Free Business Seminars At Sacred Heart University

FAIRFIELD — Free business seminars. Free food. And a free look at the newest and best products and services of more than 200 companies from across the state. All of that will be at the Business Showcase 2000, the state’s largest business-to-business trade show.

Business Showcase 2000, presented by BiznessOnline.com, will be held Wednesday, May 17, 9 am to 7 pm at the William H. Pitt Health & Recreation Center at Sacred Heart University. With classes not in session that day, there is plenty of free parking on campus, and free shuttle bus service to bring attendees to and from their cars.

Admission is $5, but anyone can get a free ticket simply by calling one of the nine participating Chambers of Commerce.

The day-long series of seminars, each of which will last about 45 minutes, will cover topics including business etiquette; paying commuting expenses with pre-tax dollars; how small businesses can take advantage of the Internet; improving sales performance; better decision-making; and strategic thinking and business planning. The seminar series is sponsored by the United Illuminating Company.

The day is topped off by a free Business after Hours networking event, at which participants can sample treats ranging from simple hors d’oeuvres such as vegetable crudites and dips to dishes as exotic as bison and alligator, along with salads and desserts.

Now in its seventh year, Business Showcase is the largest business-to-business trade show in the state. Last year, more than 3,000 people attended Business Showcase.

Business Showcase 2000, presented by BiznessOnline.com, is a production of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and its affiliates, the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, the Stratford Chamber of Commerce, and the Trumbull Chamber of Commerce; the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce; the Milford Chamber of Commerce; the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce; the Monroe Chamber of Commerce; and the Westport/Weston Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsors of Business Showcase 2000 are Corporate Display Specialties, the United Illuminating Company, and Lightpath. Media sponsors are Business New Haven, The Connecticut Post, CT Business magazine, the Fairfield County Business Journal, Star 99.9 FM, Cablevision of Southern Connecticut, and Tele-Media of Western Connecticut.

For more information and to register for Business Showcase 2000, call the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, 203/335-3800; the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, 203/925-4981; the Milford Chamber of Commerce, 203/878-0681; the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, 203/255-1011; or the Westport/Weston Chamber of Commerce, 203/227-9234.