TahoeChamber’s 2014 Business Expo is making event history this year with a record-breaking 100 organizations participating in tonight’s show.

Many will be local businesses that provide food samples, drinks and entertainment to attendees while they get know the companies in their community and the proprietors behind them.

“This is a really important time to help our businesses connect with new customers and share what they are up to,” Chamber President Betty “B” Gorman said, adding that new businesses, products and services are featured each year.

More than 1,200 people are expected to attend tonight’s event, which will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Convention Center. The popular expo has become a place where people not only go to check out local businesses but to catch up with their friends as well, Gorman said.

“It’s a very social event,” she said. “It’s fun and a great place to see friends and neighbors.”

New this year, participating businesses will compete in the “Best Booth Experience” contest for a chance to win prizes for the most innovative and interesting display.

Winter’s Electric, a South Shore business on Lake Tahoe Boulevard, built a small house for a display last year and will construct Roman columns and a miniature train at this year’s expo.

Dispatcher Sooze D’aintree said the company builds creative booths to stand out at the expo, which has been beneficial to Winter’s Electric by bringing in new business before.

“We want to be remembered, and we want to be noticed,” she said.

Additionally, a silent auction will be held so guests can bid on high-value items during the event. Auction items include spa getaways, free accommodations at Tahoe resorts and gift certificates to local restaurants.

Tickets for the event are $15 on the day of the expo. Other information, including the complete list of auction items valued at $300 or more, can be found at http://www.tahoechamber.com.