WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT IN SAN DIEGO
Small Business Expo in San Diego | San Diego, CA 2027
Venue: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Date & Time: September 10, 2027, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST
The small business networking event in San Diego is the region’s largest entrepreneur networking event, bringing together business owners, startup founders, and professionals who are serious about growth. From Downtown San Diego to La Jolla, North County, and beyond, this networking event in San Diego connects the city’s most driven professionals under one roof.
Every business hits a point when the next stage of progress happens with the right partnership. It could be with a vendor, a collaborator, a supplier, or a mentor. Small Business Expo’s nationally acclaimed 800,000+ attendees over 18+ years, 250+ expos, 4300+ workshops, and 1M+ followers create a bigger resource pool to tap into. This is the only San Diego networking event near you where every session and interaction is designed to give you actionable insights, strong professional relationships, and tools you can use immediately.
Attendance is completely free at the biggest networking event in San Diego, making it easy to invest in your growth without spending a dime.
So, if you’re a San Diego small business owner, you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity.
Boost Brand Visibility in San Diego
Our San Diego networking events put your business in front of the people who matter most in the local small business community. You’ll meet decision-makers across key industries that drive the region’s economy, from biotech and tech startups to hospitality, tourism, and military-support services.
These are the people actively looking for solutions, partners, and opportunities to grow their businesses, and connecting with them can open doors to collaborations, long-term partnerships, and clients who stick.
Business Solutions, All in One Place
Incredible business solutions, and so much more, are what set us apart from other San Diego networking events.
Step onto the trade show floor at the San Diego Small Business Expo and you’ll discover a wide range of exhibitors offering solutions tailored to small businesses. From marketing and finance to HR, logistics, and technology, the vendor hall is packed with resources designed to help you run your business more efficiently and grow smarter.
San Diego Networking Events to Build Your Business
This isn’t just another “networking event near me.” The San Diego Small Business Expo brings together the city’s entrepreneurial community under one roof, creating opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
You’ll be able to:
– Participate in speed networking sessions with fellow business owners, making connections that can turn into partnerships or new clients.
– Join small-group workshops for hands-on learning and practical strategies that you can apply immediately to grow your business.
– Meet mentors and industry leaders who understand the unique challenges of running a business in Southern California.
These experiences give you meaningful face time with the people shaping the future of San Diego’s business landscape. That’s why this is one of the top San Diego networking events; every interaction is designed to build relationships, share knowledge, and open doors for your business.
Educational Opportunities to Sharpen Your Edge
The workshops and breakout sessions at the San Diego Small Business Expo go beyond surface-level tips, offering actionable insights you can use right away. Each session is designed to help you grow your business in a competitive market.
You’ll also gain perspective on emerging trends that are shaping the future of local business, including the impact of AI on small enterprises, growth strategies for service-based companies, and opportunities unique to San Diego, whether that’s a focus on tourism and cross-border trade or tech innovation.
Attending these San Diego networking events gives you access to expertise and knowledge that can sharpen your edge, helping you make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve.
Gain Perspective and Prepare for What’s Next
Attending the San Diego Small Business Expo gives you fresh perspectives that help you plan and execute growth strategies with confidence. You’ll learn how to identify emerging opportunities, respond to shifting market demands, and implement innovative approaches that keep your business competitive.
In a fast-moving economy like San Diego’s, these insights are practical guidance you can apply immediately.
Special Offers for Attendees
Beyond learning and networking, the San Diego Small Business Expo delivers real value through exclusive promotions and giveaways. Many exhibitors offer show-only pricing, free trials, and bundled services designed specifically for small businesses.
These offers give you practical tools to reduce costs, streamline operations, and gain momentum- benefits you won’t find at other San Diego networking events.
Why Exhibit at the San Diego Small Business Expo?
If your company serves small businesses, exhibiting at the San Diego Small Business Expo puts you directly in front of the right audience.
Exhibitors gain:
– Visibility with hundreds of engaged entrepreneurs and business owners.
– Face-to-face conversations that build trust and generate qualified leads.
– A chance to showcase products or services to a highly targeted group.
For many brands, the San Diego Small Business Expo is where new offerings are launched, recognition is built, and relationships are forged that continue to generate revenue long after the event ends.
Register Today for the San Diego Small Business Expo Business Event and Trade Show
Connect with us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Shmooze to stay updated on the latest news and events from the Small Business Expo.
