From the Howard County Government:

Calling all vendors and exhibitors, do you offer products and/or services for the 50-and-over population, younger adults with disabilities, their caregivers and family members?  If so, then be sure to register for a spot at this year’s 50+EXPO.  Back for its 13th consecutive year, this premiere annual event will be held on Friday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road in Columbia. 

Presented by the Office on Aging, Department of Citizen Services, last year’s 50+EXPO drew a crowd of more than 4,000 attendees and featured more than 140 commercial and non-profit vendors of services and products.  

The 2011 event will boast a health fair, healthy aging seminars, flu shots, diabetes screenings, re-careering workshops, living green vendors, demonstrations, live entertainment and food.  The Capitol Steps will headline the entertainment again this year, with two shows in The Jim Rouse Theatre. 

The 50+EXPO offers a great marketing opportunity for vendors to reach Howard County’s older adults. 

As the fourth-fastest-growing senior population in the State of Maryland, Howard County’s 65+ population is projected to grow almost 280% from 2000 to 2035.  In addition, the median household income of this segment population, according to the latest American Community Survey (2009), is $63,884.    

Vendor and exhibitor space is available on a first come, first serve basis and application fees are based on exhibitor category and exhibit location.  Vendor packets and information on sponsorship opportunities are available on the Office on Aging’s website, www.howardcountyaging.org, by clicking on the 50+EXPO logo. 

Applications are due by Friday, June 17 and may be faxed to 410-313-5950 or mailed to: 50+EXPO 2011, c/o Donna Tugwell, Howard County Office on Aging, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 211, Columbia, MD 21046.

For more information, contact Lisa Madera at lmadera@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-5990.