UPDATE: Napa Valley Business Showcase, Symposium is Today

Women in business and technology is the focus of this year’s annual Business Showcase presented by Napa Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, April 25,  at the Meritage Resort and Spa.

The opening keynote speaker is State Sen. Lois Wolk, D-3rd, who will address the role (and future) of women in government. Wolk's district includes Napa Valley as well as various towns in Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties.

The Napa Chamber's annual Business Showcase packs Napa Valley's best networking and marketing opportunities into one event. New this year is the Community Leaders Speakers Symposium, a half-day event full of great business tips, networking opportunities, inspiration and motivation.

Symposium attendees will learn how to increase customer loyalty and satisfaction through branding, social media and retail marketing, when panelists Debbie Augustine, Augustine Ideas; Rebecca Kotch, Title Nine; and Amanda Scruggs, Social Butterfly Effect, discuss the State of (Customer) Engagement in a panel moderated by Holly Krassner of Connecting the Dots.

Well-known Napa locals Barbara Wiggins, Mustard Seed Clothing; Lauren Ackerman, Ackerman Family Vineyards; and Diane Bishofberger, Bank of Napa will discuss the habits of highly successful women and provide practical tips for enhancing one’s career in a panel moderated by Dawn Garzoli of Nelson Staffing.

World-renowned Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson is the closing keynote speaker.

One of only 18 women worldwide with the Master Sommelier title and the only woman ever named “Best Sommelier in the United States” by the Sommelier Society of America, Andrea has won three James Beard Awards, authored four top-selling books and is the award-winning host of several television programs. Andrea will discuss the Return-On-Investment (ROI) from building your personal brand.

Tickets to the Community Leaders Speaker Symposium include a light lunch, entry to the Speaker Series and the VIP Reception featuring wines from St. Clair Brown Winery and Ackerman Family Vineyards. Tickets also include an opportunity to meet the speakers and early entry into the 2013 Business Showcase. 

Following the Community Leaders Speakers Symposium and Reception is the annual Business Showcase, featuring more than 70 exhibitors.

Set up trade show-style, the event allows participants to effectively build B2B relationships and meet important clients, suppliers and potential customers face-to-face. The Community Leaders Speakers Symposium runs from noon to 4 p.m. followed by the annual Business Showcase from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

 Tickets to the Community Leaders Speaker Symposium are $55 and tickets to attend the Business Showcase only are $10. To register, visit NapaChamber.com or call the Napa Chamber of Commerce at (707) 226-1171. The Meritage Resort & Spa is located at 875 Bordeaux Way in Napa.

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