07.06.12 Vendors Wanted for Howard County’s 50+EXPO

July 6, 2012

Media Contacts: Kevin Enright, Director, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Kim Henry, Office on Aging, Department of Citizen Services, 410-313-6531

Application deadline is Friday, July 27

Vendors Wanted for Howard County’s 50+EXPO

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Last call for all vendors and exhibitors of products and/or services geared toward the 50-and-over population, younger adults with disabilities, caregivers and family members, who are interested in being a part of this year’s 50+EXPO. Back for its 14th consecutive year, this premiere annual event will be held on Friday, October 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road in Columbia. Limited vendor and exhibitor spots are still available for this not to miss event.

Presented by the Department of Citizen Services’ Office on Aging, last year’s 50+EXPO drew a crowd of almost 5,000 attendees and featured 150 commercial and non-profit vendors of services and products. The 2012 event will feature a comprehensive health fair with a host of free screenings; proactive, healthy aging seminars; flu and pneumonia vaccines; ideas and demonstrations for living green; plus all day entertainment and food in the 50+ Cafe. The ever-popular Capitol Steps will, once again, headline the entertainment in the Rouse Theatre with two shows at noon and 2 p.m.

The 50+EXPO offers a great marketing opportunity for vendors to reach Howard County’s older adults. As the fourth-fastest-growing senior population in the State of Maryland, Howard County’s 65+ population is projected to grow almost 280% from 2000 to 2035. In addition, the median household income of this segment population, according to the latest American Community Survey (2009), is $63,884.

Vendor and exhibitor space is available on a first come, first serve basis and application fees are based on exhibitor category and exhibit location. Vendor packets and information on sponsorship opportunities are available on the Office on Aging’s website, www.howardcountyaging.org/50plusexpo. Applications are due by Friday, July 27 and may be faxed to 410-313-5950 or mailed to: 50+EXPO 2012, c/o Donna Tugwell, Howard County Office on Aging, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 211, Columbia, MD 21046.

For more information, contact Lisa Madera at lmadera@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-5990.