An Easy Way To Give Back

The holidays are among us! Sales, sales and more sales, not to mention holiday get-togethers, lots of yummy goodies at work, and Christmas music on every other station. While we are getting ready for "the most wonderful time of year," (just makes you want to sing, doesn't it!) thousands of troops are serving our country overseas and won't be home for the holidays this year.

If you are looking for a way to thank the troops, visit this site "Let's Say Thanks" http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html. Just pick out a card and Xerox will kindly print it and send it to a soldier who is serving in Iraq. It is free and only takes a minute.

Gather your kids around the computer with you so you can "Let's Say Thanks" to a soldier.

Blogs, Blogs & More Blogs

I'm no good at this blogging thing-I can admit it. But I often visit blogs of other women. Their writing just flows and almost always includes wonderful bits of humor, some reflective moments, usually lots of good advice and sometimes even a contest or two.

I wanted to share a few Bloggers that I thought you might be interested in reading. If you feel inclined, please check them out. You may even be inspired to start your own blog. If you do, may you find it a stress reliever and enjoyable hobby and maybe you can even make it a career like some of these women did.

Check out:

Barefoot Mommies
www.barefootmommies.com
Right now they are giving away a Spring Free Trampoline to one US or Canadian Barefoot Mommies Reader. I bet the kids would think that was pretty cool if you won!

Peanut Butter and Pickle Reviews
www.pbandpickles.com
This site has lots of cool information and give-aways. Right now, one lucky winner will receive a Kikkoman recipe book and 2 full size bottles of Kikkoman special sauces right in time for Thanksgiving. Your guests will think you are a fantastic cook!

Thrifty & Chic Mom
www.thriftyandchicmom.com
Coupons, deals of the week… Black Friday Deals and Coupons, everything you need to know to save some dough!

Organize with Sandy
www.organizewithsandy.blogspot.com
What Mom doesn't need a bit more organization? I know I need A LOT more! This blog helps Moms to better organize their life, everything from organizing your purse to your family’s Thanksgiving Dinner.

A Mommy Story
www.amommystory.blogspot.com
This blog is all Mommy! She writes about her life experiences and it is very entertaining.

Who knows? We may even have a Mommy Blogger Panel at the Baby Bonanza and Kid's Expo. This would be a wonderful opportunity to speak to Mommy Bloggers and ask them all of your questions!

Balloon Saga

It appears charges will be filed against the Heene family for what appears to be a hoax. The family states they thought their six year old son was aboard a home made balloon when it lifted into the air on Thursday. After hours of trying to capture the balloon and rescue the boy, it was found that he had been hiding in the rafters in the attic the whole time. 

That night and the very next morning, the family made the circuit of all of the television stations. When the 6-year old was asked why he hid, he stated it was for the show. Obviously this answer, started to raise some serious questions.

The Heene family isn't new to the bright lights of cameras and has been on the reality television series "Wife Swap" and there was also another show in development with the Heene family (which has since been called off).

What are your thoughts on this saga and this family? Do you think it was a hoax?

Fantastic Response!

Earlier this week we officially announced that we are taking applications for the Baby Bonanza & Kid's Expo in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio in April 2010 and the response has been amazing! The Baby Bonanza & Kid's Expo has grown into one of the largest maternity, baby and child expos in the Midwest and if your company is interested in marketing your products to thousands of consumers (who really WANT to know about your products!), please contact us for more information.

We also have various Sponsorship levels available. If your company would like to receive fantastic marketing exposure through our extensive advertising campaign, please contact us and we can find a sponsor level to fit your needs.

It may seem like a long time from now, but the shows will be here sooner than you think! Reserve your booth today!

Wow-Expo Season is Coming Again!

It's hard to believe that we are already gearing up for our 2010 shows! Our exhibitor and sponsor information is ready and we are accepting applications from businesses and organizations for exhibitor booths.

