Los Angeles Business Event Combines Mixer With Expo for Networking Success

In Los Angeles, the adage, "It's not what you know, it's who you know" still rings true. And the more people you know the better. L.A.'s Largest Mixer provides the perfect opportunity to mix business with the pleasure of networking to help build that ever-important contact list.

Scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, 2006, the event will take to the sky at The Penthouse Suite at the California Market Center located at 110 East 9th Street (between Main Street and Los Angeles Street). A $20 admission fee gives attendees the opportunity to view more than 250 exhibitors and network with local "influentials" on the cutting edge of Los Angeles' business elite.

This year, focus is on the event's dazzling new location and the impact that the Mixer will have in the further revitalization of the Downtown area.

"Downtown LA is excited to be in the spotlight when L.A.'s Largest Mixer hosts its annual event at the California Market Center," said Carol E. Schatz, President and CEO of the Downtown Center Business Improvement District . "Downtown has never looked better, and our Purple Patrol makes sure that Downtown is clean, safe and welcoming for all."

Added Katherine Schmidt, Marketing Director for the LA Fashion District , "We're pleased to be a sponsor and host of this year's L.A.'s Largest Mixer. Combining one of the most vibrant districts in downtown with such an exciting event is a perfect match."

Now in its eighth successful year, the Mixer has grown to represent a powerful meeting of Los Angeles area Chambers of Commerce and local businesses representing hundreds of industries and companies in Southern California.

According to event creator Dave Linden, L.A.'s Largest Mixer was born from a similar event that he coordinated for the Palm Springs Art Museum in 1997 that drew more than 1,200 business people. "Once I moved to Los Angeles, I orchestrated a gathering of the local chambers and discussed the true potential of the event," said Linden. "If we were able to draw more than 1,000 people in the Palm Springs area, I was certain a similar event in LA would produce great success for the local business climate."

"L.A.'s Largest Mixer provides an opportunity to 'go fishing' for leads and introductions, without feeling hesitant and uneasy," said Stephen Kramer, Founder and President of the Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce , and a principal at Kramer Law Group "Everyone is there to meet and greet with no pretense."

Designed to be part expo and part business social event, L.A.'s Largest Mixer accomplishes both by providing an "open feel" for the exhibitor's area -- no strict space rules and booth sizes are designated -- and a more "club like" ambience with the advent of ultra-style lounges and conversational areas for casual one-on-one discussions with existing contacts or building new relationships.

"This event is a very valuable business tool and networking opportunity," said Pat Clark, Membership Manager for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce . "Some groups have begun to plan for it well in advance because it allows them the opportunity to meet new contacts, businesses and members from neighboring communities such as Long Beach, the San Fernando Valley and Santa Monica."

The economical value of the event isn't lost on Rick Leslie, Senior Account Manager for Monterey Graphics, who attends the event to save time and money.

"Local chamber events definitely serve their purpose. However, time out of the office is time spent not generating income. What's nice about this event is that it brings everyone to one centralized place and the $20 entry fee is a bargain, since that amount won't even fill half of my car's gas tank."

L.A.'s Largest Mixer is an annual event that brings together local business organizations and Los Angeles area Chambers of Commerce for an evening of professional networking and business outreach. A resounding success for the past eight years, the much-heralded event's format has even been reproduced in other regions, including Orange County and Las Vegas . For a complete list of exhibitors and sponsors, please visit http://www.lamixer.com or call 323-860-9999 for further information.

L.A.'s Largest Mixer VIII is hosted by the following organizations: Chambers of Commerce: Asia Pacific-USA, Canoga Park West Hills, Century City, Chatsworth/Porter Ranch, Culver City, East Los Angeles, Encino Chamber, Greater East Los Angeles, Greater El Sereno, Greater Lakewood, Greater West Los Angeles, Hollywood , Italy-America, Los Angeles Area , Los Angeles Junior, Mid Valley, Miracle Mile, Regional Hispanic, Sherman Oaks, Swedish-American, United Chambers of the San Fernando Valley, Universal City North Hollywood, and West Hollywood. Convention and Visitors Bureaus: Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, LA INC ., and Long Beach Area. Business Organizations: American Business Women's Association, Building Owners and Managers Association, Downtown Center Business Improvement District, Downtown Women's Club, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Assoc. Int'l - Los Angeles, L.A. Fashion District, Latin Business Association, The Rotary Club of Los Angeles, National Association Of Women Business Owners-Los Angeles, and NEW Entrepreneurs, Inc.