6th Annual Orange County Chamber 'Mega' Business Expo/Mixer Event Set for March 11, 2009 at OC Fair & Event Center

Considered by many as the most heralded business mixer/expo of the year, Orange County's Largest Mixer VI returns to Orange County to set the standard for all other networking events to follow.

"Now in its 6th successful year, the Mixer has grown to represent a powerful meeting of Orange County area chambers of commerce and local businesses representing hundreds of industries and companies in Southern California," said Dave Linden, producer of Orange County's Largest Mixer. "Each year, as the event grows, I take the most pleasure out of the fact that we have created a forum for chambers and members of the business community to come together for a productive evening of meeting new contacts - that's where I conceived these events to be and I think we have succeeded."

Scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2009 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the event will be held at the Orange County Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. A $20 admission fee gives attendees the opportunity to view more than 250 exhibitors and network with thousands of local "influentials" on the cutting edge of Orange County's business elite. In total, the 2008 event drew more than 3000 participants.

Designed to be part expo and part business social event, Orange County's Largest Mixer accomplishes both by providing an "open feel" on the exhibitor floor along with conversational areas for casual one-on-one discussions with existing contacts or building new relationships.

"I have attended the OC Mixer since the beginning and each year I gain new prospects for membership, as well as new friends in the business community," commented Linda Martin, Vice President of Membership for the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce. "Also, above the social aspect, this event has put me in contact with other local chamber executives, and for that fact alone, the event is invaluable."

For a complete list of exhibitors and sponsors, please visit www.ocmixer.com or call 949-222-6600 for further information.

Farmers & Merchant Bank Puts the "Merry" into "Merry Christmas" with a Holiday Networking Party

The Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce hosted the Farmers & Merchants Bank Holiday Party on December 17, 2008. It was definitely a great way to celebrate the holiday season.
Amidst the winter rain, the holiday party was a welcome relief from the cold. Inside was a brightly decorated Christmas tree that really created a festive atmosphere. Guests had a wide selection of food and drinks to choose from including hot lattes and cappuccinos from Elektra, and steak with a side of creamy mashed potatoes from Jay's Fine Catering.
We'd like to give a special shout out to Connie Margolin and Farmers & Merchant Bank for throwing an outstanding holiday event. We look forward to next year's party!

Irvine Chamber Holiday Office Party at KIA Motors America Brings the Holiday Season to Life

On December 11, 2008, the Largest Mixer exhibited at the Irvine Chamber of Commerce's "Paradise Found" Office Holiday Party. The party, held at KIA Motors America in Irvine, had an exotic air about it. One of the many attractions at the party was a group of Hawaiian Dancers that seemed to take everyone away to a tropical island of their own. There were also multiple Las Vegas themed casino games that added an exciting twist to the party.
Just some of the people we ran into were Lisa Cosenza of the Daily Pilot (who is a proud Orange County's Largest Mixer sponsor), Robert Kuys from Principal Financial Group, Rita Prell from Real Sense Design, Dong Xu from Silk Software Corp., and Jason Winters from the Hilton. With tantalizing food arrangements from Wildfish Seafood Grille and The Melting Pot, and beautiful cake designs by Layer Cake Bakery, there wasn't a disappointed face in the crowd.We'd like to give a special shout out to Linda Benjamin and the entire party's staff for hosting such a great event. It truly was a memorable way to usher in the holidays!

Buena Park Chamber of Commerce Hosts 18th Annual Holiday Auction & Taste of Buena Park at Holiday Inn & Conference Center

On December 10, 2008 the Buena Park Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 18th Annual Holiday Auction & Taste of Buena Park. The auction featured great food, exciting prizes, balloon pop and fabulous auction items. The emcee of the night was the Buena Park Mayor himself, Don McKay.
Some of the items auctioned off were admission for 4 to Ripley's Believe It Or Not, a $45 gift certificate to Outback Restaurant and a wine gift basket.

