Annual Events
Collaboration & Connection // Member Engagement Events:
New Member Market - This annual “mini expo” for new members allowing them to display their products and services in order to provide a unique networking opportunity with other members.
Annual Business Awards - The Annual Business Awards is the Chamber’s premier social event of the year and includes the popular silent auction and “Excellence In Business” awards presentation. This event provides an opportunity for guests and sponsors to network with other members, learn about Chamber successes from the previous year, and preview goals for the coming year.
Annual Business Expo & Market - The EXPO is a unique opportunity for businesses in the community to network and engage the general public. Each year, the EXPO includes several features to help draw attendance from the community. In addition, the Expo includes the popular “Taste of Bedford” evening networking opportunity that involves area restaurants, caterers, and wineries participating to promote Bedford’s business community.
November Christmas Market - Happy Ho Ho Holidays! This event is our annual kick-off to the holiday shopping season! This event showcases our small & local businesses in the area. This event is open to the public and promotes shopping small & shopping local.
Advocacy & Visibility // Public Policy Events
Chamber Day at the Capitol - Each year in January, a delegation of Chamber members visits Virginia’s Capitol in Richmond to discuss issues facing businesses with our area delegates. The event is hosted by Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast - Held annually in the Spring, the Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast is an opportunity for our Legislators to report to the business community following their return from their annual session in Richmond.
Education & Talent Supply // Workforce Development Events
Annual Job Fairs - Open to the public, the annual job fair offers workshops throughout the day for job seekers, as well as employers, and features businesses in our area that are actively hiring. The need for a healthy workforce has been identified by our business members and we are providing the opportunity to expose businesses that are actively hiring to the region.
Career & Technical Expo - New this year, the Career & Tech Expo will provide a balanced exhibition of industries which make up our region. The goal of the Expo is to educate students about the variety of career opportunities in the region and the skills needed to acquire these jobs.
Networking Events
Networking Before Nine - Networking before Nine is the Chamber's monthly Business Before Hours breakfast event that provides a morning networking opportunity before you busy workday begins! Each event provides time for casual networking before giving each attendee an opportunity to provide fellow guests a "30-second commercial" about his/her business.
Business After Hours - Business After Hours provides your business with the opportunity to get out and network! Take the time to pause from your busy life and join us from 5:30 until 7pm to cultivate your professional relationships.