Now, in its third year, the Columbus Event Expo returns and has re-branded as the Make it Columbus Expo. Presented by Experience Columbus and produced in partnership with the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Fern, this is the top annual trade show for anyone in the Columbus events industry.

We invite anyone who plans corporate dinners, meetings, retreats, weddings, reunions or any other sort of meeting or event to join us on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 3 – 6p.m. to meet and experience the city’s best catering, entertainment, venues and rentals. This event promises a wide selection of everything needed to plan the perfect event from start to finish, and will allow the opportunity to gather new ideas and inspiration for future events alongside fellow meeting and event planners while enjoying a drink from the cash bar.

Reunion planners have a bonus opportunity this year, as immediately following the expo, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., we are hosting a free reunion planning seminar on location. We invite both seasoned planners and those interested in learning more to enjoy complimentary appetizers and drinks while hearing presentations from Experience Columbus and keynote speaker Gayle Wilson. Wilson is a genealogist and family historian and presentation topics will include budgeting and fundraising, negotiating hotel contracts, building attendance and more. 

Both events will be held at the newly renovated Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC). Completed in July 2017, the 22-month, $140-million project increased the size of the center to 1.8 million sq. ft., with 373,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space. The expo will be in the Short North Ballroom, while the seminar will be in the nearby D meeting rooms.

Complimentary parking in the Goodale Garage, connected to the GCCC by skywalk, is provided for both of these free-to-attend events. Just pull a ticket when entering the garage, and a validation will be provided a check-in.

Those interested in attending just the Make it Columbus Expo can register here, while those interested in attending both events can register here.