Expo-goers network, live it up at chamber event

From a live-action karaoke music video booth to boxers sparring in the aisles, Thursday’s Exposure business networking event had a definite party atmosphere.

While expo-goers at the function – held at Century II Expo Hall and organized by the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce – had plenty of opportunities for fun, there was also room for education.

“It’s great to walk around here and see what opportunities are out there for us after school,” said Tony Silmon, one of several East High School juniors who spent part of Thursday morning bouncing from one business’ booth to the next.

The students, participants in Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas and Missouri, were able to mingle with and ask questions of employees and owners staffing more than 200 booths at the event. Close to 30 percent of the exhibitors were new to the expo this year, according to the chamber.

Janelle King, owner of The Workroom custom home decor and clothing downtown, said she decided to have a display at Exposure after learning about it by working with the chamber to produce Wichita flag buttons, which were handed out Thursday.

“There’s a lot of Wichita pride here,” King said. “That’s what making the buttons was all about. We also provided the T-shirts that the chamber employees are wearing today.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect because we’re a retail business and this is more of a business-to-business event, but it’s been really good.”

The “booth” set up by The Workroom – complete with a vintage Volkswagen van named “Kitten” that can be found around town selling items – was one of the most extravagant on the floor, but it wasn’t the only space that stood out.

The folks at Squid Ink Creative and Kent Audio Visual teamed to create an enclosed karaoke booth – complete with multiple camera angles and lights – where wannabe rock stars could jam out while being broadcast on a large screen display above the booth, essentially creating their own music video.

Other popular exhibits included a simulated flying experience in a portable Boeing KC-46A tanker cockpit, live sparring from Title Boxing Club representatives and, of course, various food samples from businesses from around town.

“People seem really excited to be here,” King said. “It’s a great atmosphere.”

This story was originally published September 24, 2015 at 4:34 PM with the headline "Expo-goers network, live it up at chamber event."