The Valley Industry Association is looking ahead to the 2014 B2B Industry Show, with speakers including a former White House official and a senior economist, May 8 at the Hyatt Regency Valencia.

The annual trade show is the valley’s premier business networking event. The day will also feature exhibitors from a wide array of Santa Clarita Valley businesses, providing plenty of networking opportunities, and a VIP reception at the close of the event.

The speakers for the keynote luncheon portion of the B2B show will be Noelia Rodriguez, former press secretary for First Lady Laura Bush, and Jeffrey Cleveland, a senior economist with Payden and Rygel.

Noelia Rodriguez

Rodriguez is the chief communications officer for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Immediate past director of the John F. Kennedy, Jr. Forum at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics, she was also deputy mayor for Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan.

Cleveland’s research areas include macroeconomics, central banks and money markets, money supply, credit cycles, housing, state and local governments and regional economics. He has appeared on CNBC, Bloomberg Television and Fox Business News.

“Noelia was very well-received as a speaker at a recent VIA luncheon, and I think the B2B audience will greatly benefit from her insights on effective leadership,” VIA President and CEO Kathy Norris said. “Additionally, Jeffery brings to the table solid, helpful economic insight and advice.”

Jeffrey Cleveland

In addition to two speakers – a break from the past B2B format of one keynote speaker – the day will start with a panel discussion on how to sell to large companies, with the panel including representatives from William S. Hart Union High School District and the City of Santa Clarita. There will also be VIP green room receptions with the speakers prior to the lunch.

“With the addition of the morning panel and a second speaker, I think there is real added benefit people will take away from the 2014 B2B show,” Norris said.

While Super Premium and Premium exhibition spaces are sold out, a select number of standard tabletop exhibition spaces are still available. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For information on sponsorship or exhibitor rates, contact VIA at (661) 294-8088 or admin@via.org.

The Valley Industry Association of Santa Clarita represents business interests throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, providing members the opportunity to network and collaborate on a broad range of business issues. More information about VIA is available at www.via.org.