CHICAGO, May 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With over one million businesses servicing the Chicago and Midwest markets alone, regionally based small businesses and large corporations have made a dramatic impact on the nation's recent economic growth. This weekend, thousands of industry leaders will come to Chicago for the 2012 American Businessperson Expo. The three-day-long event features keynotes from industry giants like Michael Gerber, Bill Walsh, and Tom Ziglar, as well as some of the nation's leading business and success coaches; providing professionals with a necessary opportunity to leverage business connections and make strides in today's tough economy.
The event kicks off Friday, May 18th with a business networking meet and greet with event sponsors and keynote speakers. Friday's anticipated expert panel is moderated by Joe Abraham, author of Entrepreneurial DNA, and features the Expo's keynote speakers and sponsors. Additional opening night highlights include speeches from two of the nation's youngest industry leaders, Austin Walsh and Christopher Foltz. Austin Walsh, a 20-year-old social media expert, helps individuals and companies around the world monetize their social media engagements. Chris Foltz is a 30-year-old "outside the box" public relations industry pioneer whose Chicago based communication strategy firm revolutionizes the way brands think about charity partnerships in their PR and marketing campaigns.
"I am truly honored to not only present some of the top industry leaders in the nation, but to have the opportunity to sit on the panel with some of my personal career mentors. This weekend will surely be a highlight for businesses in the Midwest this year," commented Chris Foltz, who speaks right before the expert panel on Friday night.
Attended by thousands of tenured business people, new companies, and independent sales producers, the Midwest's largest networking event - The 2012 American Businessperson Expo - gives attending professionals a vital edge in our challenging market. Gaining valuable business strategies for growth and expansion, attendees discover innovative marketing and technology advancements to enhance exposure and sales. For businesses looking to make gains in our new economy, or to simply stay afloat in tough economic times, the 2012 American Businessperson Expo is not to be missed.
"I have had the opportunity to coach major corporations and entrepreneurs around the globe. There is no question that the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is the place to be this weekend to bring your business and brand to the next level. I look forward to sharing both message and strategy alongside some of the most respected success coaches in the world," said renowned marketing expert and business coach Bill Walsh, who will sit on the expert panel and deliver Saturday's keynote address.
Promoting the American dream and bringing out the entrepreneur in all of us every week, Richard M. Killian, host of The American Businessperson Talk Show, is the visionary behind the 2012 Expo. With a loyal following of over 100,000 listeners, Killian's show recognizes that small businesses in the United States (companies with less than 500 employees) account for the majority of the nation's workforce. Helping and encouraging these businesses to excel, The American Businessperson Talk Show educates and motivates listeners with its nationwide guests, from the small business owner to the corporate CEO, local franchise to industrialist, and start-up mom and pops to inventor.
"It has always been about staying dedicated to helping business people increase productivity in a tough economy," commented Killian. "We live in a global economy and wanted to give access to global leaders and coaches to help business owners excel in today's market. That is what the 2012 American Businessperson Expo is all about."
With limited tickets to Friday night's opening event and expert panel still available at no charge, attendees have the opportunity to take part in the entire 3 day Expo for under $40. For more information about the event including a complete schedule visit http://theamericanbusinessperson.com/expo/. To register directly for Friday nights event and to take advantage of special event offers and parties visit http://the2012expo.eventbrite.com/.
The American Businessperson logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12941