Chamber Events
Annual & Ongoing Events
Connect For Lunch - Beginning in March 2009
It's All About Connections: Are you looking for a new way to meet people and grow your business? What if you could get to know between 6 and 12 new people each month? Really get to know them over lunch, not just a quick hand shake and exchange of business cards. Would you be interested? If you are, Connect For Lunch may be just want you're looking for. Connect For Lunch is the Roanoke Regional Chamber's newest networking program. Discover more about this exciting new program or register online.
Small Business Awards
Small business. BIG recognition. Network with over 550 attendees at this annual dinner recognizing outstanding small businesses in the region, including small business owners, managers, and business leaders. The program focuses on profiles and achievements of more than 100 nominated small businesses and small business advocates in 11 categories. The 2010 Small Business Awards Dinner will be held in October 5 at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
Annual Meeting of the Membership
The Chamber's PREMIER networking event, this annual dinner draws more than 550 attendees each year, including prominent business leaders and government officials. The 121th Annual Meeting of the Membership will be held in December 2, at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
Business After Hours
This popular evening business networking event attracts more than 350 attendees and more than 10 exhibitors. It is limited to four regular events annually, held 5 - 7:30 P.M. Special Business After Hours events are held with Business and Technology Expo and the Roanoke Regional Chamber Cup golf tournament.
Business and Technology Expo
The Chamber's annual business-to-business and consumer trade show is the largest and most promoted event of the year! The event is open to the public with more than 1,000 attendees and nearly 80 exhibitors. Exhibitors include financial companies, insurance companies, health care industry, technology companies, not-for-profit organizations, media, universities, and others. Sponsorships and exhibit spaces are not available for the 2010 Business and Technology Expo that will be held on Tuesday, April 20, at the Roanoke Civic Center's Special Events Center. Click here for more information on the 2010 Business and Technology Expo.
Economic Summit
The Chamber's annual gathering of community leaders, business people, and opinion makers to examine current economic trends and look for ways to strengthen the region's economy. In addition to revealing the results of the annual Business Climate Survey, recognized speakers share their expertise on economic issues. Economic Summit VI will be held on Tuesday, June 8, at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
"Economic Summit VI: It's ALL About the Economy " was held on June 2 at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. The presenters and presentations were: Sixth Annual Business Climate Survey, by Kathy Baske Young, chair, Roanoke Regional Chamber; "What's in the Federal Stimulus Package for Us? by Congressman Bob Goodlatte; "Economic Trends" by Dr. Terry Rephann, University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center, and the keynote address "Coping with Economic Stress: How Organizations Can Help Their Employees Navigate Through Difficult Economic Times" by Dr. Steve Swavely, Farr Associates.
Ready...Set...Network!
This quarterly high energy and fun speed networking event provides an intimate setting that promotes one-on-one contact. Attendees make more connections in one hour than they usually do in a month!
Roanoke Regional Chamber Cup
This annual captain's choice golf tournament provides another opportunity for members to network, have fun, and grow their business. More than 200 business leaders participate in this tournament held each August. All players receive a complimentary ticket to the special Business After Hours for golfers and non-golfers at the country club following the first day of the tournament. Proceeds from the tournament help fund Chamber advocacy and educational programs. The 20th Annual Golf Tournament will be held on August 23 and 24 at Hunting Hills Country Club.
535 Mixers
NewVaConnects is a young professional organization devoted to making the NewVa region a talent capital and a great place for young professionals to live and work. The 535 Mixers are monthly gatherings for young professionals to mingle and network in a casual setting. The mixers also feature a local hot topic of importance to young professionals to voice their opinions. For more information on NewVaConnects, call 983-0700 x231 or visit www.newvaconnects.org.
State of the City / State of the County Address
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts a State of the City Address in the summer and a State of the County Address in the fall to give regional leaders an opportunity to share important milestones that have been reached and plans for the future. Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Chairman Mike Altizer gave the 2009 State of the County Address on November 17 at the Green Ridge Recreation Center. Click here to ready the chairman's speech in its entirety. City of Roanoke Mayor David Bowers gave the State of the City Address on August 13, 2009. Click here to read the mayor's speech in its entirety.
