CougsFirst! Show Returns to Bellevue, Wash. with More Exhibitors, Plus After Party

BELLEVUE, Wash. - Nov. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Not even the big box stores offer this much variety – and a select number of businesses can still be part of it.

On March 4, 2015, Bellevue’s Meydenbauer Center will host “CougsFirst! (http://www.cougsfirst.org),” a unique showcase of products and services, plus a post-show networking reception. One hundred exhibitors – the capacity -- are expected. The show and after party are free to attend, whether a WSU alumni or not.

What sets this third annual event apart from other trade shows are the array of exhibitors, and the organization that produces it:

·     Exhibiting businesses are owned or managed by alumni of Washington State University.

·     CougsFirst! is a nonprofit, volunteer led initiative whose mission is to encourage WSU alumni and friends to think “Cougars First” for products and services.

Participants say the concept is not only working, it’s also exceeding expectations. Consequently, event planners are expanding the number of exhibitors for 2015.

Feedback from last year’s exhibitors indicates “deals got done,” according to Glenn Osterhout, a founding member of CougsFirst! and the chairman of its board.

“The CougFirst! events have not only been enjoyable to attend, but also very productive for my business,” said Brian Quint, president of Bellevue-based AquaQuip. “Cougs like doing business with Coug owned businesses, and the CougsFirst! events have given us the venue and visibility to present our products and services to other ‘west side’ Cougs. It’s also been a great way to meet and learn more about other local ‘Coug owned’ companies.”

Organizers say more than half the exhibit space is already sold, even though Avid Events, the Coug-owned company that is managing the space, only started marketing it a few weeks ago.

One new exhibitor in 2015 will be KELLYBRADY, a full service advertising agency in Spokane. “We are very excited to be part of the CougsFirst community as well as participate in the upcoming show,” said company president Darren Case. “Within our company, we value the ability of building strong business partnerships,” he stated, adding, “We see CougsFirst! as a business outlet to accomplish just that with people just as passionate as we are. We are looking forward to contributing to the network.”

The Cougar network is known for its loyal alumni who share an irrepressible spirit for all things crimson and gray. One returning exhibitor who enjoys catering to WSU fans is the Tacoma Rainiers.

Each year during baseball season, fans turn out in big numbers for the annual “Color Cheney Crimson” game at the Tacoma ballpark. CougsFirst! attendees will be able to purchase game tickets and merchandise, and enter to win a prize package from the Rainiers.

“CougsFirst! provides us with an opportunity to share our passion and fan experience with Cougs from all over the Northwest, said Mikal Thomsen, CEO of The Baseball Club of Tacoma and a 1979 graduate of WSU. “We look forward to coloring Cheney Stadium crimson every year,” he added, noting proceeds from WSU Night support scholarships for future Cougs.

Unlike some collegiate networking groups, CougsFirst! is operated as a standalone nonprofit organization. The CougsFirst! name is trademarked under a licensing agreement with Washington State University. The volunteer initiative is the creation of six alumni who believe the bond Cougars share around academics and athletics should also extend to the business arena.

“The idea is simple, straightforward – and intentional,” explained Jack Thompson, one of the CougsFirst! founding board members. “Our goal is to use special events, social media, advertising and other marketing so WSU alumni and friends can network and interact in a positive business environment,” said Thompson. The former star quarterback at WSU is now a VP with Umpqua Bank, which will be among the exhibitors.

Other scheduled exhibitors include an array of merchandise and service providers, ranging from automobiles to professional services and winemakers. Several WSU departments will also participate.

The 2015 show features two levels of sponsorship, crimson and gray. Businesses interested in exhibiting can learn more by visiting the CougsFirst! (http://www.cougsfirst.org/) website, http://www.cougsfirst.org, or contacting Mary-Jo Bradley Laster at Avid Events, maryjo@avidevents.com.

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For more information regarding CougsFirst!, visit http://www.cougsfirst.org. (http://www.cougsfirst.org./)

Media contact:Glenn Osterhout, 425-453-2343 ext. 3

orosterhoutg@ceteranetworks.com