Experiencing the Virtual Christian Business Expo
In February of 2021, Christian Women Living Magazine hosted the first Virtual Christian Business Expo. The VCBE was a two-week event with an opening ceremony hosted by Jeff Reedy with the music of Tom Cottar included a welcome video from most of the participating vendors. The Closing Jamboree included a blooper reel, thank you videos from the vendors to the visitors, a video slideshow of the meaningful or lighthearted moments and the music of Donna Lewis.
The VCBE pioneered the innovative idea of a virtual “booth” for the vendors. Each booth was custom created to feature the vendor’s projects or to highlight their ministries or businesses and resembled the booths that you would expect to see at an in-person expo or trade show. The estimated three thousand visitors were able to click on a link from a clickable pdf map and were directed to the booth for the specific vendor of their choice. The booth pages also included links and was where vendors could promote their items, products, services or ministry.
The VCBE also had an active Facebook group where the vendors shared photos, videos, messages and live instructions with the guests. From art demonstrations to coffee talk, the VCBE was chock full of goodies. There truly was something for everyone. The Facebook group was an important connection point for the vendors to interact with and support each other and with guests. It was also the home to the VCBE Daily News report.
Though it was a business expo, the most touching part of the entire expo was seeing how God moved in the lives of the vendors, guest performers and visitors. Some people said that they gained clearer visions for their ministry, some were presented with new opportunities, and all of them experienced a great outpouring of encouragement through new connections. When God moves, it isn’t always what we think it will look like, but it is so much more amazing than we could have ever expected. I have been truly blessed to have met new people with hearts for God’s people. Making connections that I would have never dreamed of making and being introduced to new opportunities to introduce my ministry to the public.
Those who visited the VCBE, were presented with chances to win various items, but more importantly, they were exposed to the comradery that it takes to share God’s love and message. They couldn’t help but see each of these vendors supporting and encouraging one another by showing-up and interacting with each other.
Tuesday night, February 16th was the Praise and Worship night. Vendors were invited to share their musical talent and lead in a song or two of worship and praise. There were also special guest appearances from non-vendors and some special request videos were also played. It was a great night of worship and praise together. There were also a few devotionals shared that night too.
As a part of the VCBE team I would like to thank the following vendors for participating in this year’s event:
Bobbi Gayle Botts-Walsh, Brittany M. Crawford, Joy Chadwick, Drs. Gerald and Carol Ervin, Carrie Espeseth, Christ Like/Carrissa, Cyndi Peterfi-Woods, Darla Roberts, Donna Lewis, Finding God in the World of Video Games, Grace Grose, Jeff Reedy, Jennifer Lueders, Julie Reedy, Lisa Vasseur Jarvis, Loris Bisteni K De Bauza, Marcela Owen, Marie Anne Russell Larson, Michelle Gott, Nancy Huber, Risa Haasbroek, Robin Peters, Shaelin Blake, Chaunce Blake, Shawna Wright, Troy Wright, Stephanie Meester, Tom Cottar, Tracy Goodwin, and Violet Maynard-Reid.
We are very pleased with the outcome of the 2021 VCBE and we hope that you will join us in 2022 for the 2nd Annual Virtual Christian Business Expo. For more information, please contact Christian Women Living Magazine or email editor@christianwomenliving.com
