Host Site Inquiry Form

Celebrating C​ommun​ity
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Festival & Expo

Engaging and Partnering with Faith-Based Organizations in Building Stronger Communities

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Building Stronger Communities 
The Celebrating Community  Festivals & Business Expos  reflects the Chamber’s fervently-held belief that the health of the business community and the health of the larger community in which it lives are inseparable.

We partner with the faith-based community because like the Chamber, they help build a stronger community!     

Building stronger communities is what our Chamber of Commerce  is all about. 

Why Host An Event  
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• Showcase Your Campus and Programs

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• Engage with the Community

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• Help Build a Stronger Community

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• Partner with the Chamber of Commerce

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BEST PRACTICES
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• Promote the EXPO on your website and social media starting (4 weeks prior)
• Prominently display the street banner* (3 weeks prior) 
• Recruit 3-5 volunteers to distribute flyers* to busy retailers such as grocery & drug  stores, libraries and  strip malls (5 mile circumference of your location) 
• Create a  compelling display space** for your church! Check out these Guerilla Marketing Tips for Your Booth 
• Read the Exhibitor Guidelines

* Provided by the Chamber     ** 10 ft x 10ft (100 sq. feet) 

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Dr. Tyner of Ottawa University and Rev. Jim Crelin comment on the Chamber's Celebrating Community Festival and EXPO

Rev. James Crelin (left) of Desert Palms Presbyterian Church, said, “churches are located and involved in our communities just like a chamber of commerce. Plus, we have resources like a parking lot which can be used as a positive influence for our community. The Chamber also gives the church members some extra perks when they attend the event. Churches that host this event are given the opportunity to showcase the many programs we offer to help address community needs. It’s a win-win for both the Church and the Chamber. ” 

Dr. Tyner (right), president of Ottawa University a private, Christian university located in Surprise, Arizona, said “the family friendly event is refreshingly different! Our local Chamber of Commerce planned the event, an organization whose brand is very well recognized by consumers and businesses alike. It’s a natural fit for the Chamber,  a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to build stronger communities.”

​ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES 

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General Overview:

• The Chamber is a not-for-profit business organization serving the entire NW Valley since 1963.
• The Celebrating Community Festival and Expo event is a signature program of the Chamber designed to build a stronger community.  See event details at www.CelebratingCommunties.com
• The event is refreshingly different; it is outdoors and offers a family-friendly (no alcohol), festival-like atmosphere with live music, strolling entertainment, food trucks, and various vendors. In addition, the event is free for the public to attend.
• The event reflects the Chamber’s fervently held belief that the health of the business community and the health of the larger community in which it lives are inseparable.   
• We partner with the faith-based community because, like the Chamber,  they play a vital role in building a more vibrant and stronger community.    

The Chamber’s Role:  

• Provide a complimentary booth for the faith-based organzation to showcase its campus, programs, and services 
• Secure all permits with Maricopa County
• Promote the event, secure exhibitors, and food trucks
• Make available promotional banners, flyers, and posters
• Secure and set up tents, tables, chairs, and day of event décor
• Certificate of Insurance Rider (your organzation is added to our general liability insurance policy)  
• Protecting your parking lot surface: We do not allow our vendors to use stakes to secure their booths. Instead, they are required to use sandbags.

  
Role of Faith-Based Organization 

• We have found that recruiting  a point person and/or a small group of volunteers to assist with the event helps to maximize the events success. This is not required, but is good practice recommendation.   
• Set up a booth showcasing your community services and offerings.  
• Promote the event to your congregation starting three weeks before the event.
• Encourage your congregation to arrive 30 minutes early for pre-show complimentary coffee and treats.
• Make available your parking lot, electrical outlets, restrooms, and trash bin. 
• Display a large event banner in a highly visible location (for drive-by traffic).
• Promote the event (website, social media, and signage).

 
Other Logistical  Details 

• We typically need about 25,000 to 35,000 sq. feet for the festival portion, plus ample parking nearby
• The Chamber would be set up the day before the event in the afternoon.
• We typically arrive at sunrise the day of the day. The event will be dismantled, cleaned up, and vacated by 4 pm
• We will clean up the parking lot after the event
• Our vendors must use sandbags to secure their tents (no stakes) to protect the parking lot surface.

 

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HELPFUL RESOURCES & LINKS  FOR FIRST TIME EXPO EXHIBITORS

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​​Exhibitor Rules
Guerilla Marketing Tips for EXPOS​
Staff Etiquette at Expos
Expo Main Landing Page 
(with dates and locations) ​

Celebrating Community Festival & Business Expo ( Surprise event  photos) 

Volunteer Application