Brantford’s business community will gather for the second edition of the Brantford Business Trade Show on Thursday, January 23, 2025, 01:00pm to 05:00pm, at the Marriott / Affinity Conference Centre.
The event, organized by Sam Gernhart, owner of Clarity Marketing and Design, offers free admission and provides complimentary booth space for non-profits.
Gernhart, who launched Brantford’s first Women in Business Expo in 2023, has earned recognition as an event organizer and business leader. Running her own company since the age of 18, she also teaches at Conestoga College, balancing entrepreneurship with education.
The trade show features businesses and non-profits from Brantford, Brant County, Norfolk County, and neighboring regions. Gernhart said returning participants and new exhibitors have pushed this year’s registration numbers beyond the inaugural event.
“The first year was very successful and it showed me that a trade show to kick off the new year is needed,” Gernhart said. “Many of our first-year businesses have returned, and we’ve already surpassed the number of participants compared to last year.”
She credits the early success to a focus on growth and responsiveness to feedback. Surveys sent to participants after the first edition informed changes aimed at improving organization and marketing. Gernhart said expanding outreach and refining operations are central to building the event’s profile.
“For me, events like this are about networking and building relationships,” she said. “You never know who you’ll meet or what connections could lead to long-term opportunities. It’s also a chance for attendees to learn about the services and products available in their own community.”
The trade show highlights the region’s growth and the importance of strengthening ties between businesses and non-profits. With Brantford and surrounding communities experiencing population increases, Gernhart sees the event as a way to support local economic activity and promote the shop-local movement.
Looking to the future, Gernhart envisions the trade show becoming a permanent fixture in Brantford’s business calendar. “My main goal is to keep growing this event and make it Brantford’s largest business trade show,” she said. “In January, it’s a great way to help businesses start the year and focus on their marketing plans. Down the line, I may add workshops or learning components to expand its impact.”
For more information, visit brantfordbusinesstradeshow.ca.
