Knoxville will host the 2013 Business and Education Expo of the Tennessee Veterans Business Association (TVBA) on January 28-29 at the Knoxville Convention Center.

Members of the public and private sector business community join together in this unique event that combines a business to business showcase with a career and education opportunity summit for veterans.

"This is a high energy event that is a celebration of the diversity in the East Tennessee business community," said Jonathan Williams, founder and 2012 TVBA Chairman. "We combine a B2B trade show environment with a career opportunity fair for veterans" Williams also said, "We invite all Businesses (non-veteran businesses are welcome) and education institutions for networking and learning opportunities, and you may also find a great veteran employee candidate or student" The event will also invite the veteran population to come and learn about career and education opportunities and business startup assistance.

On Monday, January 28, the high-energy expo kicks-off with keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities and more. That evening, keynote speaker Jim Haslam, Founder of Pilot Corporation and U.S. Army Veteran will speak during the Veteran Small Business Awards Ceremony with honors for Veterans Work, Veteran Young Entrepreneur, and Veteran Innovator to name a few.

Tuesday, January 29 begins with opening ceremonies followed by guest speakers Doug Minter, Small Business Development Manager of the Knoxville Chamber and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and keynote speaker Charlie P. Tombras, Jr., President of The Tombras Group and U.S. Army Veteran. The day continues with breakout sessions for attendees with topics ranging from Marketing Your Business in the Digital Space, Understanding Your Education VA Benefits, a Panel Discussion of Small Businesses Competing in the Department of Energy Arena, and more.

"We are thrilled to have the Tennessee Veterans Association Business and Education Expo take place this January," said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. "This event brings many of our honored veterans to Knoxville and gives them the chance to see all our city has to offer."

The expo also offers a business to business trade showcase highlighting companies products to the general public and offering information about career opportunities. Interested businesses may purchase booth space for $650. For information about vendor opportunities at the 2013 Expo, contact Jonathan Williams at 865-332-4476 or [email protected].

To learn more about TVBA and the 2013 Business and Education Expo, visit www.jointvba.org.