Just a few of the people we ran into at the auction were Paul Sarnecki, General Manager of Pat Oscar's Restaurant, Richard D. McAuley, President of The Aztec Group, Nicole Bergin, Event Sales Manager of Los Coyotes Country Club, and Nick Heung Kim, Vice President of Sperry Van Ness.
Special thanks goes out to Denise Simmerman, Office Administrator, and Gail Dixon, President/CEO of the Buena Park Chamber of Commerce for once again throwing a spectacular event!

Stanton Chamber of Commerce Throws Holiday Luncheon Extravaganza at Stanton Cultural Arts Center

On December 10, 2008, the Stanton Chamber of Commerce hosted its Holiday Luncheon Extravaganza at the Stanton Cultural Arts Center. There were great raffle gifts, Dickens carolers, and a festive setting to end the year together.

Chambers of Commerce generally offer many services that can enhance your business exposure to the community and beyond. The Stanton Chamber of Commerce is no exception.
Just a few of the people we ran into were Dinesh Subherwal of RKDM Enviro-Energy Services, Inc., Zina and Mike Quigly, Independent Associates of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., David Reyes, Registered Representative of State Farm, and Marvin Zepeda, Banking Center Manager of ComericA Bank.

The Largest Mixer would like to give a special thanks to Billie Turner and the Stanton Chamber of Commerce for putting together such a fantastic event to end the year. Not to mention, the Stanton Chamber of Commerce is also a proud sponsor of the Largest Mixer!

We'd also like to thank the holiday luncheon sponsors--State Farm, Brandywine Homes, Orange County News, and Sam's Club. Events like these wouldn't be possible without your support!

The Inn at Playa Del Rey Hosts 13th Annual AMCS Holiday Fundraiser Tea

The Inn at Playa del Rey (IPDR) hosted its 13th annual fundraising holiday tea on December 7, 2008. All proceeds from the tea benefited the Airport Marina Counseling Service's Children and Family Counseling Center (AMCS). Participants were encouraged to make a donation to AMCS' wish tree. Each person who made a donation of $40 more received a special gift as a token of appreciation."This party allows us to reach out to the community and spend a pleasant afternoon supporting Airport Marina Counseling Service," said IPDR owner and AMCS board member Susan Zolla.

Last year over 250 participants attended the Inn's tea party and more than $6,500 was rasied in support of AMCS. Dedicated to serving the mental health needs of our community, AMCS has provided low-cost counseling services for over 45 years.
Visitors were treated to homemade baked goods, tea sandwiches, and savories. Innkeepers shared recipes and gave tours of the Inn. Moreover, all tea guests were entered into a raffle to win a free night at the Inn. It really was a great event.

The Inn at Playa del Rey is also a Largest Mixer participant. We look forward to seeing them at future events!

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce Presents The 26th Annual Christmas on Euclid

On December 6, 2008, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce presented The 26th Annual Christmas on Euclid. The festival, which highlights the diverse community of Ontario, California, spanned the entire street. There was food, live music, and holiday performances that all helped brighten the holiday season. In addition, activities including puppet shows, crafts, video development, farm animals, and pony rides made the festival family friendly for kids as well.Some of the vendors and exhibitors that participated in the festival included local schools, realtors, health practitioners, and non-profit organizations.

The Largest Mixer would like to give a special thanks to Stephanie Palomar and Nicole Vasquez of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for throwing an event that proved not only to be fun, but also good for spreading holiday cheer!

The Newport Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau Hosts Annual Holiday Celebration at Wildfish Seafood Grille

On December 3, 2008, the Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau held their Annual Holiday Celebration at the Wildfish Seafood Grille in Newport Beach.

The Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a non-profit marketing organization under contract with the city to position Newport Beach as a visitor and conference destination. The Annual Holiday Celebration proved to be an ideal opportunity for members to mix and mingle with one another and spread some holiday cheer.A few of the people that we ran into at the celebration were Doug Dodson, District Sales Manager of Certified Folder Display Service, Inc., Sherry Jackson, Account Manager of The Magazine of Orange County, Kathleen Makena, Sales Manager of Marriott International, Inc., and Dennis Rooney, Vice President of Coastal Connections.

The Newport Beach CVB is a proud sponsor of the Largest Mixer, and we definitely look forward to working with them at upcoming Largest Mixer events!

