Connecticut Events Company Hosts Made in Connecticut Expo, Celebrates Local Businesses and Artists
NORTH HAVEN, Conn., March 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands to flock to the Farmington Polo Grounds for the Made in Connecticut Expo May 14th and 15th 2016. Over 300 local Connecticut vendors from small mom and pop artisans to larger food beverage and retail companies will set up shop to display their locally made Connecticut wares.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160328/348393
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160328/348394
Creator and organizer Rob Craven of North Haven Connecticut is taking the show into its second year. The show was launched in April 2015 with over 130 vendors and a crowd of over 15,000 attendees. "It's a celebration of all things local, a chance to help a lot of local businesses and artists meet new customers and promote their work," says Craven.
Craven has doubled the attending vendors this year and plans to double the attendance to over 30,000 local residents.
The expo's Facebook event page already has almost 17,000 people interested in attending the show. https://www.facebook.com/events/108179849574234/
"Almost every single company that exhibited last year is returning again this year, which is a huge testament to the impact of the show for them, not a lot of festivals and shows have that kind of vendor retention and it's something we're really proud of."
After six years on the local fair circuit, Amanda Proscino, 23, has already gained wisdom as a small business owner. A jewelry designer who runs the Queen of None said sales were booming at the expo.
"This is really great," said Proscino. "I will definitely come back next year."
"I think it's a great concept and really needed," says Serenity owner Aleta Gudelski. "I think people really like knowing where their products come from. They like knowing what's in the products they use. They like being able to pick something up and smell it and feel it. They like a personal connection."
Organizer Rob Craven says the hyper-local shopping experience will introduce attendees to some of the state's most creative entrepreneurs.
"One of the coolest things about creating this show was discovering those in-state companies we had no idea existed," says Craven. "People will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the people who live here in Connecticut and actually make what they sell."
Media contact:
Rob Craven
(203) 208-7356
SOURCE Connecticut Events Company
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