WESTERN Sydney continues to thrive, with the region’s first WEXPO event held at Blacktown Workers Club on October 24.
WEXPO 2022 attracted close to 1,000 people to the club on the day which featured 65 exhibitors, 15 workshops, two community leader’s forums and keynote lunch address by Westpac Chief economist, Besa Deda.
WEXPO was the first major event held in the region since COVID. Organizers say planning is now underway for WEXPO 2023.
Morgan Stewart, CEO of the host venue, Blacktown Workers Club said he was proud that the Workers Lifestyle Groups had hosted the landmark event.
“WEXPO was an opportunity for the Workers Lifestyle Group to proudly host and gateway access for people to participate in a large-scale event that showcases the diverse powerhouse Western Sydney economy,” Mr Stewart said.
“We were able to demonstrate that our community, businesspeople, and networking groups were able to come together for a common purpose of sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas.
“WEXPO is important to our group because together we want to be part of making change in Blacktown and beyond.”
WEXPO is about growth and connection from personal and business perspectives. The aim has been to create a signature expo experience for Western Sydney that was entertaining, educational and attracted visitors from throughout the region.
WEXPO Blacktown featured two unique community leader’s forums sessions, where 120 hand-picked guests experienced presentations and panel discussions on health and infrastructure.
On November 9 a delegation of WEXPO speakers will present key findings of the community leaders forum to an invited audience at Parliament House.
WEXPO Patron, Stephen Bali MP, said WEXPO proved to be a unique opportunity for businesses and community groups to showcase their products and services.
“Our first year has been a success in that we demonstrated that WEXPO can be delivered to high standard and attract business and community groups to participate with passion and commitment,” Mr Bali said.
WEXPO was also significant in that Google has supported a Western Sydney business event with recognised Western Sydney social media expert and Grow With Google Trainer Lee Ussher delivering a special Growth With Google session to an audience of business chamber members.
Social media played a key role in promoting WEXPO 2022 attracting an audience of more than 50,000 people over under one month on Facebook and Instagram. Impressions exceeded 220,000. Social media following continues to grow.
WEXPO - What people are saying
“Thanks for having me - what a fantastic event. really enjoyed giving the presentation and the enthusiasm of the guests attending.” - Besa Deda, Westpac Chief economist.
“Michael, the feedback has been great, well done to you and the WEXPO team.” – Ron Coskerie, Westpac Western Sydney regional general manager.
“It was really good to see and experience WEXPO on Monday. Certainly, the vision that Stephen, you and others had did come to reality.” – Professor Glen Maberley, Diabetes Western Sydney.
“What a great event – such a buzz, well done everyone.” - Caroline Allen community engagement officer ACU.
“Such a terrific event.” – Jennifer Vella, Telstra Business Centres Western Sydney.
“It was fantastic to attend WEXPO already looking forward to the next WEXPO.“ – Mathew Gadd, Digital Presence.
“So grateful to everyone who stopped by One Kind Box at WEXPO. This was an incredible opportunity to meet so many Australian businesses.” – Sanchia Fernandes, Olimat Designs
“Mitronics had a successful day at WEXPO – great chance to showcase our products and services along with catching up with other business owners.” -Dianne Lobasso, Mitronics.
“Huge props to WEXPO and the event organizers. Talking to all the small businesses and attendees… the event was a great success and I loved being back where I was born and raised.” – Rhowell Dela Rose, NAB mobile lending.
“Thank you WEXPO for having NAB attend WEXPO, what a great day connecting with like-minded people.” – Karlee Toulantas, NAB Lending Specialist.
“Thanks to WEXPO and Greater Blacktown Business Chamber for a full day of networking and presentations.” – Adrienne McLean, Business Coach.
“Brilliant day at WEXPO. I was impressed with the lineup of professionals.”– Jamily Lichas, membership relationships executive, Parramatta Chamber of Commerce.
“WEXPO Wow what a success. Networking at its finest. “– Linden Regina SWR FM.
“Had an awesome day at WEXPO, meeting Western Sydney Business owners and exchanging ideas on how to nurture entrepreneurs and our business community.” - Emmanuel Martin BREED Australia.
“Terrific event that worked on so many levels. WEXPO will only get better.” – Katherine Hawes Digital Age Lawyers.
“Was a pleasure to support such an important event for Western Sydney.”– Trevor Oldfield, President Greater Blacktown Business Chamber.