Explore/Expo To Showcase LGBT & Allied Businesses Interested In Tapping $8 Billion Buying Power

Sept. 27, 2010 - PRLog -- The 180,000 residents of Miami-Dade County who self-identify as part of the local LGBT community represent an estimated $8 billion in annual buyer power, according to a recent analysis by Witeck-Combs Communications.  More than 300 businesses interested in reaching this important market segment, as well as the community at-large, will be participating in the third annual Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s (MDGLCC) Explore/EXPO on Saturday, October 23, from noon to 5 p.m. in Hall C of the Miami Beach Convention Center.  Explore/EXPO is free and open to the public.
   As a companion event to Explore/EXPO, the MDGLCC will host its second annual Taste of Miami, a VIP fundraiser to benefit the Chamber Foundation’s scholarship program for area youth.  Taste of Miami spotlights MDGLCC member restaurants who will offer their signature tastings, as well as a stylish Grey Goose Vodka Lounge.  Taste of Miami takes place after Explore/EXPO, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., also at the Miami Beach Convention Center.  Tickets are $45 in advance and $60 at the door.
   “Explore/EXPO is a wonderful way for businesses that support the LGBT community to connect one-on-one with consumers who are interested in doing business with LGBT and LGBT-friendly companies,” said Steve Adkins, president of the MDGLCC.  “Visitors to Explore/EXPO will have the opportunity to chat with representatives from advocacy groups, entertainment venues, financial services companies, health services, non-profits, real estate companies, retailers and many more.”
   In addition to business booths, Explore/EXPO will feature live entertainment, give-aways, a raffle for “staycation” packages, and special guest appearances.  Sponsors of Explore/EXPO include IGLTA, The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association; the Miami Beach Convention Center; The Miami Herald; and Miami.com.  Taste of Miami sponsors include Grey Goose Vodka and Brown Forman’s Little Black Dress wines.
                  The Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the largest not-for-profit corporation in the county for gay and lesbian businesses. With membership on the rise, the Chamber's mission is to promote a unified and thriving, gay and gay-friendly business and professional community throughout the county. The Chamber’s goals are to promote networking within the existing gay and gay-friendly business and professional community; to promote business opportunities for Chamber members; to promote Miami as a year-round, gay and gay-friendly tourist destination; to provide resources for its members; and to provide outreach from the LGBT community to other organizations.
                   For more information on Explore/EXPO, including booth rental, or on Taste of Miami, including ticket purchases, visit www.gogaymiamiexplore.com, call the Chamber at 305-673-4440, or email mdglcc@bellsouth.net.

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The Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the largest not-for-profit corporation in the county for gay and lesbian businesses. With membership on the rise, the Chamber's mission is to promote a unified and thriving, gay and gay-friendly business and professional community throughout the county. The Chamber’s goals are to promote networking within the existing gay and gay-friendly business and professional community; to promote business opportunities for Chamber members; to promote Miami as a year-round, gay and gay-friendly tourist destination; to provide resources for its members; and to provide outreach from the LGBT community to other organizations.