Trade American Card Hosts 38th Annual Holiday Barter Expo at The Grove of Anaheim

On November 23, 2008, the Largest Mixer attended Trade American Card's 38th Annual Holiday Barter Expo at The Grove of Anaheim. Hundreds of clients were in attendance and over one million dollars were generated through trade. The expo benefited businessmen, merchants, distributors, manufacturers, professionals and Trade American Card members who have all been affected by the recent economic downturn."For 38 years Trade American Card has functioned as a clearinghouse where Trade American Card members trade their goods and services amongst each other using trade dollars instead of cash dollars" said Michael Ames, CEO of Trade American Card. This advent of bartering for services and products rather than using cash is a great supplement to running any business.

Some of the people that we ran into at the expo were Diana Kawamoto, Branch Manager of American First Credit Union, Paul Thiel, Editor and and Publisher of 951 Media, Angela Devera, Medical Director of the Laser and Vitality Institute, and Jeff Miller, President of 24 Hour Fire Protection.

We'd like to give a special thanks to Mike Ames and Kim Ames for spearheading this successful and unique expo. Trade American Card is also one of our Largest Mixer participants, and we look forward to seeing them at our next event!

Newport Beach Chamber Hits The High Seas With Hornblower Cruises & Events

On Thursday, November 20, 2008, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce kicked off the holiday season with a networking event at the Hornblower Cruises and Events. The networking event took place on one of Hornblower's ships, which, as soon as the networking commenced, left the dock for a cruise around the harbor.

(From left to right) Hormblower's Karen Weil, Amber Cowan and staff chefs. 

Some of the people we mixed and mingled with were Ron K. Lopez, Senior Audit Manager of Glenn M. Gelman & Associates, Vivian Chang, Consultant of nutraMetrix, Tracy MacLean, Regional Account Executive of FNS, Inc., and Cara Hess, Associate Broker of Alandale Insurance Agency.

(From left to right) Kevin Lorton with the Hornblower, Kris Olsen, 

and Jim Villers of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce

If you haven't already booked your holiday party, we would highly recommend calling Karen at the Hornblower (949.646.0155) for an event you and your guests will soon not forget.

We'd like to give a special thanks to Pam Smith and Jim Villers of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce for throwing a networking event at sea unlike any other!

Santa Ana Business Connection Hosts Business Expo 2008

Tuesday, November 18, 2008, the Largest Mixer exhibited at the Santa Ana Business Connection's Business Expo 2008. The event was held at the Doubletree Hotel in Orange. With nearly 50 exhibitors and 200 attendees, this year's Business Expo was as busy as ever. There was great food, lots of mingling, and even awesome opportunity prizes given out at the Expo.

(From left to right) AT&T's Rob Hernandez, Tonya Nicholas, and Hector Rubio, along with Vince Brantley of the Santa Ana Business Alliance

On top of the Expo's prizes, Orange County's Largest Mixer, which will be happening Wednesday, March 11, 2009, held its own special giveaway for two free tickets to the upcoming mixer. The lucky winner was Gabriela Gomez of Easter Seals. We'll see you in March, Gabriela!

(From left to right) Kim Zeigler and Doug Wooley of Goodwill Industries, who will also be exhibitors at Orange County's Largest Mixer!

Some of the attendees that we ran into at the Business Expo were Frances Capistrano, CEO and Marketing Director of Top Notch Design Services, Billy Mee, Account Executive of Time Warner Cable, Rod Bidgoli, VP Business Development of BillboardConnection, and Dan Callahan, President of Ecia Benefits.

We'd like to give a special thanks to the Santa Ana Business Connection's Vince Brantley, Nancy Sandoval, and Kris Olson for always knowing how to throw a spectacular networking event!

Largest Mixer Participates In Network Orange County 2008

Hosted on November 12, 2008, the Irvine Chamber of Commerce threw yet another successful Network Orange County event. The event was held at Dave & Buster's, a proud participant of Orange County's Largest Mixer VI.

