With the theme “Destination: Innovation,” the Androscoggin Business-to-Business Trade Show will be held Thursday, June 9 at the Colisée in Lewiston. Considered to be the year’s most significant networking event, the show will draw an estimated 2,500 business attendees.

This year’s show will focus on the need for organizations to seize opportunities to innovate, reinvent themselves and take a fresh look at what they do best.

Hosted by the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council, the show is the largest one-day business event in the state, featuring nearly 200 exhibitors. It is believed to be the state’s longest-running consecutive business show.

“Companies have survived this difficult economy not simply by cutting costs and staff, but by reengineering the way they do things,” says Calvin Rinck, marketing director for LAEGC. “Any successful organization must continually innovate. They must find new markets, discover new ways of doing things, look at new revenue streams and seek new relationships.”

Organizers will use modern communications tools, such as text messaging and social media, to connect with exhibitors, attendees and sponsors. Organizers will also host some of the mainstays that have made the show great, including a giant Chamber Breakfast at the beautiful Bates College Commons in Lewiston with keynote speaker Michael Austermeier of Lufthansa Technik.

Later in the evening, a special Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council and Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours will take place at the Trade Show from 4:30 to 6 p.m. As always, the After Hours will include a cash bar hosted by the Colisée, a Chamber 50/50 Raffle, networking opportunities and announcements of the grand-prize winners.

Showcasing a sampling of their signature dishes, four local Lewiston-Auburn eateries will cater their signature dishes: The Great American Grill at Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch; Schooner Estates; Taste of Three One Café; and KFC/Taco Bell.

The Shipyard Lounge will be transformed into the CyberCafe and Business Oasis. The free wi-fi café will allow attendees an area to unwind, check e-mail and surf the net while local business owner, Marvin Langley of Maine IT, will help answer questions or troubleshoot electronic devices.

The Business Oasis section of the Shipyard Lounge will feature Greater Brunswick Physical Therapy, Kripalu Therapeutic Massage and Beauti Basics Skincare and Makeup Studio. Offering a variety of therapeutic massages and skin care pleasures for those attending, the CyberCafe and Business Oasis will be a welcome sanctuary for those in need.

“The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council will continue to promote local businesses and services, showcase new products, launch new initiatives and advertise to the world why the community of Lewiston-Auburn is determined to succeed, thrive and innovate into a new decade, “ added Rinck. “In Lewiston-Auburn, it really is ‘happening here!’ ”

As has been the case for the past several years, the show is expected to sell out. For information on exhibiting, contact Calvin Rinck at 784-0161 or e-mail crinck@economicgrowth.org. Visit the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council at www.economicgrowth.org for more information.