Thank you for being a vital part of the success of the 15th Annual Senior Lifestyle Expo!

Please take a few moments to complete the following evaluation for this year’s Expo. Your comments and suggestions are appreciated and will help us to continually improve this important event for Chicago area seniors.

We value your input!

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CALENDAR NOTICE

Media Contact Only: Cindy Zinkovich
(Not for publication): (773) 528-1606 or
caz@cazcommunications.com

Public Contact: Connie Kobitter
Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging
(630) 293-5990 or CKobitter@ageguide.org

The Northeastern Illinois Area Agency Seeks Writers, Singers, Dancers, Comics & Other Performers for 2010 Senior Lifestyle Expo Contests!

What: The Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging announces two exciting contests for writers and amateur performers who are ages 60 and up on or before August 24, 2010. Deadlines to enter are August 6 for the writing challenge, and Aug. 23 or until all audition spots are full for the Senior Idol talent competition.

Connect the Generations Writing Challenge , “Wisdom in Aging…Sharing The Journey.” Share your knowledge and insights with the next generation! Entries must be 300 words or less and can range from song lyrics and poems to essays and stories. Eight finalists will be invited to the Senior Lifestyle Expo on Tuesday, Aug. 24, where three winners will collect cash and other prizes ranging in value from $50 to $150. Deadline to submit entries for the 2010 writing contest is Friday, August 6, 2010. Entries will be evaluated based on creativity/originality, writing quality and appropriateness in addressing the question, “What person or event had an impact on you?”

For more info, form to enter, visit: www.SeniorLifestylEexpo.org and click on the “Wisdom in Aging” contest link, call (800) 528-2000 toll-free, (630) 293-5990, or email Kim Robey at KRobey@ageguide.org.

Senior Idol Auditions Aug 24 at Drury Lane. The two-day “Senior Idol” talent contest returns to the Senior Lifestyle Expo as a popular, interactive activity for participants and cheerleaders alike. The contest is open to amateur singers, comics, dancers and other performers ages 60 and older. Auditions will be held Tuesday, Aug. 24, before a panel of judges and Senior Lifestyle Expo attendees. At least 12 finalists will advance to perform Wednesday, Aug. 25, before a live audience on the Main Stage at Drury Lane. Seven winners also will receive cash prizes ranging from $25-$100.

Senior Idol auditions are scheduled in advance and were available at press time, with entries accepted as long as space is available. The Senior Idol entry fee is $10 for individuals and $20 for groups up to four. For additional information and entry forms, call (800) 528-2000 toll-free or (630) 293-5990;email KRobey@ageguide.org; or visit www.SeniorLifestyleExpo.org.

When:

• Writing Challenge ENTRY Deadline: Friday, Aug., 6, 2010
• Senior Idol ENTRY Deadline: Monday, Aug., 23, or when all audition spots are full
• 15th Annual Senior Lifestyle Expo : August 24-25, 2010

Where: Drury Lane Theatre and Conference Center, 100 Drury Lane, Oak Brook Terrace, Ill.

The Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging’s Senior Lifestyle Expo at the Drury Lane Theatre and Conference Center Aug. 24-25, is the largest and most comprehensive event for seniors, family members and caregivers in Chicagoland. Proceeds benefit the Holiday Meals on Wheels program of the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging, which provides nutritious meals to elders in need on holidays and weekends when the weekday program is closed. The Senior Lifestyle Expo features live entertainment, educational sessions, contests, the opportunity to connect with 100+ local organizations, product and service providers, a special“Health & Wellness Area”area, interactive games and giveaways. General admission is $3 at the door, or $2 if you bring the $1-off discount coupon available at www.SeniorLifestyleExpo.org, or by calling toll-free, (800) 528-2000, or(630) 293-5990.

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10 Tips to Help You “Make the Most” of the 15th Annual Senior Lifestyle Expo!

Energize Staff
Keep staff’s energy high with snacks, breaks and friendly competition. Make staff shifts brief — 3 to 4 hours, if possible. At your booth, their first message must be… “We’re glad to be here!”

Engage Attendees
When initiating contact, allow people to scan the booth before offering assistance. Let them know about your drawing and what they may win. Gently touch their arm or shoulder. Use humor and they will be more likely to give you the information you want. Show interest in them as a person; i.e.: family, work history, etc. Remember that they weren’t born at age 85 – they have an entire lifetime behind them!

Basic Skills for Communicating with Seniors
Address the person in the way he/she prefers, when in doubt use Miss, Mrs. or Mr. unless invited to use a first name. Really listen and pay attention, speak distinctly and talk directly at the person. Use a tone of voice that is appropriate to the conversation. Do not use endearments - be respectful.

Inform and Educate for Future Decisions
Don’t make the “sell” aggressive. Not everyone is aware of your product that’s why you’re here. Make contact, make your literature available and know when to back off. Guests may not think they need your product/service. It’s your job to educate them on the benefits. Some products/services they may not need now but very likely will down the road. The best sell… “Take care of these things yourself now so your children don’t make the decision for you.”