Network Orange County was both well-organized and very well attended. Among the dozens of chambers of commerce in attendance were the Brea Chamber of Commerce, Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, Tustin Chamber of Commerce, Stanton Chamber of Commerce, South Orange County Regional Chambers of Commerce, Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Orange Chamber of Commerce, Jewish American Chamber of Commerce, and of course, the Irvine Chamber of Commerce.

Just a few of the people that we ran into at the event were Michelle Johnson, DPS Manager of Office Depot, Sherry J. Taylor, Financial Advisor of Waddell & Reed, Thomas Winkelmann, Branch Office Supervisor of World Financial Group, Adriana Lopez, VP of Sales & Marketing of Get The Edge, and Fred Cooper, Area Manager of AT&T.

Carolee of Studio Six Salon was the lucky raffle winner of two free tickets to the upcoming Orange County's Largest Mixer VI. Hope to see you there in March, Carolee!

We'd like to give a special thanks to Linda Benjamin for throwing such an outstanding event. Each year Network Orange County exceeds expectations by setting bars even higher than years past, and the Largest Mixer is glad be a part of that success.

Avi Resort & Casino and Inn at Playa del Rey Sponsor Inland Empire's Largest Mixer II Giveaway

Did you attend Inland Empire's Largest Mixer II on October 22, 2008? If so, you probably dropped off one of your business cards when you checked in with the promise of being entered into a raffle. The bloggers here at the Largest Mixer Blog are now here to announce the official winners of this year's raffle! (Drum roll please) The lucky winners are...

Two night stay at The Avi Resort & Casino in Laughlin, NV - Won by Tim Derryberry, Vice President of Freeman Office Products.

One night stay in a luxurious Marina View room at the Inn at Playa del Rey - Won by Kevin Keith, Department Assistant for Chapman University College.

Congratulations to our winners! Feel free to contact anyone here at the Largest Mixer to claim your prizes. If you didn't win, we send our condolences. But feel free to find us at an upcoming mixer event and we'll gladly buy you a drink--as a consolation prize, of course.

Stay tuned to find out what awesome prizes we have in store for Orange County's Largest Mixer VI held on March 11, 2009!

Inland Empire Business Networking Event Exceeds Expectations With Upwards of 2000 Attendees

The 2nd annual Inland Empire's Largest Mixer drew nearly 2,000 participants, a 25 percent increase from 2007, to what many consider the most well attended networking event in the region. Over 175 businesses exhibited in various industries ranging from finance to hospitality, education to media. The event was held October 22, 2008 at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California.

"We obtained more leads and found more possible referral partners than the last 3 smaller business expos we've participated in combined," said Andrew Lopez, President & CEO of Centerpointe Payroll Services. "Participating in Inland Empire's Largest Mixer was the best investment we've made all year."

Each year, the Mixer hopes to help encourage membership in one or several chambers of commerce, allowing a synergistic partnership to be created. Businesses are then able to extend their networks, foster new relationships, and boost their client base.

"Making connections and building relationships with Inland Empire's businesses is what it's all about, and what better way to do that than Inland Empire's Largest Mixer," said Tammy Collins of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce. "This event gives us a chance to meet businesses that have not yet discovered the benefits of joining the Chamber and doing business in San Bernardino."

Inland Empire's Largest Mixer is an annual event that brings together local business organizations and Orange County's area chambers of commerce for an evening of professional networking and business outreach. An off-shoot from the original event -- L.A.'s Largest Mixer -- now in its 11th year, the event's format has been reproduced in other regions, including Las Vegas and Orange County. The event is produced by The Dave Linden Group, Inc.

For more information, including a complete list of exhibitors and sponsors, please visit http://www.iemixer.com or call 909-560-2800.

