Business casual: Sarasota Chamber holds its grand expo

By Ian Swaby
| 10:35 a.m. August 29, 2025

David Figueroa of Secure HR and Jorge Valdes of Golf Therapy Club enjoy the event experience.

Sarasota
Neighbors

The networking was community wide, but it was condensed into one room.

The Grand Expo, held Aug. 28 by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce at Robarts Arena, was also widely anticipated and attended, according to Heather Kasten, president and CEO of the chamber.

The event sold out of exhibitor space almost two months in advance, with over 500 people registered to attend, she said.

After last year's expo was held in April, the event was repositioned to the fall, which she said resonated with the business community.

"What's so exciting about this year's expo is just the excitement for the event itself," she said.

The event featured more than 80 booths by chamber members, giving the public and local professionals the chance to connect with businesses offering different products and services, as well as clubs and nonprofits.

Joel Hanson, manager of The Original Wolfie's Deli, was among the attendees finding new opportunities.

"I had a lot of fun talking to all the local business owners," he said. "It gave me a chance to meet a lot of people that I don't think I would have had as easy a time meeting, and I think it's going to open up a lot of opportunities for networking with other businesses for hosting more exciting events, and for seeing a lot of new partnerships forming."

Meghan Falero of Entech talks with Sydney Johnson of University Park Country Club.

Adrian Rosati of Hotwire Communications talks with Elise Fuller and Chris Mullan of Lightspeed.

Michael Scalzi of Catch a Buzz Events pours a drink.

Dean Burnside of Good News Pest Solutions talks with Jillian James of Loveland Center.

Christina Castillo and Jenna Smith of Millenium Physician Group table offer goodies to Liam Middleton, 7.

Liam Middleton, 7 bags some candy at the Millenium Physician Group table.

Karem Ismail and Jason Kirby of Tommy's Express Car Wash talk with event attendee Philip Schildknecht.

Joel Hanson of The Original Wolfie's Deli serves Tory Menifee of Lighthouse and Kyla Diaz of The Love Vault

Ginger Davis of Catch a Buzz talks with Ethan Wolfson and Bethany Leinweber of Camp Yonnie.

Director of Government Affairs Marlon Brown announces a set of prize winners.

Treats by Sprinkles Cupcakes are set out for guests.

Emily Williams and Victoria Canales staff the Midflorida Credit Union table.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.