We can’t wait to see you at our next Business Networking Event in San Diego, CA!
Attend Workshops Led by Industry Experts
Expand Your Network
Learn from Amazing Keynote Speakers
Market Your Business
Meet Vendors to Help Grow Your Business
Keynote Speakers
Nicole Denise Brand Intelligence Strategist & CEO, CoAgency
Nicole Denise Phillip is a Brand Intelligence Strategist and founder of CoAgency, where she helps coaches, consultants, and online service experts turn clarity into consistent conversion. Through her Intelligence Pillars framework — Business Intelligence, A...
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Nadia Hansen AI Strategist, CLV Enterprise Inc.
Nadia Hansen brings a dual perspective on technology that's rare in the AI space: she's been both the buyer and the vendor. As former CIO of Clark County, Nevada, she managed $100M+ budgets and 200+ staff, approving the same kind of technology she now sells as...
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Workshop Speakers
Chris Burns 2Point Agency
Chris Burns is a keynote speaker, 2x published author, entrepreneur, and Senior Marketing Strategist at 2POINT Agency, with over 20 years of experience in sales, leadership, and business growth. He has built and sold multiple companies and worked with hundred...
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Haydn Fleming 2Point Agency
Haydn Fleming is the Chief Marketing Officer at 2POINT Agency and Managing Partner of 2POINT, where he leads strategy across hundreds of marketing programs at any given time. A multi-channel marketing expert, Haydn is known for helping brands scale from $1M t...
Read MorePranav Dalal Office Beacon
Pranav Dalal is an accomplished entrepreneur and business strategist, best known as the Founder and CEO of Office Beacon, a global outsourcing firm with over 5,500 employees across the United States, India, the Philippines, South Africa, and Mexico. Under his ...
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Lucius C. Davis III Franchise Tax Board
Lucius C. Davis III is the Small Business Liaison in the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s Office. He assists with the development of small business education and outreach programs in order to help business owners better understand their income tax requirements and...
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Ted Gallagher ESET
Ted Gallagher is an experienced Sales Engineer at ESET North America, operating out of San Diego, California. Over his nine-year tenure, he has cultivated extensive expertise in ESET solutions and the broader cybersecurity landscape by successfully navigating ...
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Kevin Howard Goldberg iS2 Digital
Kevin Howard Goldberg cuts through AI hype to deliver practical implementation strategies. As CEO of iS2 Digital and a Wharton graduate, Kevin combines 30+ years of software development expertise with strategic business understanding to help executives make co...
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Helena Ferrari The HRx
Helena Ferrari is CEO of TheHRrx, a fractional CHRO, and creator of the Protect Your Profit Line framework — a repeatable way for leaders to spot and close the hidden people-costs (turnover, disengagement, compliance gaps) before they eat into the bottom line....
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Patrick Field Nine Iron Marketing
Patrick Field is the founder of Nine Iron Marketing, an independent media buying and advertising agency that helps local businesses get big-brand results. He brings more than two decades of experience across retail, auto, and DTC brands, including La-Z-Boy, Ho...
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Benson Lee Locality
Benson Lee is Sales Director of Streaming at Locality, where she helps brands and agencies connect with local audiences across premium streaming platforms. Based in Los Angeles, Benson brings over 20 years of media sales experience spanning local broadcast, na...
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John Lawson Verizon
John Lawson is a seasoned entrepreneur, e-commerce authority, and AI expert with over two decades of digital expertise. From high school dropout to industry leader, he's generated 8-figure sales in e-commerce and digital products. A captivating speaker who's p...
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Bridgett McGowen Press 49
Bridgett McGowen, The Presentation Fixer™, is an award-winning speaker, author, and founder of BMH Companies and Press 49. With more than 400 presentations delivered to tens of thousands around the world, she equips business owners to communicate their value, ...
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Yusef Muhammad SCORE
Voted as The SBA Minority Small Business Champion of the Year, by The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), City of Houston, “Champion of Diversity” and recipient of the “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.” Yusef Muhammad, is an award-winnin...
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Izzy Rogner Gusto
Izzy Rogner-Hall has spent nearly a decade building products for the self-employed and small business owners, with product leadership roles at Intuit, LegalZoom, and now Gusto. Today she leads Gusto's emerging businesses — Gusto Solo, serving self-employed cus...
