Receive 2026 Business Expo Recap and Select 2027 Venue, Date and Approve Budget

Purpose:
Provide EDA with 2026 Business Expo event summary and to select 2027 venue and date

Background:
Adrenaline Sports Center has proven to be a successful location for the Ramsey Business Expo. Staff has put together a short presentation summarizing the 2026 Event and suggestions for the 2027 Event.

N/A

2026 Event Summary:
The 2026 Business Expo took place on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The event featured a full vendor floor with 60 booths, consistent with previous years. Attendance was estimated at approximately 500–600 people, and activity remained steady throughout the event, with no vendors packing up early.

This year, staff collaborated with Parks & Recreation to expand the Expo experience by adding a dedicated area on the north side of the venue. This section highlighted the new Ramsey Farmers Market, Art Fair, and other upcoming Parks & Recreation events, and also included a bounce house and yard games to provide family-friendly activities for all ages.

Marketing efforts included Facebook advertisements, promotion through local websites, radio spots, business flyer postings, and local newspaper coverage. Ramsey businesses accounted for 81% of booth vendors this year, compared to 85% in 2025.

Staff received very positive feedback from vendors, attendees, and the venue, along with suggestions for future improvements. Survey feedback was requested from all vendors. Ramsey businesses that purchased a booth and completed the survey will be entered into a drawing for a free Ramsey Resident advertisement.

Based on survey results and event feedback, staff will continue exploring opportunities to increase event awareness, enhance marketing efforts, and further improve event layout and traffic flow for future expos.

2026 Budget Summary:
The EDA allocated $5,500 for the 2026 Business Expo. Total revenues for the event, including the EDA allocation, were $8,830.00, while total expenses came to $9,851.10.
Expense categories that contributed to the increase in overall costs:

• Booth rental costs increased by approximately $470. Staff obtained additional quotes; however, pricing remained comparable across vendors.
• Additional tote bags were needed, resulting in costs that exceeded the estimated budget by approximately $440.

Staff will continue evaluating opportunities to manage costs while maintaining the quality and success of the event.  

Future Event - 2027:
Staff is proposing Saturday, April 24, 2027, as the date for the next Business Expo and has prepared the attached proposed 2027 budget, which includes an EDA allocation of $6,000.

Several common themes emerged from vendor surveys and attendee feedback, including:

• Numerous compliments on the Expo BINGO game, which staff plans to bring back in 2027.
• High satisfaction ratings for the event date, venue, booth setup, and registration process.
• Increased attendance and traffic this year, indicating that the expanded promotion and marketing efforts were successful.
• Positive feedback regarding food options, including the addition of two food trucks invited by city staff, along with multiple restaurants providing food samples.
• Smooth parking operations due to the absence of competing events and clear vendor parking directions.
• Many attendees and vendors described the Expo as a well-organized and enjoyable event.

Staff will continue building on the strengths of the 2026 Expo while identifying opportunities for further improvements in 2027.
 

N/A

Select Adrenaline Sports Center as the venue for the 2027 Business Expo and reserve April 24, 2027.

and;

Approve a $6,000 allocation from the EDA budget for the 2027 Business Expo.

Motion to select Adrenaline Sports Center as the venue, reserve April 24, 2027 and approve a $6,000 allocation from the EDA budget for the 2027 Business Expo.