Business casual: Sarasota Chamber holds its grand expo

The networking was community wide, but it was condensed into one room. 

The Grand Expo, held Aug. 28 by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce at Robarts Arena, was also widely anticipated and attended, according to Heather Kasten, president and CEO of the chamber. 

The event sold out of exhibitor space almost two months in advance, with over 500 people registered to attend, she said. 

After last year's expo was held in April, the event was repositioned to the fall, which she said resonated with the business community.

"What's so exciting about this year's expo is just the excitement for the event itself," she said.

The event featured more than 80 booths by chamber members, giving the public and local professionals the chance to connect with businesses offering different products and services, as well as clubs and nonprofits.

Joel Hanson, manager of The Original Wolfie's Deli, was among the attendees finding new opportunities. 

"I had a lot of fun talking to all the local business owners," he said. "It gave me a chance to meet a lot of people that I don't think I would have had as easy a time meeting, and I think it's going to open up a lot of opportunities for networking with other businesses for hosting more exciting events, and for seeing a lot of new partnerships forming."