The LGBT community is a fiercely loyal consumer. According to a recent Harris Interactive national study, seven out of 10 LGBT consumers said they are likely to remain loyal to a brand they believe to be very friendly and supportive to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, even when less friendly companies may offer lower prices or be more convenient. More than 100 such businesses will be on hand for the local LGBT community and its allies when the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) presents the “4th Annual Explore/EXPO,” Sunday, February 12, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Moore Building in Miami’s Design District. The event is free and open to the entire public.
Visitors to Explore/EXPO will be able to stroll three floors of the dramatic Moore Building and speak with representatives from a diverse cross-section of businesses, including advocacy organizations, entertainment companies, financial services, health services, hospitality groups, real estate professionals, retail products, non-profit organizations and travel firms. The event will also feature food and entertainment. Official sponsors of the event include the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Miami Herald, Miami.com and the LGBT Visitors Center.
New for the “4th Annual Explore/EXPO” is an association with the GLBT Travel Expo whose mission is to connect LGBT travelers with gay-friendly airlines, hotels, destinations and related travel services. In addition to Miami, GLBT Travel Expos take place in Ft. Lauderdale, Chicago, Philadelphia and New York.
“Explore/EXPO is a one-stop shop for LGBT consumers who want to put their dollars where they count by patronizing gay and gay-friendly companies that actually want their business,” said Steve Adkins, president of the MDGLCC. “This year’s event is bigger, better and, ironically, more intimate with our move to the Moore Building in the Design District.”
In addition to the expo booths and free giveaways from many of the businesses, MDGLCC will host a free raffle drawing for attendees with prizes ranging from a pair of travel vouchers from Miami to South America, three nights at the Bolongo Bay Resort in St. Thomas, and two nights at the Palms Hotel in Kissimmee.
For more information on Explore/EXPO, including booth rental, visit GoGayMiamiexplore.com, call the Chamber at 305-673-4440, or email MDGLCC@bellsouth.net
