A new year brings new events. With anywhere from 100 to 500 people at each, our annual events provide some of the best networking opportunities, as well as some of the most fun! Here’s a look at what you can expect this year.
Annual Kick-Off Breakfast
Friday, February 19, 2016 I 7:30 – 9 a.m. I Polo Grill
A breakfast event featuring an innovative key speaker and announcements about new Chamber member benefits and enhanced Chamber opportunities and goals for the upcoming year. This year we welcome Tony Carvajal, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber Foundation. This interactive presentation will stimulate strategic thinking about Florida’s future and engage business and community leaders in identifying key trends and the factors that drive our local economy. The Annual Kick-Off Breakfast is presented by Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick.
Hob Nob
Thursday, April 7, 2016 I 5 -7 p.m. I Ed Smith Stadium
Enjoy entertainment, all-you-can-eat food, fun drinks and unique themes from participating member booths at one of our largest events of the year. Showcase your business by participating in a grill team or simply attend to network with fellow members.
Blues by the Bay with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 I 5 – 7 p.m. I The Powel Crosley Estate
Mingle and network with friends and colleagues as The Greater Sarasota and Manatee Chambers host an evening of music on the beautiful waterfront of The Powel Crosley Estate. Blues by the Bay is presented by Sam’s Club.
Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards
Friday, June 3, 2016 I 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. I Hyatt Regency Sarasota
Sarasota’s most prestigious business awards ceremony. Presented by the Herald-Tribune Media Group, This annual event recognizes local member businesses in a number of categories: Small Business of the Year, Cultural Organization of the Year, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, International Organization of the Year, Retail Business of the Year, Health Care/Wellness Organizatio n of the Year and Young Professional of the Year. Beginning January 11, 2016, you can nominate a local small business that you think is deserving of recognition. Applications will be open to all Chamber members on February 11, 2016.
Sarasota Chamber Golf Classic
Date and Location TBA
Bringing networking to the golf course, members can come together for a great day of golfing complete with raffle prizes and a reception to follow.
96th Annual Membership Meeting & Luncheon
Date TBA I 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. I Hyatt Regency Sarasota
Recognizes the accomplishments of The Chamber and its members over the past year and identifies the goals for the following year. The luncheon features the 5th Annual Salute to Business program to recognize members in their achievements in Hiring Our Neighbors, Investing in the Future and Attaining Milestone Anniversaries of Service. Presented by Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP.
Chamber Expo 2016 with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, November 3 I 5 – 8 p.m. I Bradenton Area Convention Center
The largest business after hours of the year held by Sarasota and Manatee Chambers of Commerce. Presented by Sam’s Club, this trade-show event offers incredible exposure for your business products and services, as well as a networking opportunity for those attending.
