LAYTON — For just the second year running, the Business to Business Expo held at the Davis Conference Center was a success.

And this year’s version was bigger and better than last year’s.

“This has become a bigger and better event in just its second year,” said Ale Campbell, a receptionist at the conference center. “There’s more space, more people, larger crowds, everything.

“This has just been a better expo altogether.”

The 2009 version of the expo also displayed many new businesses that consumers may not have heard of before. Frags N’ Gib’s, located at 273 West 500 South in Bountiful, is a gaming store that often doubles as a place for people to hang out and try the newest games for the year.

The most popular was Rock Band for the XBox 360 video game console. The business had the game on display for consumers to see for the expo.

Other businesses present were Utah Transit Authority, Zions Bank, Layton Hills Mall, SOS Staffing Services, Merrill Lynch and Hot Shopper.

“Many of these businesses were here for the first time,” said Campbell. “Last year there were about 60 businesses on display, and this year is somewhere around 75 or so.

“And the crowds have been showing up in bunches.”

The expo churned out a few thousand consumers, ranging from those looking for a different career to others simply sight-seeing what new businesses have to offer to the Davis County area.

“I think it’s good to see such a mix of businesses here,” Chelsea Barnhartd, a Layton resident who said she was also looking into a different career choice. “Especially the trade schools.

“I think (trade schools) are important for the younger generation because it shows that they don’t have to go somewhere like Weber State or the University of Utah.”

A few of the first-time businesses to show at the Conference Center were Frag’s N Gib’s, the Layton Reporter, a citywide magazine type local news source.

"We were thrilled with the response from Davis County businesses. More than 70 local exhibitors were there, representing a broad spectrum of the Davis County economy...and they brought hundreds of potential customers with them," said Davis Chamber of Commerce President John Pitt. "Everywhere I looked people were lining up business with one another. Business generation and support are the main functions of the Chamber and that's precisely what was happening in every corner of the Conference Center last Thursday."

"Participation in this year's Expo far exceeded our expectation," said Chamber Events Director Jeanie Shehan-Bosen. "The event grew by 50% over last year. It shows that Chamber businesses have a drive to succeed in any business environment.

"There was a literal "buzz" of excitement as I walked through the Expo while business owners made connections with potential vendors, customers, and employees."

“I’m not surprised that this event ended up being bigger than last year,” said Campbell. “This is one of those events I think will only get bigger every year.

“And in only its second year with this many businesses and schools attending, I wouldn’t be surprised to have an even bigger turnout next year.”

sgillet@davisclipper.com