Annual Expo Targets Latino Consumers

More than 40 vendors, hoping to capture some of the burgeoning Latino market, will gather Saturday at Panorama Mall for the fourth annual Latino Consumer Expo.

Banks, attorneys, hospitals, retailers and business organizations will be among those showing off their wares and giving away promotional materials to the neighboring Latino community.

Public interest in the expo has increased since it started in 1997, with Latino and non-Latino business owners calling year-round to inquire about the event that attracts about 6,000 people, organizers said.

“Interest has increased because of the changing demographics of the area,” said Nancy Hoffman, chief executive officer of the Mid Valley Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the event. “[Businesses] are realizing they can move, or they can target the community.”

The expo is planned from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Panorama Mall, 8401 Van Nuys Blvd. Admission is free. Businesses can sign up for a booth until Friday morning by calling the chamber at (818) 989-0300.