? Do you wonder how you can effectively keep up with the rapidly-changing world of social media while still managing all of your other business needs? This panel discussion will address these questions and more.
Moderated by Lucy Ann Lance, panel members include:
Chad Wiebesick is the Director of Social Media and Interactive Marketing the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. MEDC is responsible for executing Governor Snyder’s economic development strategy and directing the popular Pure Michigan campaign, promoting Michigan as a great place to live, work, and play. MEDC is a public-private partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life.
Richard Retyi has more than nine years of public relations and social media experience working with global brands as diverse as Chevrolet and Cartus,. He served as an assistant director for athletic media relations at the University of Michigan for seven years, building the athletic department’s social media infrastructure from scratch, before joining his first agency, Big Fuel, to help run Chevrolet's social media channels. He currently serves on the management team at Ann Arbor digital marketing agency Fluency Media as the social media manager. He's also a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com and Concentrate Media, a former high school teacher and a Canadian.
Jen Eyer is the state community engagement director for MLive.com, overseeing the ways in which readers interact with editorial content and with the news staff, locally and statewide. Previously the director of audience engagement at AnnArbor.com, she has also worked as a newspaper reporter, and a news producer at MLive.com. A graduate of Michigan State's journalism school, Jen lives in Ann Arbor with her husband and children, and is active in the community.
How to Acquire Top Talent for Your Business
Date: March 29, 2012
Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Place: Morris Lawrence Building, Classroom TBD
The good news is that the unemployment rate is falling in the Ann Arbor Region. The challenge, however, is near-full employment will give rise to greater competition for talent among employers. The pool of potential candidates will shrink as more people secure employment. A brighter economic climate encourages employees to seek new opportunities elsewhere. Britany Affolter-Caine, Director of Talent Enhancement at Ann Arbor SPARK, will share a few tips to making your company more competitive in the market for top talent as well as within your company by retaining current, valuable employees.
Presented by Britany Affolter-Caine, Ph.D., Director, Talent Enhancement - Ann Arbor SPARK
Unemployed?
Been There - How to Get Out of There!
Date: March 29, 2012
Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Place: Morris Lawrence Building, Classroom TBD
Like many others in the workforce, Kim Kachadoorian has seen her share of job loss over the years. She has witnessed what works and doesn’t work when it comes to hunting for the next career move. If you are interested in either finding a new job or getting off the unemployment circle, you won't want to miss this informative seminar.
Presented by Kimberly Kachadoorian, The Geeky Marketer
Website: http://www.JobsInA2.com/
Twitter: @JobsInA2