2011 West Michigan Women's Expo dates are March 11-13, 2011.
The following information is from the March 12-14, 2010 Women's Expo:
For Immediate Release
Contact: Denise Kolesar, Women’s Expo
616.532.8833
West Women’s Expo Returns to Grand Rapids for 12th Year
Show Slated for March 12-14 Will Focus on Home Fashion, Food and Fun
Grand Rapids, Michigan, February 16, 2010 – West Michigan Women’s Expo returns to Grand Rapids March 12-14 for its 12th year as the largest consumer show focused entirely on women.
The 2010 show, which will again be held at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, will feature products and services from more than 350 women-owned and women-focused businesses, as well as presentations by local experts and a national celebrity on topics ranging from home fashion and food to financial planning and family. The three-day run will showcase a mix of old favorites and new offerings, including shopping opportunities, beauty and home makeovers, health screenings, get-away destinations and more.
Highlights of this year’s lineup of exhibits include:
- Television celebrity and lifestyle expert Katie Brown, host of the PBS home arts series, “The Katie Brown Workshop.” She will share her philosophy of “Keep it simple” through several on-stage workshops on Saturday that focuses on the home, kitchen and family.
- Author and humorist Kathey Batey, who presents on work-life balance, boundaries and buoyancy through presentations such as “Has Anyone Seen My Other Life?”
- Social communicator Lynne Jarman-Johnson, who will present a series of seminars on how to use popular social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to stay connected personally or professionally. Her seminars are presented by sponsor Lake Michigan Credit Union, which will also host the Women’s Expo Network Hub at its booth.
- Meijer Inc. will again host the Cooking Stage, featuring healthy, fast, fresh recipes for families looking to inject a little variety into their diet while watching their waistlines and budgets.
- Dr. Don Verhulst, who will sign copies of his popular book, “10 Keys that Cure for Better Health,” which examines how to incorporate 10 good-for-you foods into your life.
- The Girl Scouts of Michigan will host a “malt shop” where Expo goers can try some sweet creations made with the Scouts’ signature cookies.
- The latest fashions will be presented by several participating boutiques.
“We are pleased to once again offer a weekend event that women throughout West Michigan have come to see as their personal spring break,” said Denise Kolesar, president of Kohler Expos, which promotes the event each year. “Each year, we work to present a show that is better than the preceding year, blending the familiar with fun, new opportunities to keep things fresh. We think we have outdone ourselves for our 12th show in Grand Rapids.
“As always, Expo will feature an engaging balance of products, activities, services and on-stage presentations that educate and entertain. Our goal is to encourage women to take some time out and have fun – and learn some new things in the process.”
Main sponsors for this year’s Expo are Lake Michigan Credit Union, WZZM 13, Star 105.7 and Women’s Lifestyle Magazine. Additional sponsorship of the event comes from Meijer and Williams Kitchen and Bath.
The Expo is slated to run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March. Advance tickets are $6.00 each and are available at all area Meijer stores. Admission at the door is $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for children ages 6-14. Children 5 and under are admitted free.
Central to Expo again this year will be two stages that feature live presentations on a variety of issues throughout the weekend. The Main Stage will feature presentations on social networking, healthcare and home fashion.
Meijer will again sponsor the Healthy Living Cooking Stage. Attendees will be able to watch cooking demonstrations and pick up tips – and recipes – for meals that are simple, delicious and healthy.
Highlights from the presentation stages include:
Main Stage
- Katie Brown’s Lifestyle workshop
- Dr. Don’s 10 keys that cure
- All about allergies
- Cost of being a caregiver
Cooking Stage
- Easy meals and health families
- NuVal nutrition scoring system
- Guest chef: Sue Chef
- Cooking with Katie Brown
Other highlights of this year’s Expo include:
- On-site day spa services, including haircuts, waxing and other beauty treatments to pamper the busy woman
- Vacation ideas around Michigan
- Gourmet food products to sample at home, including dips, cheesecake, breads, cookies, jams, soups and other items
- Unique on-site shopping, including scarves, custom jewelry, purses, wallets, accessories, children’s books and toys, footwear, cooking items and more
- Home improvement products, including kitchen remodels, foundation repair, waterproofing, decorative concrete, patios, roofing, siding, gutters, replacement windows and doors, and more
- Health and fitness information, demonstrations, products and services, including spinal analysis, chiropractic services, wellness evaluations, breast health and related issues
- Education opportunities through financial literacy programs, credit union, financial and estate planner, university and related providers.
- A blood drive sponsored by Michigan Blood all three days. Women may also have their blood typed at the MB booth throughout the Expo.
“Expo provides busy women a chance to catch up with themselves, their friends and their families,” Kolesar explained. “Here they will find numerous resources – for the home, family, career and themselves – under a single roof. Whether you choose to sample, listen, participate, learn or shop, all you have to do is come down to the Expo and enjoy.
Parking is available for a minimal charge conveniently located beneath DeVos Place off its Michigan Street entrance. Additionally, the DASH bus will offer transportation to the DeVos Place all three days from remote parking lots near downtown (parking cost is $3 in coins). A coat check will be available each day during the event to benefit Safe Haven Ministries, which will be collecting old cell phones to benefit its Call for Help program.
Attendees can also sign up for a number of give-aways at the door and throughout the Expo. For more information, including a schedule of events and additional information about exhibitors and parking, go to www.kohlerexpo.com.
About West Michigan Women’s Expo
Celebrating its 12th year, West Michigan Women’s Expo offers a balance of education, entertainment and enjoyment in an event tailored for the lives of busy women. More than 350 women-owned and women-focused businesses will display a wide range of products and services targeted specifically toward women. The Expo also features demonstrations and presentations on topics including healthcare and wellness, finances, business opportunities, beauty, fashion, education, travel, fitness and home remodeling. Main sponsors are Lake Michigan Credit Union, WZZM 13, Star 105.7 and Women’s Lifestyle Magazine. Additional sponsorship of the event comes from Meijer and Williams Kitchen and Bath. More information is available at www.kohlerexpo.com. 