We are not only excited because we have expanded to a 2-day show (a whole weekend of education, buying and fun!) but we will also produce the expo in Cleveland. We have become one of the largest consumer baby and child expos in the Midwest and we have a lot of fun and excitement scheduled for both cities!

Contact us today for more information!

Why Event Marketing?

I work with many businesses, large and small, and the importance of event marketing is a topic that is often discussed. In a tough economy where many businesses are cutting back on their marketing budgets, it is more important than ever to stay ahead of the competition and promote your products and services.

Babies are always being born and your family related products are in demand! Event marketing allows you to speak directly to potential customers, personally show them your products and sell your items.

The Baby Bonanza & Kid's Expo brings consumers to you and is an affordable and effective way for you to build your business.

Contact us today for more information at kcscreativeevents@yahoo.com.

School Is Back In!

It's amazing how fast the summer has gone. My last post was in June and I wrote about school being out and here we are near the end of August and today was my 7 year olds first day of school. The weather was a bit cooler and we seemed a bit busier and the combination made the summer seem like a blur. Last night, my son was actually really upset that the summer went by too fast.

Now as we head into Fall, along with school come the activities, homework, Ohio State football games, yard work and cooler temperatures. This is typically my favorite time of year but right now I still want to hold on to the lazy days of summer, when we spend time on the deck and it's light outside until after 8:00.

Each season has so many qualities. What is your favorite season and why?

School is Out!

We just returned from a great vacation! We were gone for nearly 2 weeks and were welcomed by tall grass, weeds in the flower beds, lots of voice mail messages and emails and a stuffy house. But it was all worth it. 

While on vacation, our 2 kids learned to swim (yea!). We played Go Fish, the Memory Game and Old Maid. We grilled out, ate out, and had lots of ice cream. We spent time with family (Nana and Bapa, T.T., Aunt Kelly and Uncle Kevin and Baby Kate). We rode bikes, fished, swam in the ocean and played in the sand. We had a wonderful time.

So the stuffy house, tall grass and everything else was worth it. We live in a world that is full of go-go-go and we all need to take a step back and slow down. This vacation gave us some much needed family time. Do you have a special family vacation planned? Tell me about it!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is tomorrow and my husband and kids are out buying me a present. I know they are going to the Home Depot. I wonder what exciting gift they will get me? Perhaps some paint so I can start working on the basement? Maybe some mulch so the landscape work can get done? Or better yet, a new grill (for my husband, not me).

It really doesn't matter. The presents I love most and truly cherish are the ones that my two great kids, ages 7 and 4 give me. Colorful pictures, homemade cards, and hugs that are so sweet they bring tears to my eyes. Those presents are the ones I love and will always remember, not the paint that will eventually peel, the mulch in the landscape or the grill that will soon rust.

Happy Mother's Day! If you have received a very special gift, I would love to hear about it! Post your comments below.

We Are Growing!

Good morning! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday morning.

We have great news! We are growing and will be producing the Baby Bonanza Expo not only in Columbus but also in Cleveland, OH. More details will be posted soon!

Thank you for your support and please leave your comments or suggestions. Also, if you would like more information on how your business can become an exhibitor or sponsor, please contact us at kcscreativeevents@yahoo.com.

Enjoy your weekend!

Spring is Here!

Spring is here! The birds are chirping early in the morning, the flowers are blooming and the rain makes the grass turn that wonderful shade of green. I love Spring and all of its promises of warmer weather and more sunshine and I actually look forward to the sound of lawn mowers.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the winter... well, at least not until mid-February. It just seems like the winters in Ohio last longer when you have 2 kids just itching to get outside. The change in seasons is a wonderful thing but try explaining that to a 7 and 4 year old, especially when their cousins live in south Florida and are in their pool every day.

But Spring is here and the apple blossoms are blooming and the neighbors emerge from hibernation and come out of their houses. Kids are riding their bikes and scooters and I even heard the ice cream truck. 

