“We did not know these types of resources existed. We are getting ready to open five to 10 new facilities in 2009. I did not expect what we got when we sat down with these sponsors. In hindsight, I realize our company would have saved so much money, and our growth would have been triple what it has been, if we had this type of event as a resource prior. LiveXchange did an exceptional job of matching us up with the right people. You don’t just find locations here. You find opportunities and strategic partnerships.”

– COO of an electronics recycling company

 

“We just finished a 568,000 square foot custom cabinet manufacturing facility. What I am doing here is looking for new business opportunities and having a great time finding them. It looks like things will work out for us, as well will be setting up some other showrooms in other states in the west and Midwest. I think it’s a great time and if anyone needs to come to a spot and get information on good people, this is the place to be.”

—Real Estate Manager of a cabinet manufacturing facility

 

“I find this event very eye-opening. We are often so focused on the specific projects we’re working on and the state that we work in, that we miss a lot of opportunities. This event gives us a chance to learn about other possibilities and other locations. Opportunity is the key word here… there are many benefits that these locations and organizations offer to growing companies like ours.”

—VP of a pharmaceutical company

 

“LiveXchange was a great event and venue for meeting many state and public utility corporate delegates quickly and efficiently. We also felt the business sessions were very informative in bringing to light issues we will obviously face as we move forward with our expansion plans.”

—President of a technology company

 

"It was a great opportunity to learn about many different locations and regions of the U.S. in a short time frame and in a relaxed and informal atmosphere."

— Executive of a food provisions company

 

"This past event was very well organized and very impressive. I would suggest it to anyone, both companies planning to relocate and those that work in economic development."

— Executive from a military defense corporation

What Speakers Have to Say

“This is one of the best run events I’ve been to in a long time. I’ve met some really interesting people and picked up a few leads, which is always good. Usually speakers just talk! I’ve met a few people that I think I will do business with in the future. I’m happy!”

— Ed McCallum

 

“This is my fourth LiveXchange, I’m a charter member! It’s the best conference I go to all year because I get to meet communities and companies with projects.”

— Mike Hickey

“This year’s event has built on the success of past years,The group of companies is larger, and the mix of locations from all over the U.S. and Canada is even better than in previous years. The Business Facilities LiveXchange format is a great multifaceted approach to the process, both from an educational standpoint, and because it allows companies to meet state and local economic development contacts as well as professional consultants and advisors.”

—KPMG

What Sponsors Have to Say

“This is our third LiveXchange and it has been very successful with our partnership here. It’s a great opportunity for us to network with the consultants around the country and a great opportunity for us to have one-on-one direct contact with companies from all over the country that are looking to do projects. We find that is very valuable for us. We spend a certain amount on lead generation every year trying to encourage companies to come into our region, but we’ve found this to be incredibly attractive to us because you get all of the groups in one spot. It’s kind of like company speed dating, but you get 30 minutes with a company you get to talk to groups that have real projects, real deals, and it’s an opportunity to have that face-to-face time with them. The very first year we participated we actually were able to locate a company to our region. We met with a company called Evatone, a printing company based in Florida. We spent 30 minutes with the company at LiveXchange, and from there we worked with them for about a year helping them assess sites and locations and helping them determine what would be the best place for them to locate. They chose our region. It was a very nice, average size project and we find it to be very successful. It’s a great opportunity for us and we plan on continuing to participate in the future.”

— Heather Sauls, Vice President of Client Development, Piedmont Triad Partnership

 

“This is my first LiveXchange and my experience has been very positive. You save a lot of time, money and convenience having everybody in one place to meet one-on-one. I was reluctant at the outset, as with any new venture, but I was hearing a lot of buzz on the street about this event so I decided to investigate for myself. I would say I would definitely put this event in the budget again. It’s a very positive experience and it’s everything I was told that it would be. I’d definitely do it again.”

— Mike Philpot, Executive Director, West Tennessee Industrial Association

 

“We have come to Business Facilities LiveXchange for three years and have found a lot of success,” he said. “When we were here last year, we worked with PSI Group/Pitney Bowes, they were looking for an expansion opportunity, possibly in Minnesota. As a result of the time we spent together at the event, they built a 150,000 square foot facility in the Twin Cities and they continue to grow and expand there. Also, as a result of that event we submitted another five proposals to other companies. They did not choose Minnesota at this time but I think the relationship we built with them will keep them interested in our state for other opportunities as we move forward. We find LiveXchange a great event and recommend it for all communities and states.”

– Gene Goddard, Senior Business Development Specialist,
Positively Minnesota

 

"LiveXchange provides an excellent opportunity to have face to face meetings with prospects who had active qualified projects. I had 10 meetings my first day and generated several great leads. I know of no other event like it in the country."

— Mississippi Development Authority

 

“Not only have I met good people in the field of economic development, but after just three meetings Monday morning I already had one legitimate lead, which is the main reason I came here. For me, it works.Now my job is to follow up… so far it’s been very productive.”

—PSEG Area Development LLC, New Jersey

 

“This has been the most productive two days of my entire career, and I have been doing this for over 25 years. In just two days, I have five considerable projects to pursue.”

—Forest City, Mesa Del Sol, Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

“It was an intense couple of days that included some quality one-on-one time with small to mid-sized manufacturing, distribution and telecommunication companies. We are following up on the interested companies with an identifiable project criteria.”

—Central South Carolina Alliance

 

“Business Facilities has a excellent reputation to present economic developers with qualified prospects.”

—Midland, Texas Economic Development Corporation

 

“A Great opportunity to meet with a number of businesses from across the country.” —Duke Power Company

 

“Business Facilities LiveXchange has provided us the 1-on-1 meetings we were looking for. At larger tradeshows you hope to meet qualified prospects but this event sets up meetings with qualified prospects.”

—Fulton County, Atlanta Georgia

 

“Our toughest job is tracking down and meeting 1-on-1 with qualified companies looking to make investments. Business Facilities identified companies and matched us up on a lot of different fronts. We look forward to next year’s event.”

—Durham Region, Ontario Canada