The event is sponsored by: Chambers of Commerce: Arcadia, Corona, Greater Riverside Hispanic, Hesperia, Highland Area, Irwindale, La Verne, Ontario, Pomona, Rialto, San Bernardino, San Dimas, Southern California Black, and Yucaipa. Business Organizations: American Women’s Business Association, Inland Empire Women's Business Center, CHARO - Community Development Corporation, For You Network (A NAFE Affiliate Network), National Association of Women Business Owners-Inland Empire, and Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Co-sponsors include: Advent Visual, Conexion, El Clasificado, Inland Empire Business Journal, Inland Empire Weekly, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, KOLA 99.9, KTIE 590, KZSW-TV, La Opinion, Meetings and Mixers, Ontario Convention Center, Owl Enterprises, ReEvolve Designs, PR Newswire, Redlands Daily Facts, The Sun, and Smart Levels Media.

TEAM Referral Network Golf Tournament Huge Success

On Thursday, October 16^th, the Largest Mixer exhibited at the fourth annual TEAM Referral Network Charity Golf Tournament. The event was held at the Sierra Lakes Golf Club in Fontana. The charities that benefited from the event included Building a Generation, Foothill Unity Center, Habitat for Humanity, McKinley Children’s Center, NPIEN, Serenity Foster Care/Adoptions, and The dA Center For The Arts.

After the actual tournament, dinner was held in a clubhouse that overlooked a beautiful view of the golf course. A DJ played an array of upbeat tunes that was comprised of 70’s hits, and even the classic 80’s tune, “Play That Funky Music.” Dinner featured everything from steak, chicken, salad, and a colorful fruit platter for dessert. There was even an open bar of wine and chardonnay, which seemed to be quite a welcome addition to dinner after a long day of golfing. A unique touch to the event was the table’s centerpieces. Each centerpiece was a square of grass that displayed a miniature golf set-up (hole with flag, golfball and tee), a quirky decorative touch to top off the fantastic atmosphere. Overall, it was an ideal setting to celebrate the end of a successful event.

A special portion of dinner was dedicated to announcing the winners of the golf tournament. The lucky winners of the day were Tyson Russell of Executive Business Services, and Stephen Andrews and Ace Chelsea of Touch and Peace.

The Largest Mixer would like to give a special shout out and thanks to Kelli Holmes, the president of TEAM Referral, for throwing yet another great event in support of another great cause.

TEAM Referral Network is a long time Largest Mixer participant, so they’ll of course be at Inland Empire’s Largest Mixer, which, by the way, is just a few short days away! Leave the golf clubs at home and come ready to mix and mingle with hundreds of business professionals and really expand your network.

Dave & Buster's Hosts IE Mixer VIP Kickoff Event

With the Inland Empire's Largest Mixer well on its way, the VIP kickoff event held on October 1, 2008 at Dave & Buster's served as the perfect springboard to help usher in the fast approaching event. Exhibitors and sponsors alike had the opportunity to meet one another, receive important information regarding the upcoming mixer, and get a head start towards a networking extravaganza.For the 2nd year in a row, the Inland Empire's VIP kickoff event was held at Dave & Busters, and for the 2nd year in a row, Dave & Buster's showed the staff at the Largest Mixer exactly why we keep coming back for more. The kickoff event featured a holiday theme to help get the attendants into the holiday spirit. In addition to an eclectic mix of music that included jazz and blues, hanging snowflakes were also peppered throughout the room to enhance the ambiance that much more. The tables were lit up with holiday lights, and the variety of food offered was second to none. A smorgasbord that not only included a carving station, but also a smores station with chocolate fondue were just a couple of choices that attendants had to pick from. Among the dozens of exhibitors in attendance were Classic Party Rentals, Conexion, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Owl Enterprises, Smart Levels Media, and TEAM Referral Network. Advent Visual, another one of our exhibitors, didn't disappoint in the decorations department when it came to the balloon columns that they set up for the event.Event producer, Dave Linden, was also quite successful at winning over the crowd at the kickoff. The best moment of the night, in my humble opinion, was when Dave jested that "you get a good spot [at the mixer] if you kiss [his] ass." Sure enough, after the kickoff event was done and over with, a torrent of e-mails flooded his inbox which were, oddly enough, composed using much kinder words than usual.We usually don't like to take ourselves too seriously over here at the Largest Mixer, but, in all seriousness, we'd like to give a special shout out and thanks to Angela George and Jackie Mylenek of Dave & Buster's. Without their help and cooperation, the kickoff event would truly not have been possible. Take it from me, and on behalf of the Largest Mixer staff, that you should really consider hosting one of your own events, or maybe even your company's holiday parties there. I guarantee you that they won't disappoint.

