West Michigan Women's Expo Announces Speakers, Exhibitor Highlights

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, February 24, 2013 (Press-News.org) From life-saving foods and health family suppers to a Pinterest expert and hula hoop aficionado, dozens of local and national speakers will share their wisdom - and a few laughs - at West Michigan Women's Expo.

Now celebrating its 15th year, Expo is the largest women-focused consumer show in the region and will host two stages and a wide variety of presenters and topics during its popular three-day run at DeVos Place March 8-10. The Expo will bring together more than 400 women-owned and women-focused businesses to showcase a diverse range of products and services ranging from home fashion and food to financial planning and family.

Highlights of this year's main stage include:
Pinterest guru Michelle Grzybowski, who owns {re}imagined just for you (www.reimaginedjustforyou.wordpress.com). The artist will take the main stage throughout Expo for "Something Pinteresting is Going On." Her presentations will feature {re}imagining old, dated furniture with paint, creating hand-painted signs for home decor and gifts and creative {re}purposing to bring Pinterest boards to life.

Merri Davis, owner of Hoop Happy Hoop Healthy LLC, will conduct Hoop Fit clinics throughout Expo. Attendees will learn the basics of hooping as a way to strengthen one's core, add definition to arms and tighten legs - while having a fun cardio workout. Davis turned her hobby into a company, offering Make 'n Tape parties that allow women to design their own custom hoops and training instructors to work as independent hoop contractors.

Kari de St. Germain, who will lead a MELT Method workshop on Sunday. Showcased on the Dr. Oz Show, MELT is a self-care tool designed to relieve chronic pain, improve flexibility and balance and slow down the aging process.

Self-defense for Women by Flees ATA Martial Arts, presenting five key things women need to know to protect themselves.
Shape Life Studios, who will give demonstrations and discuss the benefits of spinning.

Bernadette Johnson of CORE Consulting will debut for the first time in West Michigan her book Waves of Influence. Her presentation will inspire you to set the stage for your own leadership and legacy.

Highlights of the cooking stage, which will be coordinated by Meijer and Williams Kitchen & Bath, include:
Nationally renowned author David Grotto, who wrote the acclaimed book, 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life, which is now published in 18 languages. An Illinois resident, Grotto has hosted his own radio and television programs on health and nutrition. He serves as an advisor to Fitness magazine and blogs on WebMD. His new book, Best Things You Can Eat, was published last month. He will sign copies of his book during the show.

Cooking tips and healthy menus from Meijer, featuring presentations by dietitian Shari Steinbach throughout the weekend. Her sessions will focus on healthy soup suppers, recipes with rotisserie chicken and easy meals for health families.
Bringing back breakfast, presented by Ray Sierengowski, Meijer corporate research chef, and Jennifer Gritters, asocial research chef.

Author and former Grand Rapids Press Food Editor Jaye Beeler, who will present a session on pesto making. She will sign copies of her book during the show.

Kristen Johnson from ACE-PT who will give tips on setting up an affordable home gym.

"Our seminars and stages are an integral component of Expo and deliver an exceptional range of topics and speakers that will appeal to women of all ages and backgrounds," said Denise Kolesar, president of Kohler Expos, which promotes the event. "By balancing education with a little entertainment and fun, our speakers deliver powerful presentations on healthy lifestyles, menu planning, home fashion, personal safety and wellness that will resonate with women in West Michigan.

Women's Expo will also showcase new products, many of which will debut during the weekend. These include:
Our Own Products, presenting an undershirt designed to protect clothing from perspiration and skin oils created by a former MSU women's basketball player
Tech Sling, a technology holster that gives hands-free flexibility, showcased by Tresha Davis, a member of Grand Rapids Inventors Network, or GRIN
The Flush Down automatic toilet seat and inventor and GRIN member Thomas Reminert, who will survey women for their opinions
Soap Deli, a new Grand Rapids store where entrepreneur Russ Crawford slice fresh soap from a full-service deli case and send it home with you in a handmade origami pouch

The title sponsor for this year's Expo is Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. The Expo is slated to run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 10. Advance tickets and group sales are $7 each and are available at all area Meijer stores. Admission at the door is $9 for adults and $7 for children ages 6-14.

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; more details on http://www.kohlerexpo.com. 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, and Women's Resource Center.

Attendees can also sign up for a number of give-aways at the door and throughout the Expo, including a Caribbean vacation valued at $2,000 donated by Lake Michigan Credit Union. For more information, including a schedule of events and additional information about exhibitors and parking, go to http://www.kohlerexpo.com or visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WestMichiganWomensExpo.

About West Michigan Women's Expo
Celebrating its 15th year, West Women's Expo offers a balance of education, entertainment and enjoyment in an event tailored for the lives of busy women. More than 375 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. The title sponsor for the event is Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort and Meijer. Additional information is available at http://www.kohlerexpo.com

Contact: Denise Kolesar, Women's Expo
616.532.8833
or
Mary Ann Sabo, Sabo Public Relations
616.485.1432