From Oct. 10-12, 2012, small and medium-sized businesses from more than 30 countries descended on Winnipeg for a three-day business-to-business forum, co-chaired by Mariette Mulaire of ANIM (agence nationale et internationale du Manitoba) and Dave Angus of The Winnipeg Chamber (pictured below with Mani the mascot).
Centrallia 2012 was all about meeting new partners, exploring new markets and expanding business locally, nationally and internationally. More than 5,210 scheduled one-on-one meetings provided a perfect opportunity to cost effectively promote the businesses of some 712 participants from as far away as Algeria, Belgium, France, China, India, Mexico, Argentina and elsewhere.
And did it get results!
THE SURVEY SAID:
- 93% were satisfied or very satisfied with their Centrallia experience
- 97% would recommend Centrallia to other business leaders
- 96% got new business opportunities or leads through Centrallia
- 93% would participate in Centrallia in the future
Throughout the three days of Centrallia 2012, the decibel level at the Winnipeg Convention Centre was astounding, as businesses got a chance at "speed-dating" - meeting for half an hour each with as many as 14 selected partners to discuss possible connections. When the sound of the stampeding bison herd boomed across the long rows of meeting tables, people got up and went to their next meeting. There was animated discussion, and some businesses brought samples, catalogues and laptops. Participants also got to hear from noted author Malcolm Gladwell (photo bottom left).