If you’ve ever attended a well-run event and walked away thinking, “That was incredible,” chances are a small business was behind it.
In fact, probably several small businesses.
From solopreneur planners to mom-and-pop venues, the meetings and events industry thrives on the passion, hustle, and heart of small business owners. Whether we’re organizing multi-day conferences or intimate networking dinners, small businesses like ours don’t just participate in the industry — we shape it.
And we think that’s worth shining a spotlight on.
The Backbone of the Industry
Small businesses are more than vendors; we’re the infrastructure. Behind every name badge, breakout session, and welcome gift is a team of doers making it all happen, often with fewer resources and more creativity than the big players. It’s in our DNA to find scrappy solutions and build lasting client relationships. We're problem-solvers, innovators, and hosts all rolled into one.
As of 2022, there were more than 7,400 trade show and conference planning companies in the U.S. alone. And many of them aren’t corporate giants — they’re solopreneurs and small teams that built a business from the ground up. They’re folks like us: juggling logistics, relationships, and bottom lines while staying laser-focused on client success.
We’re not just planning events.
We’re shaping experiences.
We’re building economies.
We’re creating community.
And we’re doing it all one handshake, one floor plan, and one “you saved the day” moment at a time.
The Local Legends You Don’t See on Stage
When people think of small businesses in the event space, they often picture planners, tech support, and registration pros — and yes, we’re proud to be in that mix. But let’s zoom out for a moment. There’s an entire ecosystem of local small businesses that elevate events in quiet but unforgettable ways.
Think about your last in-person gathering. Did you sip locally roasted coffee during a morning session? Dine at a cozy restaurant where the chef came out to explain the menu? Take home a thoughtful swag bag filled with handmade goods from a nearby boutique? That’s the magic of small biz collaboration.
We’re talking about:
Boutique hotels and independently owned inns that feel like a home away from home
Coffee shops and cafés hosting pop-up meetups or casual brainstorming sessions
Restaurants and tasting rooms perfect for VIP dinners or client appreciation events
Retailers and artisans who create custom gifts and branded merchandise
Local wellness providers offering chair massage, yoga breaks, or mindfulness lounges
Studios and specialty venues that set the tone for immersive workshops or social hours
These businesses aren’t just supporting events, they’re helping attendees feel connected, inspired, and wowed.
Why It Matters
When event professionals partner with small businesses, everyone wins. Local economies thrive. Events feel more personal and less cookie-cutter. Attendees leave with stories instead of just schedules.
And let’s not forget: supporting small business is more than a feel-good move — it’s a smart strategy. Local partners are often more flexible, more invested, and more in tune with the character of the destination. They go the extra mile because they are the community.
So the next time you’re building out your vendor list, pause before defaulting to the familiar big brands. Look around your destination. Ask your contacts. Find the hidden gems. You might just discover that the best event partners are the ones you haven’t met yet.
