3,400-Plus People Crowd into Gaithersburg, Md., for DeafNation Expo
Gaithersburg, MD (PRWEB) October 2, 2005
Over 3,400 people were dazzled by a multitude of activities and a record-breaking 92 booths as they crowded into the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair in Gaithersburg, Md., on Sept. 24.
“Presentations and entertainments were non-stop from 10 a. m. until 5 p. m. without a break,” said Joel Barish, DeafNation CEO. “The area was completely full with people who continued flowing through three different halls all day long. It was thrilling to see all the events and activities happening at the same time.”
“Sorenson Communications is a proud sponsor of DeafNation Expo, the country’s premier trade show for the Deaf community,” said Sorenson VRS outreach manager John Edington. Sorenson gave away a big-screen television at their booth at the expo to a lucky winner. “This expo was a tremendous success with its 3,400-plus attendees.”
“2005 has proven to be another successful year for DeafNation,” said Karl A. Ewan, agency liaison for Federal Relay. “As a proud sponsor, Sprint Relay was thrilled to be at the Gaithersburg event, which gave us an opportunity to meet with the customers that use our relay products and services."
Presentations were diverse and educational. Sue Mather presented on whether American Sign Language was a true language or not, and the Maryland Association of the Deaf talked about its future plans and upcoming conference. USANA Health Sciences representatives spoke about health and nutrition, Visual Language Interpreting discussed leveraging interpreters in the workplace, Stephen Hlibok and Barbara Willigan addressed smart borrowing solutions, and the National Deaf Business Institute presented, “Is Business for You?” Other presenters included the Mid-Atlantic Deaf Disc Golf organization, and Beverly Hanyzewski, who discussed yoga.
After the ever-wacky John “Leno” Maucere and the Dating Game with Mary Monroe (played by Maucere) entertained audience members, various sponsors and exhibitors gave away door prizes.
“deafbuy. com is very honored by the special distinction of being the first deaf-owned business entity to sponsor a DeafNation Expo!” said Drew Gutches, owner. “We were thrilled to realize that attendance at the DeafNation Expo has tripled over the previous two years. We enjoyed attracting and showcasing our fast expanding offerings.”
Other sponsors included Maryland Relay and USANA Health Sciences. “In addition to our wonderful sponsors, DeafNation Expo must give special thanks to the Montgomery County Association of the Deaf and Gallaudet University students for volunteering at the event,” Barish said. “Without them, we wouldn’t have been as smooth and successful on this day.”
DeafNation Expo is visiting 12 cities in 2005, with the next one planned for Chicago, IL, on Oct. 8. Admission is free for all attendees, and registration may be completed by visiting www. deafnation. com.
About DeafNation
DeafNation and DeafNation Expo are the premier destinations for people wanting to stay updated about the latest happenings in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Visit www. deafnation. com for the latest news, video clips in sign language, and exclusive coverage of events such as the Deaflympics and World Federation of the Deaf activities. DeafNation Expo is the foremost exhibition for, by, and about Deaf people. DeafNation Expo, held at different locations across the nation each year, is a celebration of culture, an exhibition of technology, and a business and social event – all wrapped up in one dynamic, spectacular event at no charge to attendees. Visit DeafNation’s website today at www. deafnation. com!
Media Contact:
Joel Barish, DeafNation
P. O. Box 762
Frederick, MD 21705-0762
FAX 301.682.7529
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