Well, that about wraps it up over here at my end of the Largest Mixer. Until next time, make sure to visit http://www.largestmixer.com/iemixer to find out more information about Inland Empire's Mixer if you haven't done so already. The event, after all, is only about two weeks away, so get a move on before it's too late!

Photos Courtesy of Dacy Nottingham, Jobing.com

Corona Chamber's 9th Annual Business Expo and Career Day

Yesterday the Corona Chamber of Commerce launched its 9th Annual Business Expo and Career Day. The Largest Mixer was more than happy to be able to participate in such a great event. The Expo was set up in two large tents, which were luckily just big enough to accommodate the bustling throng of people that showed up. Amongst the crowd and exhibitors were some of the most innovative and forward thinking businesses in the greater Corona area. It was really the who's who of Corona and beyond!

(From left to right) Sonya Brown, Juli Roberts

and Anita Oshaben of the University of Redlands

(From left to right) Ben Cotton of LeTip, Norbert Cichocki of the Corona

Chamber of Commerce and Janet Johnston of The Brain Tickler

The Business Expo was the ideal venue to learn about local retail and service providers. With more than 100 exhibitors present, it was hard not to find a handful of companies that piqued our interest. We visited with upcoming Largest Mixer exhibitors University of Redlands, JS Publishing and Arrowhead Credit Union. Other exhibitors included IT Vizion, The Little Yellow Pages and many others.

(From left to right) Marcy Decato of Creative Solutions Marketing and

Joel Snyder and Todd Stewart of JS Solutions

The Largest Mixer would like to give special kudos to Bobby Spiegel, the President and CEO of the Corona Chamber of Commerce, for once again throwing a fantastic event!

Inland Empire Networking Business Event Takes Center Stage October 22 at Ontario Convention Center

Business networking shifts into high gear with Inland Empire's Largest Mixer II bringing together local businesses representing hundreds of industries and companies in the Inland Empire.

The goal of Inland Empire's Largest Mixer is to encourage membership in one or several chambers of commerce, allowing businesses to grow based on a wider network of support. The mixer also provides a chance for businesses to network with each other for mutual support. Businesses and individuals do not have to be affiliated with a chamber to attend the Mixer.

"Mixers are a great way to accomplish the first step of networking -- which is meeting people," commented Lisa Bailey, President/CEO, Irwindale Chamber of Commerce. "The next steps are following up, sharing information about your products or services and then determining how you can best work with or refer each other."

Scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2008 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the event will ascend on the Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario, CA 91764.

Admission is $20 per person which includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres and the opportunity to network with local "influentials" that comprise the uber savvy of the Inland Empire's business elite. The Mixer will feature over 170 exhibitors and an impressive list of local sponsors who share a common goal of business outreach and networking. Last year, over 1200 businesspeople attended the first annual Inland Empire's Largest Mixer.

The event is sponsored by: Chambers of Commerce: Arcadia, Colton, Corona, Greater Riverside Hispanic, Hesperia, Highland Area, Irwindale, La Verne, Ontario, Pomona, Rialto, San Bernardino, San Dimas, Southern California Black, and Yucaipa. Business Organizations: American Women's Business Association, CHARO -- Community Development Corporation, For You Network (A NAFE Affiliate Network), Inland Empire Women's Business Center, National Association of Women Business Owners-Inland Empire, and Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Inland Empire's Largest Mixer -- part social mixer, part business expo -- is the fourth installment in the "Largest Mixer" family of events that has already produced successful mixers for the past 10 years in Los Angeles, Orange County and Las Vegas.

For more information, including a complete list of exhibitors and sponsors, please visit www.iemixer.com or call 909-560-2800.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s K1 Speed Multi Chamber Mixer

Tuesday marked the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s K1 Speed Multi Chamber Mixer. The event was held at K1 Speed Ontario and, let me tell you, did not disappoint.

