Showcases local enterprises through useful demonstrations and community benefit, with transparent selection and equal terms instead of pay-to-play exposure.
Where this idea came from
Playbook entry
M-T1-BV-08 · Local Business Showcase Event
Theme
Theme 1: Attraction & Visibility · Subtheme BV: Business Visibility
Source material
Existing checked Theme 1 guide
Linked playbook entry
M-T1-BV-08 · Local Business Showcase Event
Why a club might use this
Residents discover local capability and enterprises build trusted connections while community projects can find suppliers and supporters.
Use it when
Local small businesses, social enterprises, makers, residents and community organisations. Use when a local precinct or sector has diverse enterprises worth making visible.
Before the club starts
Published eligibility, fees, selection, refunds and sponsor benefits.
Site, electrical, food, insurance, accessibility and emergency checks.
Exhibitor claims, licences and image or product permissions verified where relevant.
Capacity guide
Likely cost
$$$ — venue, production, insurance and access; exhibitor fees must be cost-transparent.
Lead time
10–14 weeks.
People
8–12 members plus venue, safety and exhibitor teams.
How to put it into practice
Detailed implementation steps for Local Business Showcase Event
Step
Action
Suggested owner
1
Define the community purpose and transparent exhibitor criteria.
Showcase director
2
Open applications through multiple local networks and assess consistently.
Exhibitor panel
3
Approve floor plan, demonstrations and safety documentation.
Operations lead
4
Run the event with clear wayfinding, feedback and complaint channels.
Event team
5
Share consented leads, reconcile fees and report community outcomes.
Commercial controller
Controls and safeguards
Sponsorship or Rotary membership does not guarantee a prime site or selection.
No unsubstantiated health, environmental, investment or performance claims.
HIGH — exhibitor fairness, consumer claims, site safety and lead sharing require published commercial and privacy controls.
What to measure
Eligible exhibitors by type and locality.
Follow-up: Reconcile exhibitor obligations within five working days and send only consented introductions; publish the selection and fee accountability summary.