Vendor and sponsorship applications are now being accepted for Howard County’s 18th annual 50+EXPO. Presented by the Department of Citizen Services’ Office on Aging, this event for older adults will take place Monday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road, in Columbia.
The expo provides vendors and sponsors with a unique marketing opportunity to reach Howard County’s older adults and baby boomers. The Howard County senior population — residents 65 and older — is projected to make up 17.5% of the county’s population by 2025 and 21.6% by 2035. According to the latest American Community Survey (2014), the median household income for those 65-plus is $73,804. Last year’s event drew 3,500 attendees.
New this year, a Job Fair has been added for vendors interested in attracting older adults who are looking to try a new career or re-enter the workforce. Also, new sponsorship levels have been created, including a Silver Level at $1,000 and a business-to-business breakfast sponsorship.
Vendor and exhibitor space is available on a first-come, first-served basis and application fees are based on exhibitor category and booth location. Vendor information is available on the Office on Aging’s website at www.howardcountymd.gov/50plusexpo. Completed applications may be faxed to 410-313-5950 or mailed to: 50+EXPO 2016, c/o Donna Tugwell, Howard County Office on Aging, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 211, Columbia, MD 21046.
There is a $1 admission fee for attendees over the age of 18. All proceeds will benefit the Vivian L. Reid Community Fund, which began in 1995 to honor the memory of the Office on Aging’s first administrator. The fund provides emergency financial assistance to Howard County’s older adults and adults with disabilities to help pay for essential needs not covered by Medicare and Medical Assistance.
This year’s 50+EXPO will feature a comprehensive health fair, offering attendees a variety of free screenings and flu and pneumonia vaccines. All-day entertainment, seminars and two performances by the always popular Capitol Steps at noon and 2 p.m. round out the day’s activities.
For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/50plusexpo or contact Lisa Coster, event coordinator, at 410-442-3734 (voice/relay) or email [email protected].