Events like these usually run in a pretty standard fashion—booths, people and, of course, networking galore; K1 Speed, however, didn’t let the mixing and mingling stop at the booth. After queuing up, people had the chance to drive around a collection of European electric karts. In a world of mixers, not every one can boast that they actually had their attendees and exhibitors zipping around a racetrack at 60 MPH, all whilst picking up business lead after business lead—a very uniquely impressive feat indeed. Among many of the people that we had the pleasure of mingling with were Susan Segreti, Director of Sales at Residence Inn by Marriott, Sean Stovall, General Manager of Dave & Buster’s, Inc., and Tom M. Borba Jr., of Premiere Golf Solutions.


Now seeing as how K1 Speed has been a long time exhibitor at the Largest Mixer (thanks guys!), one might come to think that maybe, just maybe, K1 got the idea from us. Sorry to disappoint, but K1 Speed deserves all the credit there. While the Largest Mixer has, well, the mixing part down, something tells me that a mass production of Largest Mixer electric karts isn’t anywhere in the near future. Until that day comes, however, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s K1 Speed Multi Chamber Mixer, with its abundance of European electric karts, was second to none.

We’d like to give a special thanks to Shannon Rivers of K1 Speed and Stephanie Palomar and Nicole Vasquez from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for throwing another great event!

Highland Chamber Marketing Expo 2008

Yesterday, the Largest Mixer had the pleasure of exhibiting at the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce’s Marketing Expo 2008 at the San Bernardino Elks Lodge.

The expo, as promised, possessed a multitude of diversity in terms of people in attendance. The venue was top-notch, and I must say, featured an impressive view of the San Bernardino Valley. Mixing and mingling at the expo led us to meet some fantastic people like June Yamamoto, Dean of the Emergency Training Center at Crafton Hills College, Ethiem Lewis, Business Marketing Representative at Costco, and a 5 year licensed tax preparer of H&R Block by the name of Rhonda Anderson.

Largest Mixer Event Producer, Dave Linden (2nd to left)
is joined by other new Highland Chamber members।

The expo even featured Victoria Seitz, PhD from Cal State, San Bernardino, who by the way is exhibiting at this year's Inland Empire's Largest Mixer. Professor Seitz spoke on marketing tips in a tough economy.

Overall, the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce’s Marketing Expo 2008 was a grand success.

We’d like to give a special thanks to Lindsay Mingee of the Highland Chamber of Commerce for planning such a fabulous event.

National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO-LA) 4th Annual Organizing Expo

Last night, the Largest Mixer attended NAPO-LA’s 4th Annual Organizing Expo, which was held at the Olympic Collection in West LA.

Some of the staff here at the Largest Mixer would like to think that we already have a stellar organizational system. An organizing expo like this, however, shows that regardless of how good a system already is, there is always room for improvement. Those aforementioned staff members are no longer employed at the Largest Mixer.

NAPO President, John Trosko presents the "Best in Show
Award" to Chris McKenry of Get It Together LA!

All kidding aside, the Organizing Expo was a terrific success. This year’s Expo hosted the first ever “Ask the Organizer” Panel. Home and business organizational experts offered their insight and guidance to a packed house of aspiring professional organizers and members of the general public. The questions asked ranged from residential to small business to corporate organizing concerns. The most anticipated question was how to successfully maintain an organizational system while balance family, activities and work. Just a few of the exhibitors whom we saw at the Expo were Get it Together LA!, Smart Box USA and Garage Envy.

NAPO-LA is a long time exhibitor here at the Largest Mixer, so we would truly like to extend our thanks to Jody Watson and President of NAPO-LA, John Trosko for throwing such a fantastic event.

Las Vegas’ Largest Business and Social Networking Event Shows Record Numbers

The fourth annual Las Vegas’ Largest Mixer, a collaboration of local business organizations and professionals, was held September 16, 2008 at the Plaza Hotel and Casino at One Main Street in Downtown Las Vegas.