Before we know it, the neighborhood pools will be open and the schools will be out for the summer. But let's just enjoy one season at a time. :)

Thank you!

We would like to thank all of our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and staff for making the 3rd Annual Baby Bonanza Expo the BIGGEST and BEST one yet!  

Wow... what a day! If you attended the Baby Bonanza Expo, we would love to hear your comments. What feature did you enjoy the most? Perhaps it was the Dad's Challenge or Diaper Derby Baby Race? Was this your first Baby Bonanza Expo? Did you buy anything? We want to hear from you! :)

In just 3 years, exhibitor participation has grown nearly 45% and attendance has seen almost a 300% increase.  We are extremely pleased with the event and are already planning the next one! Look for details soon!  Exhibitor space sold-out this year so if you have a company that is interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the event, please contact us for more information.

Thanks again for a great event!

Don't Miss It!

Don't Miss The Baby Bonanza Expo TOMORROW!!!

Visit www.babybonanza.net for more information including 

a complete schedule of events, a list of exhibitors and sponsors, plus so much more!

We look forward to seeing you at the Baby Bonanza Expo on Saturday!

Fox 28 and NBC 4

Be sure to tune to Fox 28 at 8:10 tomorrow morning and NBC 4 tomorrow afternoon at 4:00!  The Baby Bonanza Expo will be featured!

Almost Here!

Wow-the Baby Bonanza Expo is almost here and advertising is all over the place!  You can hear our ads on 3 radio stations, watch our ads on 3 television stations and look for print ads in tons of print publications!  Keep your eyes open for our event postcards and yard signs too!

Visit our website to find a complete schedule of events.  There is something going on all day, whether it's a seminar, diaper derby baby race, or fashion show, so plan on spending a lot of time at the show!

Also, be sure to tune your television to Fox 28 on Friday morning for Good Day Columbus.  The Baby Bonanza Expo will be featured!

Events Schedule

This year promises to be the best Baby Bonanza Expo yet!  

We have a great Events Schedule that includes:

A Special NICU Reunion (NEW!)

Dad's Challenge (NEW!)

Three Diaper Derby Baby Races

Fashion Show (NEW!)

Princess Party (NEW!)

WeJoySing

Fun with Buckeye Gymnastics (NEW!)

Lot and lots of door prizes!

We also have some wonderful seminars scheduled including:

Safe Sleep - presented by Mount Carmel

Pregnant? Now what? - presented by Birthworkers of Central Ohio

Paying for Education - presented by Edward Jones

Visit our Events Schedule for exact times.  

Please tell us what Baby Bonanza Expo feature YOU are looking forward to!

Have You Seen Our Ads???

The 3rd Annual Baby Bonanza is just two weeks away.  Have you seen our ads?  

We are thrilled that the Baby Bonanza Expo is mentioned in the AAA magazine Home and Away!  It's also in City Scene magazine, not to mention Tickled Pink Women's Magazine, Central Ohio Health and Lifestyle magazine, Columbus Parent Magazine and Suburban News Publications!  Wow!!!

Our television ads start on Monday so look for them on NBC, ABC and TLC during Jon and Kate Plus 8.  Radio ads also start on Monday on Sunny 95, the New Mix 107.9 and Big Hits 104.3.

Can you help us promote the Baby Bonanza Expo by adding it to your blog or telling your friends about it?  We appreciate it!

Also, let us know where you have seen the Baby Bonanza advertised by commenting below!

Less than a month!

In less than a month, the 3rd Annual Baby Bonanza Expo will take place in Columbus, Ohio!  

The Baby Bonanza Expo offers so much for young families - exhibitors providing helpful information, the opportunity to purchase fun, unique and very cool products, stage entertainment for the whole family including We Joy Sing as well as a very special party for little princesses, a fashion show, 3 diaper derby baby races, and a hilarious Dad's challenge! The Baby Bonanza Expo will also offer educational seminars including a Safe Sleep Seminar presented by Mount Carmel.  And of course, there are a ton of door prizes!

