SBA Expo ‘04
Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is the difference between SBA Expo’04 and National Entrepreneurial Conference & Expo (NECE) of September 2003?

They are in fact the same.  We wanted to change the name of the conference to something easier for people to remember and recognize.  Also, there is an increased emphasis on the Expo portion of the conference this year. 

2. I am a small business owner.  What are the advantages to me attending SBA Expo ’04 both as an attendee and exhibitor?

SBA Expo ’04 is a great opportunity for small business owners to network with other small businesses, large business and the federal government.  The six business sessions enable small businesses to interact with experts and gain valuable tools about managing and growing a small business.  The Business Matchmaking component of the conference “matches” small businesses with federal, state and local government agencies and large corporations that have contracting opportunities for goods and services in one-on-one meetings.   Small businesses can also exhibit their goods and services to the public during the Expo for a nominal fee.    

3. What do I get with my attendee registration fee?

All SBA Expo '04 registered attendees have the opportunity to participate in the eleven Expo events, plus one bonus event.   During the breakfast, luncheon and reception events, attendees will be able to enjoy complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages.  In addition, transportation will be provided between selected Disney hotels and all Expo events.  

4. Can I register as an attendee on-site?

On-site attendee registration will be offered providing maximum attendance at the conference has not been reached via the on-line registration.  Online registration is encouraged as soon as possible for guaranteed space.  As an incentive, we are offering an early bird registration rate of $325 for those who register before April 17. 

 5. What is the cancellation policy for attendees and exhibitors?

Attendee Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be in made writing, on-line from our registration website or faxed to (703) 684-0015.  Any cancellations requested by April 19th will incur a $50 cancellation fee.  Any cancellations requested between April 19th and May 7th will incur a $100 cancellation fee. After May 7th, no refunds will be given.  However, you may make name substitutions at no charge. No-shows will not be refunded. 

 Exhibitor Cancellation Policy

Exhibitors may cancel their exhibit booth by faxing the cancellation in writing to ESI/SBA at (703)684-0015. Cancellations may also be processed on-line by entering in your confirmation number. Cancellations requested by April 19th, will incur a $150.00 fee. Cancellations requested between April 19th and May 7th will incur a cancellation fee equal to 50% of exhibitor registration fee. After May 7th, no refunds will be given. There will be no refunds for No-Shows.

6. When I register as an attendee for SBA Expo ’04, am I automatically registered in Business Matchmaking?

No.  The Expo registration allows registrants to participant in Business Matchmaking.  However, because of the popularity of the program and complexity in “matching” the small businesses to the procurement representatives, registrants must complete an additional registration to schedule their meetings.   Once a registrant successfully registers for the Expo and chooses the option to participate in Business Matchmaking, they will be given a link to the Business Matchmaking registration website.     

7. When I purchase an exhibit booth, what do I get as an exhibitor?

  • Pipe & Drapery for the back and sides for your booth
  • 6 foot draped table, 2 chairs & wastebasket
  • 2 “expo floor-only” personnel badges
  • Identification Sign displaying company name (7in X 44 in)
  • Listing in the Exhibitor Directory distributed on-site to all Expo floor attendees

 If you are interested in attending all the SBA Expo ’04 events beyond access to the Expo floor, you will be required to purchase a general full registration.

8. I registered for NECE in September but wasn’t able to attend due to Hurricane Isabel.  Will I receive a credit for SBA Expo ’04?

Unfortunately, credits will not be granted for Expo.  As stated on our website directly following NECE, all registrants who were unable to attend due to the hurricane and notified us in writing by October 31, 2003 were granted a refund for their full registration costs.    Refunds were issued for those requests by that date.  Therefore, credits from NECE are not being issued and as such, are not applicable to the Expo.

9. How will I know if my on-line registration went through successfully?

Once your on-line registration is complete, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. That provides you with your confirmation number.  With the confirmation number, you will be able to go back into your registration and make any necessary edits, such as update an address, or correct a misspelled name.

10. Who can I call if I am having problems with the on-line registration process?

Our registration company, Event Rebels.com, will handle any technical registration questions.  Please contact them directly (877) 517-4614and reference SBA in your inquiries.

11. Does the SBA have a special rate for government employees?

Yes, the government employee rate for attendee full registration is $325 and the government rate for an Expo booth is $549.  In addition, there are numerous per-diem rated rooms at both Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Pop Century Resort.

 

12. How do I know if my business qualifies as a small or large business?

The SBA has established a size standard for most industries. As of February 2004, the most common size standards for small businesses are as follows:

*       500 employees for most manufacturing and mining industries

*       100 employees for all wholesale trade industries

*       $6 million in annual sales for most retail and service industries

*       $28.5 million in annual sales for most general & heavy construction industries

*       $12 million in annual sales for all special trade contractors

*       $0.75 million in annual sales for most agricultural industries  

If you are still unsure, the following Web site provides more detailed information about the size standards of different industries: https://eweb1.sba.gov/naics/dsp_naicssearch2.cfm


Please direct your questions not addressed above to:

*       Press:                                      Cecelia Taylor                email: Cecelia.Taylor@sba.gov

*       Sponsorship:                            Jack Bienko                  email: John.Bienko@sba.gov

*       Attendees:                               Ellena Taousakis           email: Ellena.Taousakis@sba.gov

*       Exhibitors:                               Jim Colleton                  email: Jim.Colleton@sba.gov

*       Business Matchmaking:           Cliff Toulson                   email: Cliff.Toulson@sba.gov

*       Technical Questions:                                                    email: sba@eventstrategies.com                                                                                                 or phone: (877) 517-4614