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Greg Schwartz Amazon Web Services
Greg Schwartz is a Senior Worldwide Specialist, GenAI at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he leads go-to-market strategy for Amazon Quick's integration partnerships, helping customers unlock more value through connecting their most important tools. Previously,...
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Michelle Serna TruNorth Dynamics
Michelle is a Microsoft MVP for Dynamics 365 Business Central and SVP of Revenue at TruNorth Dynamics. A seasoned speaker, educator, and true Dynamics hype woman, she’s a power user of all things Microsoft and a master at turning chaos into clarity. Based in S...
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Pablo Silva Torres Amazon Business
Ritu Arora Thakur Smart Tech Inc
Ritu Thakur is a seasoned business and technology consultant with over 20 years of experience spanning multiple industries. In 2007, she founded Smart Tech Inc., a firm dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) refine their customer outreac...
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Carol Xie Internal Revenue Service
Carol Xie has been a vital member of the IRS Tax Outreach Partnership & Education (TOPE) Branch for over three years. With a keen focus on effective communication and relationship-building, Carol serves as a liaison between the IRS and its stakeholders, pr...
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DISCOVER NEW VENDORS AND BUILD YOUR BUSINESS NETWORK
Meet with Exhibitors at the biggest business networking event in San Diego who provide Innovative Products & Services to Help Build Your Business.
SHOP NEW PRODUCTS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
GET INSPIRED
FIND NEW VENDORS
BUILD NEW RELATIONSHIPS
LEARN FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
GET DOTTEDR
Easily locate & connect with attendees in different industries using our special Color-Code System. A dotted® badge will be provided when you check-in.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The San Diego Small Business Expo is a dynamic event that provides entrepreneurs and small business owners in the San Diego area with networking and growth opportunities. Held in various cities across the nation, including San Diego, the Small Business Expo serves as a platform for showcasing products, accessing resources, and participating in interactive seminars, workshops, and speed networking sessions. Attendees have the chance to connect with potential clients, partners, and industry experts, gaining valuable insights into market trends and innovative solutions. The San Diego Small Business Expo fosters a supportive environment, promoting collaboration and providing a valuable space for businesses to thrive and expand.
The San Diego Small Business Expo takes place on September 10, 2027, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST. Events are held at the Sheraton San Diego Resort. Check-in will open at 9:30 AM.
The Expo will be hosted at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, conveniently located near the airport and Downtown San Diego. With views of the waterfront, it’s the perfect setting for a productive day of learning and networking.
Join us at the San Diego Small Business Expo to get a firsthand look at the local business landscape. Explore exclusive knowledge resources, participate in exciting and unique networking events, build genuine connections, and uncover collaboration possibilities tailored to your business objectives. The San Diego Small Business Expo is an energetic and edifying platform offering practical insights, opportunities for BtoB connections, and access to innovative tools and services to advance your business.
Unlike smaller mixers or single-industry gatherings, the San Diego Small Business Expo is the largest cross-industry entrepreneur networking event in the city. It brings together professionals from tech, healthcare, hospitality, and more, making it the most diverse and impactful of all San Diego networking events.
Small business owners, startup founders, marketers, independent consultants, and professionals looking to expand their network in San Diego.
Registration is required to attend. To register for the San Diego Small Business Expo, enter your full name and email on the event page. Then, click the “Register (or upgrade)” button. Use this form to easily upgrade your badge type by using the same email address with which you initially registered.
Please visit our Exhibitor Information page for all questions pertaining to exhibiting at the San Diego Small Business expo.
Small business owners attending the San Diego Small Business Expo have the opportunity to tap into a rich array of educational resources. With workshops focusing on marketing strategies, financial management, and in-depth sessions on emerging industry trends, the Expo ensures that participants gather invaluable insights and knowledge necessary for steering the development and growth of their businesses.
Small Business Expo only happens once a year, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of networking opportunities. Check out these other networking events San Diego has to offer the business community.
We’re proud to offer an exciting and free-to-attend Webinar series. Just like our workshop sessions, our Webinars cover a wealth of crucial topics for business success. Topics range from SEO, to digital marketing, to AI and automation and much, much more.
Yes. Registration is free for all attendees. Once you sign up, you’ll gain access to the trade show floor, workshops, networking sessions, and presentations.
Don’t miss the most valuable San Diego networking event of the year.
Register today for the San Diego Small Business Expo and take your place at the heart of San Diego’s entrepreneurial community.