Local businesses are gearing up for the annual Spring Fling Business Expo, where residents can meet the people and organizations that power East County’s economy—all under one roof at the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon on March 25.
The 11th annual event, organized by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., turning the hotel’s ballroom into a high-energy showcase of East County companies and community organizations.
Attendees can browse vendor tables, sample food from local restaurants, and enter raffles while meeting business owners face-to-face.
“What makes Spring Fling different is that each vendor has a chance to meet the person who wins their prize,” said Mary England, president and CEO of the La Mesa Chamber.
“They collect leads from attendees, then announce their winners on the microphone. It’s a personal connection—you don’t just hand out a card; you get to shake hands with the person who won.”
This year’s event promises a wide variety of participants. Visitors can expect to meet non-profits, banks, credit unions, printers, drapery and blind installers, real estate agents, hotels, attorneys, and more.
“It’s an up-close and personal way to meet our business members in a high-energy venue,” England said. “Guests can talk directly to business owners, learn about their services, and enter raffles to win door prizes from many of our vendors.”
New features are also part of the 2026 expo. Several new members are taking vendor tables, and food offerings from fresh local vendors will give attendees a taste of East County’s culinary scene. The Chamber will also introduce its newest members to the community, creating an opportunity to personally welcome them to the La Mesa Chamber family.
The choice of El Cajon as the venue reflects the Chamber’s commitment to East County.
“We would hold this in La Mesa if we had a hotel, but we don’t,” England said. “Hosting in El Cajon allows us to promote our members, provide networking opportunities, and celebrate our East County communities.”
Local businesses already committed to participating include California Coast Credit Union, Helix Dental, Express Blinds, Mathnasium La Mesa South, and the La Mesa Lions Club, along with senior living communities and other service providers. Food samplings from restaurants and caterers complete the social, interactive experience.
Tickets for the event are $20 and must be purchased in advance through the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Organizers note that tickets will not be sold at the door. The event provides a unique opportunity for residents to discover services in their own community, while helping small businesses introduce themselves to potential customers and strengthen their presence in East County.
Spring Fling combines community engagement with networking, all in a festive, interactive setting, making it one of East County’s must-attend business events of the year.