Quality Is Better Than Quantity
You will meet many people at the Expo. Be sure to focus your time on people who are potential leads and not let poor prospects, there just for your giveaways, take up your time.

Don’t Just Give Away Your Giveaways!
Staff your booth adequately so that each attendee gets personal attention before receiving a giveaway piece. Consider having each attendee fill out your own brief form – but realize that just a moment of conversation engages the individual, too.

Accumulate Information
It is invaluable to accumulating contact information and notes on top prospects for use in the sorting and follow-up process

Network! – Don’t Underestimate the Value of Peer-to-Peer
Sometimes your best leads come from another exhibitor! Be sure all staff walks the floor at least once a day – to meet other professionals in the senior network. If you would like to be introduced to another exhibitor please ask show management and we help facilitate the introduction.

Be Patient with Your Sales Cycle
Keep in mind you may not get a sale from the Expo onsite. The Expo provides you with an opportunity for customer recognition and contacts. It takes time to cultivate the contacts. When the customer, or friend or relative, needs your product/service, they think of you. First impressions do count!

Personalize Your Follow-Up
Follow up with a thank you, maybe a postcard or a phone call. Offer to give individual attention. Offer a personal tour/visit, about a half-hour of their time, to go over the information. If not now, ask if you can keep them on your mailings for the next six months or year.

If you have additional tips please share with us by leaving a response below.

Welcome! We have provided this form as a convenient way to have your organization’s name badges printed for this year’s Expo.

Simply enter the name(s) of your booth staff and your company name as you would like it to appear on their badges. You can enter up to 10 names at a time.

Rules for using this form:

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We want your help! Please complete the following information for a FREE entrance to the Expo.

NOTE: Name, address and phone is optional. This info is for our purposes only to keep you updated on the Senior Lifestyle Expo. Please know that we do give out or sell our guest names.

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Add your name and information below to be sure that you are receiving the latest updates about the Senior Lifestyle Expo!

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OAKBROOK TERRACE
COMFORT SUITES 17 W. 445 ROOSEVELT RD., OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL 60181 (630) 916-1000

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT 6 TRANSAM PLAZA DR, OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL 60181 (630) 691-1500

HOLIDAY INN 17W350 22ND ST, OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL 60181 (630) 833-3600

*HILTON SUITES 10 DRURY LN, OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL 60181 (630) 941-0100

*HILTON GARDEN INN 1000 DRURY LANE, OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL 60181 (630) 941-1177

LA QUINTA INN 1 S.666 MIDWEST RD., OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL 60181 (800) 663-4230

OAK BROOK
CHICAGO MARRIOTT OAK BROOK 1401 W 22ND ST, OAK BROOK, IL 60523 (630) 573-8555

DRAKE OAKBROOK HOTEL OAK BROOK, IL 60521 (630) 574-5700

HYATT HOTELS & RESORTS 1909 SPRING RD, OAK BROOK, IL 60523 (630) 573-1234

OAK BROOK HILLS RESORT 3500 MIDWEST RD., OAK BROOK, IL 60523 (800) 663-4230

RENAISSANCE HOTELS AND RESORTS 2100 SPRING RD, OAK BROOK, IL 60523 (630) 573-2800

ELMHURST
AMERISUITES, SPRING HILL 410 W LAKE ST, ELMHURST, IL 60126 (630) 782-6300

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT 370 NORTH ROUTE 83, ELMHURST, IL 60126 (630) 941-9444

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS 933 SOUTH RT 83, ELMHURST, IL 60126 (630) 279-0700

HOLIDAY INN 624 N YORK ST, ELMHURST, IL 60126 (630) 279-1100

VILLA PARK
SUBBURBAN LODGE 350 E. ROOSEVELT ROAD, VILLA PARK, IL 60181 (800) 663-4230

LOMBARD/GLEN ELLYN
AMERISUITES CHICAGO 2340 FOUNTAIN SQUARE DR, LOMBARD, IL 60148 (630) 932-6501

COMFORT SUITES 530 W NORTH AVE, LOMBARD, IL 60148 (630) 268-1300

EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL 707 E BUTTERFIELD RD, LOMBARD, IL 60148 (630) 969-7500

HAMPTON INN LOMBARD OAKBROOK 222 E 22ND ST, LOMBARD, IL 60148 (630) 916-9000

HOLIDAY INN 1250 E ROOSEVELT RD, LOMBARD, IL 60148 (630) 629-6000

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT LOMBARD 2001 S HIGHLAND AVE, LOMBARD, IL 60148 (630) 629-7800

WESTMONT
BEST WESTERN OAKBROOK INN 669 PASQUINELLI DRIVE, WESTMONT, IL 60559 (800) 663-4230

* On the Drury Lane Campus