2025 Ascension Chamber of Commerce Business Expo

Name: 2025 Ascension Chamber of Commerce Business Expo

Date: August 14, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM CDT

Registration: Register Now

Event Description:

***Although our Keynote Luncheon is sold out, we invite you to join us for all of the great networking opportunities at the Expo from 1:30 - 5:00.***

FRIENDLY REMINDER: CONSTRUCTION OFF OF HWY 30

If you are traveling in from Hwy 30, please note that a portion of S. St. Landry Rd. is closed at Hwy. 30. You will need to detour down Cabela’s Parkway to W. Outfitter’s Drive then to S. St. Landry Rd. Please note if you are getting off Eastbound I-10, this means you do not get into the far right lane when exiting. Stay in the middle exit lane to the red light, then you can turn right into the turning lane to the Cabela’s area.

Hwy 44 to Edenborne Pkwy by RPCC is also an alternative route.

Join us for this valuable opportunity to grow your network and connect with the largest gathering of businesses and community leaders in Ascension Parish at this year's Ascension Chamber Business Expo presented by Cardiovascular Institute of the South. This year's event will feature:

12:00 KEYNOTE LUNCHEON*

sponsored by Ascension Public Schools Partners in Education
Our event will kick off with a buffet-style luncheon, a dynamic keynote address by Julio Melara -- business leader, speaker, author, publisher, and President/CEO of Melara Enterprises -- and will also highlight member businesses, the Ascension Public Schools Partners in Education (PIE) program.
*A luncheon ticket is required for this portion.
Luncheon Networking starts at 11:00.

1:30 BUSINESS EXPO SHOWCASE

EXHIBITORS have the opportunity to showcase their business/organization to hundreds of professionals and build leads with an engaged audience.

ATTENDEES have the opportunity to build connections and learn more about organizations and businesses invested in Ascension.

3:30 TASTE OF ASCENSION HAPPY HOUR & INDUSTRY CONNECT

sponsored by HMC Generators
Relaxed networking opportunity that will feature samples from our local food & beverage favorites and an opportunity to connect with leaders in industry.

NETWORKING & PASSPORT TO PRIZES

sponsored by Williamson Eye Center, powered by Black Tie Auctions

We look forward to bringing hundreds of professionals together to build connections. Network and earn prizes through our prize passport and punch wall! Attendees are encouraged to visit our exhibitors to receive a stamp on their passport! Once their passport has been completed, they will have chances to win from a variety of prizes.

ASCENSION PUBLIC SCHOOLS PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

The Ascension Chamber and Ascension Public Schools are working together to create opportunities to enhance interaction between community business members and our schools through a program called Ascension Partners in Education (Ascension PIE). We know that strong school partnerships build stronger communities. Your talents, resources, and expertise are valuable assets for our students and can widely expand ?real world? learning at every grade level!

Our goal is simple: Match at least one business/industry partner with every school to create meaningful academic support programs that are mutually beneficial for the school and community partner.

ATTEND THE BUSINESS EXPO:
All business professionals and community leaders with interests in Ascension Parish are invited to attend. You do not have to be an Ascension Chamber member or host an expo booth to attend.

~~ATTEND THE LUNCHEON + EXPO + HAPPY HOUR DRINK TICKET~~
LUNCHEON REGISTRATION CLOSED (DEADLINE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 8)

~~MEMBERS: $40~~
~~NON-MEMBERS: $50~~

ATTEND THE EXPO & HAPPY HOUR ONLY (No Luncheon)
Join us any time from 1:30 - 5:00 for an opportunity to make connections, learn about businesses invested in Ascension Parish, and network with hundreds of business professionals throughout the Expo and Happy Hour(card bar).

MEMBERS: $10
NON-MEMBERS: $20

Please note: Only paid Vendors and Sponsors may distribute promotional items. Regular attendees (member or non-member) are expressly prohibited from circulating materials other than business cards (no pens, hats, t-shirts, stickers, push cards, sign-up forms, etc.).

SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS WITH AN EXPO BOOTH
BOOTH REGISTRATION CLOSED DEADLINE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 1.
Opportunity for local companies and organizations to showcase their business through a booth setup to make connections and build leads with an engaged audience.

~~EXPO BOOTH PRICING:~~

Member Expo Booth: $400 plus 2 door prizes (valued at $25+ each)
Member Expo Double Booth (20x10): $700 plus 2 door prizes (valued at $25+ each)
Member Truck/Oversized Vehicle Booth: $800 plus 2 door prizes (valued at $25+ each)
Non-Member Expo Booth: $550 plus 2 door prizes (valued at $25+ each)
~~Guaranteed Access to Electricity for Expo Booth: $50~~

ALL Expo Booth options include:

10x10 draped booth, 6ft skirted table, 2 chairs, ID Sign
2 Luncheon Registrations
2 Happy Hour Drink Tickets
Company recognition on registration page
Company recognition in event program

SMALL BUSINESS HIGH TOP HIGHLIGHT
DEADLINE TO REGISTER & PAY IS FRIDAY, AUGUST 1.
~~$150 plus 1 door prize (valued $25+)~~ *SOLD OUT!
Our Small Business Network is excited to offer a limited number of member small businesses the opportunity to shine through our Small Business High Top Highlight. Promote your brand and connect directly with attendees in a dedicated networking area. Our target audience for this opportunity is for small businesses who have 3 or less employees. Please choose an expo booth if you have more than 3 employees.

~~One high-top table with linen in the Small Business Network area~~
~~Space for one small pop-up banner to advertise your business~~
~~One lunch ticket~~
~~One happy hour drink ticket~~
~~Your business listed in the event program and on the website~~

TENTATIVE EVENT SCHEDULE:

11:00 Luncheon Networking*
12:00 Keynote Luncheon Begins*
1:30 Networking/Business Expo Showcase
3:30 Taste of Ascension Happy Hour
5:00 Event Concludes

*Must have a luncheon ticket to enter

BUSINESS EXPO FAQ's

Who is invited?
All business professionals with interests in Ascension Parish

Do you have to be an Ascension Chamber member to attend?
No

Can I attend the keynote luncheon?
Yes, if you have a luncheon ticket. These are included in our expo booth registration and can also be purchased separately for $40 or $50 depending on your membership status and/or time of registration. The deadline to purchase a luncheon ticket is Friday, August 8.

Do you have to pre-register by Friday, August 8 to attend the Expo?
No. While we prefer that our attendees pre-register so that we can better prepare, we do not require pre-registration to attend the Expo and Happy Hour. Registrations will be accepted the week of the event online and at the door for $10-$20. Luncheon tickets ($40-$50/person) may have limited availability after our pre-registration deadline but are not guaranteed.

When is the deadline to host an expo booth?
The deadline to register and pay for an expo booth is Friday, August 1. Unfortunately, we will not be able to make any additions after this date, but we encourage you and your colleagues to attend the expo to network with the hundreds of professionals and community leaders that will be in attendance.

Do I have to attend the full schedule of events?
No. While we'd love to have you join us for the full event, we encourage you join us as your schedule allows or for the segments that interest you most.

What is the Ascension Public Schools Partners in Education (PIE)?
The Ascension Chamber and Ascension Public Schools are working together to create opportunities to enhance interaction between community business members and our schools through a program called Ascension Partners in Education (Ascension PIE). We know that strong school partnerships build stronger communities. Your talents, resources, and expertise are valuable assets for our students and can widely expand real world learning at every grade level!

Our goal is simple: Match at least one business/industry partner with every school to create meaningful academic support programs that are mutually beneficial for the school and community partner.