Trade Show Scheduling

More than 90 exhibitors will be showcasing the latest technology, products, and solutions for maritime and port security challenges at the Maritime Security Expo USA to be held in Long Beach, California on October 20-21, 2009. This will be a great opportunity to network with your peers and attend free seminars presented by government, military, and industry experts on the latest challenges facing the maritime sector.

This year’s event will feature the new All Hazards Forum & Expo to be held within the main Maritime Security event. Hundreds of emergency managers, planners, and officials from both the private and public sector will be on hand. You will be able to see technology related to response and recovery, public safety communications, information sharing and intelligence, critical infrastructure protection, law enforcement, and health and medical readiness.

The Maritime’s most pressing issues and hottest topics will be discussed in the conference. An in-depth look will be taken at how government and industry can work together to combat maritime terrorism and piracy during times of global economic crisis. Some of the other conference topics will include:

· Small Vessel Security: What have we learned? What’s next?

· Underwater Security: Who can respond? What technology can help?

· Piracy: What are the strategic implications?

· Maritime Fusion Centers: Preventing information overload.

· Smuggling: Ensuring cargo integrity before loading and in-transit – CSI and long-range vessel tracking.

· Persistent Surveillance Vehicles: New tool for Maritime Security?

The Maritime Security Expo USA will be held October 20-21, 2009 at the Long Beach Convention Center, 300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802. For registration and more information you can contact E.J. Krause & Associates, Inc., 6430 Rockledge Drive, #200, Bethesda, MD 20817. Telephone: (301) 493-5500. Fax: (301) 493-5705. Or visit their web site at http://www.maritimesecurityexpo.com.

If you like arts and crafts make plans to be at Seaside Park at Ventura Co. Fairgrounds on October 16-18, 2009. This Harvest Event will feature three days of fun, food, entertainment and one of a kind handmade arts and crafts. Hundreds of artisans will be on hand to showcase truly unique products including eye catching jewelry, colorful glassware and ceramics, hand-woven and embellished clothing, photography, specialty foods, home décor, and much more. And everything is made in America!

Harvest Festival has something for everyone with lots of food, music, and fun. You can eat, drink, and be entertained while you shop for that special something for friends and family and the various trade show booths. A Kids Zone will keep the little ones busy and plenty of bargains will keep you looking.

This year Harvest Festival will be partnering with Food Share of Ventura to encourage attendees to give back to their community. Everyone who donates food will receive a discount coupon for admission to the festival.

The Humane Society of Ventura County will be providing a Parcel Check during the show so that you won’t have to carry all those bags and gifts around. All monies raised will go to this charity.

If you are interested in attending Harvest Festival – Original Art & Craft – Ventura 2009, it will be held October 16-18, 2009 at Seaside Park at Ventura Co. Fairgrounds, 31^st District Agricultural Association, 10 West Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001. For more information you can contact Harvest Festival, 2181 Greenwich St., San Francisco, CA 94123. Telephone: (415) 447-3205. Email: harvest@wesshows.com. You can visit their web site at http://www.harvestfestival.com.

Are you interested in owning or learning more about franchises? The Los Angeles Convention Center will be hosting the West Coast Franchise Expo October 2-4, 2009. You can find the franchise concept that fits in with your skills, interests and budget. Meet with top franchisers and sample their products at various trade show booths. Attend informative seminars to gain insight into all aspects of franchising. Get the information you need to make the right decisions to put you into your own business.

This expo will feature hundreds of franchise concepts. Professionals from the legal, finance, and government communities will be on hand to answer your questions. More than 30 free seminars will be offered as well as 4 in-depth symposium. The Conference Program will offer something for everyone from basic how-to sessions to advanced, in-depth examinations of the different franchise relationships and how they affect potential franchisees and those looking to franchise an existing business. Specialty seminars will focus on franchising opportunities for veterans, minorities, and women.

The symposiums will focus on providing information specific to a particular segment of the industry. They will be presented by some of the most respected and experienced professionals in the fields of franchising. They will offer the most up-to-date practical, legal, strategic, and financial information and show how to avoid the pitfalls.

Some of the seminars offered will be:

· Opportunities in Franchising for Minorities and Women

· Franchising 101 for Veterans

· Getting Ready to Franchise Your Business

· Financing Your Franchise

· How to Buy a HOT Franchise and Not Get Burned!

· The Use of Technology in Franchising

· Ready, Set, Go! Steps to Awarding Your First Franchise

The West Coast Franchise Expo 2009 will be held October 2-4, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street – South Hall H&J, Los Angeles, CA 90015. For registration and more information you can visit their web site at http://www.wcfexpo.com.