The second edition of the Brantford Business Trade Show took place on January 23, 2025, at the Marriott / Affinity Conference Centre, drawing businesses, non-profits, and community members from Brantford, Brant County, Norfolk County, and surrounding areas.
Organized by Sam Gernhart, owner of Clarity Marketing and Design, the event provided a platform for collaboration and showcased the region’s economic and social growth.
Gernhart emphasized the event’s steady growth since its debut. “This year, we have more businesses, more non-profits, and more vendors overall,” she said.
“It’s great to see so many returning participants from the first edition and new exhibitors joining us. The middle of winter is a tough time to get people out, but the attendance has been steady, and the energy is incredible. As long as the event grows a little bit every year, I’m happy.”
The trade show featured a mix of industries, including real estate, marketing, trades, modular housing, and non-profit organizations.
“This event is a neutral space for networking,” Gernhart explained. “It’s about making connections—whether it’s vendors networking with each other or attendees meeting potential clients, customers, or collaborators. That’s the ultimate goal.”
Among the exhibitors was Heather Smith, program coordinator for volunteer services at the Victorian Order of Nurses, who highlighted the importance of community engagement.
“We’re here to spread the word about our programs, like friendly visiting and hospice care, which rely on volunteers,” Smith said.
“Right now, we have about 20 volunteers, but we need more—there are 48 clients on our waiting list. Recruiting volunteers is our biggest challenge. The more we have, the more people we can help.”
Smith explained the requirements for volunteers, which include being 18 years or older, obtaining a vulnerable sector check, and having strong communication skills.
“These programs make such a difference in people’s lives, and this trade show is a great way to connect with others and raise awareness,” she added.
Lindsey Campbell, lead FASD coordinator at Contact Brant, attended the trade show for the first time.
“I was initially nervous because we’re a non-profit, and I thought the event might be more business-focused,” Campbell said. “But the mix of exhibitors has been fantastic. People have been really engaging and eager to learn about the supports and services we provide.”
Contact Brant serves as a central resource for families of children with disabilities, providing access to services like health care, housing, and food security.
“We work with families of children and youth, ages zero to 18—or up to 21 if they’re still in school. This event has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and build awareness,” Campbell said.
Another highlight of the event was Habitat 28, a modular builder based in Brantford, represented by director of sales and broker relations, Aura Poddar.
“We build everything from garden suites to tiny homes to larger structures,” Poddar explained. “The housing market is tough right now, and many people are turning to smaller, more affordable options like garden suites or multigenerational living solutions.”
Poddar noted the importance of community connections in their business.
“Brantford is a very supportive community. We collaborate with local trades, realtors, and mortgage brokers to bring innovative housing solutions to residents. Events like this are crucial for building those relationships.”
Gernhart, who launched Brantford’s Women in Business Expo in 2023, has established herself as a leader in the local business community.
“Non-profits get free booth space at my events because they need to connect and build brand awareness, just like businesses do,” she said. “It’s important to support them and ensure they’re part of the conversation.”
This year’s trade show saw higher registration numbers than the inaugural event, with a mix of returning participants and new exhibitors.
“It’s a great sign that we’re on the right track,” Gernhart said. “If someone makes a meaningful connection, gains a new client, or builds a beneficial partnership, then the event has done its job.”
As Brantford and the surrounding communities continue to grow, events like the Brantford Business Trade Show play a vital role in fostering economic activity and strengthening local networks.
With plans to expand further in the coming years, the trade show reflects the community’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and shared success.
