Hundreds of participants attended the 2024 Business Expo on Thursday, March 21, at the Boston Marriott Peabody.
The crowd of business executives, young professionals, freelancers, and students listened to speakers, attended educational seminars and networked with business professionals from throughout the North Shore.
The Expo kicked off with a Business Insight Breakfast Forum featuring a panel discussion tackling one of the most pressing issues facing employers today. Wellpoint General Manager David Morales moderated a riveting discussion that explored the important steps employers can take to make their voices heard in the critical debate on healthcare costs.
Panelists Eileen McAnneny, executive director the Employer Coalition on Health Care, Dr. Paul Hattis, health policy expert and senior fellow at the Lown Institute, and David Williams, president of Health Business Group, shared insight and resources on how the business community can change the narrative on healthcare.
The panelists 
urged audience members to take action and became part of the movement to alter the course. Join the Employer Coalition on Health Care, talk with your brokers to ensure you are getting the best prices, and communicate with your local legislators, they advised. Learn more about the steps employers can take here.
The Expo featured close to 70 exhibitors from around the North Shore. Vendors in all areas of business and industry showcased their products, services and resources.
Attendees were welcome to attend free seminars on a variety of business-related topics. These informative sessions were offered by Chamber members who are leaders in their field.
Topics included the process of hiring an intern, office ergonomics, protecting your business from scams and frauds, streamlining HR workflows, maximizing your Chamber membership, and effective LinkedIn strategies.
Keynote luncheon speaker, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, shared an update on issues her office is tackling during her first term. DiZoglio spoke candidly about her efforts to bring greater transparency and accessibility to all areas of state government, and the battle she is leading to bring a ballot question before November voters as to whether the Legislature should undergo an audit. The former state representative and state senator sparked dialogue as she shared the difficulties lawmakers face getting information from legislative leadership and the quick timeline they have to prepare for votes – in some cases, just mere minutes.
Thank you to our exclusive Platinum Sponsor, Wellpoint, as well as our many Title Sponsors, including National Grid, M&T Bank, Essex Apothecary, Commonwealth Payroll and HR, Institution for Savings, LW Bills, Silver Lining Solutions, Eastern Bank, North Shore Community College, MP Wired for HR and Salem Five Bank. We also extend our gratitude to our numerous Corporate Sponsors who made this day possible.