Join Us For THE GREAT HOME EXPO 2023

from Spring Home Improvement & Landscaping 2023

SMALL RENOVATIONS THAT CAN MAKE A Big Impact

As I sat at my keyboard and stared at the blank computer screen, trying to think of a witty way to start this article off and what information to include, it dawned on me: the most important thing I have to say is simply, “Thank you.”

The Great Home Expo’s inaugural event in 2022 far exceeded my expectations. The Expo was created in the absence of Bangor’s long-running home show. It was the first event of its kind in our area since the pandemic impacted in-person vendor events in 2020. We had no idea what to expect for a turnout, for exhibitors or attendees, as many restrictions and mandates were just being lifted and there was still much speculation about whether it was safe or smart to be in groups such as a home show setting.

Fortunately, several local businesses recognized how vital it is to be out in the community and in front of potential customers in this setting, where they can meet face-to-face with local homeowners and other businesses they can collaborate with. They entrusted us with this piece of their marketing strategy and joined us for The Great Home Expo 2022. We were thrilled to be able to provide those businesses with attendance that was more than 70% of what the home shows were seeing prior to the pandemic.

The best part: the exhibitors and the attendees alike were HAPPY. I met so many wonderful people and saw the creativity and strategies behind the exhibits pay off for those businesses as potential customers talked with exhibitors, gathered information and ideas, sat down and enjoyed a hot dog between laps around the Expo, and experienced a little bit of normal again. Businesses reported that they gathered countless quality leads and attendees shared their approval of the vibe and variety of exhibitors.

Being able to be just a small part of these local businesses’ success last year was a great honor. It fueled my desire even more to shop locally, do business locally, and cheer these businesses on as they push through all of the challenges that have come along in the last two years. It’s a little bit easier to accept “lead times are longer than usual” when you have had the opportunity to meet that representative in person and form a relationship with them prior to placing your order. A business is a little more invested in your project when they’ve had the chance to talk to you face-to-face and see your excitement about a home improvement dream.

All that said, I’m so excited to bring The Great Home Expo back to Bangor this year, even bigger and better! We have twice as many exhibit spaces filled with everything you are looking for; builders, remodelers, roofers, window and door replacement, landscaping, insurance, wealth management, heating and cooling needs, solar services, air purification, utilities, financial institutions, design professionals, auto needs, and SO much more. You can try out a mattress, warm your hands up in front of a fireplace, drool over the hot tubs, have your picture taken in a photo booth, and enjoy the variety of food and beverages at the concessions. Also… make a family outing of it and bring the kids! This year, there’s an all new, FREE Kids’ Corner sponsored by Modern Party 207, featuring their unique white bounce house that you can rent for your parties! The Central High School drama club will be showcasing their face painting talents, and Unplugged Arcade will be entertaining with their novel assortment of games!

I’m so thankful to everyone involved in last year’s Expo for helping to lay the groundwork for our second year. This year’s returning presenting sponsor is Hammond Lumber Company — thank you for partnering with us again! Also joining The Great Home Expo as supporting sponsors this year are AAA Northern New England, Renewal by Andersen, Valley Home Services and Home Roofing Solutions. I appreciate all of you for trusting in this event and supporting it financially to help make it the best it can be.

Thank you to my dedicated team of supporters who are always available to share ideas and duties and literally help with the heavy lifting during setup. Being able to offer a locally owned and operated event like The Great Home Expo wouldn’t be possible without you.

Thank you to each of the exhibitors that have reserved space at this year’s Expo and for being so fun to work with as you prep your displays and share your unique ideas and enthusiasm. And finally, thank you to every person who walks through the door at the Cross Insurance Center to visit the Expo. A home show is nothing without attendees, and I know I’m speaking on behalf of all of the exhibitors as well when I say thank you for your support.

The Great Home Expo 2023, sponsored by Hammond Lumber Company, will be three days long — Friday, March 31 from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to check out this amazing group of businesses who are ready to showcase their products and services to YOU. You’ll find the best of the best at The Great Home Expo, and you’ll be supporting local when you visit.