This “mega networking” event encourages local businesses and professionals to mingle in a fun, no-pressure environment, providing Las Vegans the opportunity to meet face-to-face with like-minded individuals in their prospective industries as well as allowing for introductions to new businesses, products and eager up-and-comers. Although this unique event recipe has worked well in the past, recent economic strains raised speculation as to how this year’s event would fare.

“This was a great fourth year. We had more than 1,300 attendees and just over 130 exhibitors,” said Jimmy Foster, Largest Mixer Partner and CEO of Whispering Giants Legendary Marketing. “We have grown considerably year after year and with the current state of the economy we are very pleased that we were able to perform so well.”

Las Vegas professionals agreed, as they showed up at the Plaza in record numbers. Centrally located and easily accessible, the Plaza has hosted the event each of its four years. The Largest Mixer hopes to continue its rise in popularity in 2009.

“I’ve done so many events in the past, but the Largest Mixer really delivered,” commented Paula Asadurian, Designer, One Park Place. “Well organized, awesome foot traffic, tons of people - it’s everything you’d want a networking event to be.”

The Las Vegas’ Largest Mixer is made possible by Foster, Richard Femenella, networking pro Joel Jarvis of The LINK and Los Angeles public relations consultant, Dave Linden.

For this event, Foster and Jarvis teamed up with Dave Linden, who originally created this concept in Southern California over 10 years ago. L.A.’s Largest Mixer, Inland Empire’s Largest Mixer and Orange County’s Largest Mixer have seen significant growth in the past decade, as has the local event here in Las Vegas.

For a complete list of exhibitors and sponsors, please visit www.lasvegasmixer.com or call 702-769-7799 for further information.

LARGEST MIXER ATTENDS GREATER SAN FERNANDO VALLEY MIXER

The Largest Mixer attended the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber mixer at our favorite Cuban restaurant (and LA's Largest Mixer X exhibitor), Casa Don Rolando! The mixer was hosted by the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce on September 9, 2008.

The "After 5 Networking @ Night" event was a fantastic evening filled with amazing authentic Cuban food and wonderful chances to network with business people in the San Fernando Valley like Mark Villasenor, Account Manager for Harris Stationers, Adelle and Karla Aleman from ECK Professional Services and Brad Schlain an insurance agent with Aflac.

The night was not just a great mixer but also hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the regentrification of the neighborhood by Chef Rolando, as well as presenting them with revitalization awards from local legislators.

(From Left to Right) Chef Rolando Gonzalez, General Manager Gustavo Urbina,
Chamber Board Chair Shirl Powell, Chamber Board Chair-Elect Michael Fiore
and Chamber CEO Nancy Hoffman Vanyek

It was an evening filled with great food and drinks, fantastic prizes and tons of sales leads, everything we at the Largest Mixer look for in a party! And we would like to thank the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce for hosting such a great event.

LAS VEGAS' LARGEST MIXER VIP KICK-OFF PARTY

The Largest Mixer hosted it's VIP Kick-Off Event for the fast approaching Las Vegas' Largest Mixer IV, September 16, 2008, at the Plaza Hotel and Casino.

The Kick-Off was held on August 27 at the Vegas Club. It was a great opportunity to mix and mingle with all of the sponsors, co-sponsors and exhibitors and we were thrilled to see everyone there having a good time.

Everywhere you looked people were already networking, exchanging business cards, laughing and generally having a great time.

Exchanging business cards at the kick-off event.

The only time the mixing and mingling stopped was when speeches were being made. Event Producer for the Largest Mixer, Dave Linden, addressed the crowd along with others like event sponsor Joel Jarvis from The Link Las Vegas.

Event Producer, Dave Linden

The Vegas kick-off crowd watching the speeches.

Mixing and mingling at the bar

The Las Vegas' Largest Mixer Kick-off event was a great success, bringing the exhibitors and sponsors together for a good time before the big event on September 16, 2008. We at the Largest Mixer would like to thank the Vegas Club for providing such a great spread and of course we'd also like to thank our amazing sponsors and co-sponsors as well.

We look forward to getting together again at Las Vegas' Largest Mixer IV, Tuesday September 16, 2008 at the Plaza Hotel & Casino.

For more information please visit www.largestmixer.com/lasvegas