LEWISTON — The 18th annual Androscoggin Business to Business Trade Show has been scheduled for Thursday, June 13, at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

The theme is Building Connections for Business Success, focusing on how companies have built relationships from the ground up in order to grow their business.

Presented by the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, the one-day event draws an estimated 2,500 business professionals from throughout New England. 

“Personal relationships are paramount to any successful enterprise,” Stephanie Lewis of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council said in a written statement. “The Business to Business Trade Show provides an opportunity for hundreds of businesses and thousands of professionals to meet, shake hands, and exchange ideas, all under the convenience of one roof.”

According to organizers, the event has grown in size and attendance every year since its inception in 1995. For the last seven years, all booth space has been sold out. The 2012 event was the largest on record and featured more than 185 booths and 167 exhibitors across 57 market and industry segments.

“Last year we saw an unprecedented 51 percent turnover of exhibitors with over 28 percent outside of Androscoggin County,” Lewis wrote. “When we opened this up with our major statewide marketing push, dozens of new businesses jumped at the opportunity to showcase in L-A. I think the excitement and buzz about what’s happening in Lewiston and Auburn has made a lot of businesses take a second look at the area.”

The event is from from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public. It’s free for those attending with a business card.

Booth space is still available. For information about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, go to www.b2bMaineTradeShow.com or contact event organizer Calvin Rinck at the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council at (207) 784-0161 or by email at crinck@economicgrowth.org.

Before the event, the largest Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce breakfast of the year will be held at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center in Lewiston beginning at 7:15 a.m. Tickets go on sale for the breakfast May 10.

Immediately after the trade show, the chamber will host the largest Business After Hours of the year. Held within the food concession area of the Colisee, the free event is open to all exhibitors, attendees and chamber members.