Local entrepreneurs took centre stage at the Lloydminster Home Business Show offering unique products and services from small, often lesser-known businesses.
Read more: Home-based businesses show off in new Lloyd event
The inaugural show, held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gold Horse Casino on Nov. 2, featured 52 tables and 35 vendors.
Chris Brinklow, who planned and hosted the event with his wife, Nicole, said the goal was simple, to shine a spotlight on home-based businesses that don’t always get the public exposure they deserve.
“It’s going well and the traffic has been good. Now, even halfway through the day, we think we’ve had more than 200 people through the door,” said Brinklow. “It’s been very encouraging. Throwing something together like this for the first time, there’s always that question of who’s going to come.”
By mid-afternoon, attendance steadily continued to grow.
“It’s been really well attended so far and we’re hoping we can continue the trickle of people coming in,” he added.
The event was hosted at the Gold Horse Casino, a venue Brinklow says makes hosting community events easy and affordable.
“The beauty of the Gold Horse Casino is there’s no hidden costs,” he said. “You book an event, it covers your tables, chairs and there’s no event fee. That’s one of the reasons we keep coming here.”
He also praised event coordinator Nicole Thompson.
“She’s been over-the-top accommodating, and we always have everything we need.”
Most of the vendors came from Lloydminster and area, with the furthest traveling in from Saskatoon. Attendees browsed a wide range of products, from beef jerky, handmade signs and candy to travel mugs, freeze-dried goods, gaming items, tallow products and crochet crafts.
“We’ve had a couple of comments from attendees on how great the variety is today,” said Brinklow. “I wanted to make sure there was a good mix of things.”
Live With Kurt Price also broadcasted from the show, hosting a one-hour live segment from the stage.
Beyond sales, Brinklow said networking remains a key part of these events.
“Networking is kind of my thing. I’ve always been approachable and personable; I like conversations and meeting people,” he said. Brinklow and his wife Nicole co-host and plan the shows together. “Nicole is the brains behind the operation and I’m the mouth. It works out well.”
Based on the success of the inaugural event, Brinklow plans to host the home-based business show at least twice a year.
“I had thought about doing a fall, spring and summer show, but summer’s always tough with vacations,” he said. “It will be at least twice a year, though.”
Brinklow said they’ve already received helpful suggestions from attendees and vendors that will help grow the event in the future.
“Maybe people haven’t heard about these local home-based businesses, and I want these people to get some exposure. That’s what this show is designed for.”
For updates on future events, visit Olive Shoes Planning and Events on Facebook.
Read more: Lloyd Ex beefs up for Stockade Roundup
