Okla. City's Hispanic chamber expands annual expo

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Jul 20, 2004 by Janice Francis-Smith

Oklahoma City's second annual Hispanic Expo, scheduled for July 31, will be twice as large as the first, said Dave Castillo, executive director of the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This year's event will feature more booths as well as a number of entertainment additions.

Just like last year, it's a good opportunity for the Hispanic businesses and the American businesses to showcase their products and services to the Hispanic community, said Castillo. People are looking for ways to tap into the Hispanic market and get into the community, and this is a great avenue for that.

About 7,000 people are expected to attend this year's expo, which will be held from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the state fairgrounds. A few more booth spaces are available to businesses wishing to participate, said Castillo.

Last year, we had a total of 95 booths, and we had over 3,000 people show up, said Castillo. And that was the first year. This year, we've doubled it to 200 booths, and we're expecting to double the attendance.

A survey the chamber sent out after the first expo found about 99 percent of the businesses that participated were pleased with the event and they got some business off the expo, said Castillo. The first Hispanic Expo was held at the Cox Center in downtown Oklahoma City. The few complaints the chamber received mostly centered on the difficulty and cost of parking downtown, said Castillo.

This year, we've moved it to the state fairgrounds, he said, in the Transportation Building. So this is free parking. I think accessibility is very important here. Admission is free.

The 2004 Hispanic Expo is being promoted on Spanish-speaking radio and television programs, as well as on Channel 9, said Castillo. The word will get out to people, so I think we will have a big turnout, he said.

Some businesses are organizing creative displays in order to tap into Oklahoma City's burgeoning Hispanic market, said Castillo. For instance, grocery chain Buy For Less bought 20 booths. They're going to have a whole isle, he said. It will be just like if somebody walked into a Buy For Less store, the Mexican section with all the Mexican products on both sides. It will be really neat.

Trucking company Choctaw Express, which is also a sponsor of the event, will use their booth to recruit Hispanic drivers. Representatives of the country of Colombia plan to showcase their country's products and explore ways to increase trade with Oklahoma.

A mariachi music band from Dallas is to scheduled perform. Entertainment also includes folkloric dancing and salsa dance lessons. Vendors will be giving lots of prizes away, and drawings will be held throughout the day. A fashion show will feature bridal gowns and dresses for Quinceanera celebrations (a 15-year-old Mexican girl's coming-of-age party).

We call it a trade show with a Latino flair, said Castillo.

Sponsors include Channel 9, The Oklahoman, Integris Hospital, FAA Credit Union, Sonic, Choctaw Express, Premium Beers and First Commercial Bank.

We've had a lot of help this year, said Castillo. It's just growing and growing each year.

The deadline for obtaining booth space at the event is Friday. For more information, call Sara at the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber, (405) 616-5031.