Advertising has started.  Have you seen any of our print ads?  Have you picked up a promotional postcard or Baby Bonanza Expo pen?  Have you seen the event listed on a website? We would love to know how you have heard about the Baby Bonanza Expo!  Please leave your comments.

Lastly, if you are interested in being an exhibitor, it's not too late! Please contact us for more information.

Just when I thought we were in the clear...

Just when I thought we were in the clear and the flu/strep/cold and whatever other sicky bug is out there had passed us by, our 4-year old daughter wakes up this morning and says "Ouch, my neck hurts".  Translation: her throat is bothering her.  So I ask her to open up her mouth wide and say "AHHH" to see if her throat is red.  

But first, did you know it's almost impossible to see the back of a child's throat without a flashlight?  And guess how many flashlights are in our house that don't work?  The answer is 5.  

Needless to say, I have no idea how red her little throat is but by the way she is bopping all around the house, I'm thinking it isn't too bad plus Tylenol can work wonders.

So our day has consisted of watching the Barbie as Rapunzel movie, Leap Frog's Word Factory, Dora, Backyardigans, etc. and just basically hanging out in our pajamas.

By her being "sick", we have had the opportunity to play in her room a bit, eat ice cream, hide under her covers, and just have some Mommy/Daughter time.  That is a very good thing.

Grass and a Blue Sky In February?

Wait.  Did I see grass underneath all of that snow today?  I think I did.  I think I saw some grass poking out near a driveway where a misguided car tried to back down straight but failed crunching the snow until it melted away.  I also observed a beautiful blue sky which is a lovely thing to see in Ohio in February.

Now I know we will have other major storms this winter, storms that the television stations like to label as "Winter Storm 2009" or "Operation Freezing".  But still, that little bit of grass and the blue sky were a welcome site on this busy Monday.   Both lifted my spirits as I thought of Spring and how it really will be here before we know it.  And with Spring, comes the Baby Bonanza Expo!

Today was a wonderfully productive day as we continue to secure sponsors and exhibitors for the 3rd Annual Baby Bonanza Expo.  But don't worry, we still have booths left!  Contact us to reserve your space!

New to Twitter!

I signed up for Twitter tonight and am trying to figure it out.  (Twitter name: BabyBonanza) It seems like a really cool concept.  I just wonder how long it will take me to get the hang of it...

Remember my last blog and how much I love Fridays?  Well, last Friday, the garage door didn't open up all the way, it stopped 3/4 of the way up.  Of course this was unbeknownst to me, that is until my van backed into it.  Just $280 later, the garage door works again and the van is fixed. Maybe I should have said I love "Most" Fridays.

Happy Friday!

I love Fridays.  It's my very favorite day of the week.  I love planning the weekend activities, the thought of sleeping in (though with 2 kids, that very rarely happens!) and staying up late (is 10:30 considered late?)

I also absolutely love my job and helping businesses be successful at the Baby Bonanza Expo.  If you are thinking about exhibiting, but you just aren't sure, please give me a call and we can discuss ways for your business to have a productive and successful day at Baby Bonanza.  

We can discuss different ways to design your booth space as well as some creative ideas to draw attendees to your booth.  Also we will be offering a free Exhibitor Tips and Tricks seminar in February.  We will keep you posted on the date.

Please let me know your thoughts.  If you have exhibited at Baby Bonanza and have suggestions for potential exhibitors, I welcome your comments.  Or if you just love Fridays like me, I would love to know!

Two months 'til the Show!

In just two months, thousands of people from all over Ohio and neighboring states will attend the 3rd Annual Baby Bonanza Expo!  Our exhibitor list is growing everyday and if your company or organization offers products or services targeted to babies, toddlers or young families, we hope you will participate as an exhibitor!  Visit our website www.babybonanza.net to view our current list of exhibitors.

If you would like more information on the Baby Bonanza Expo, please contact us!

In 2009, How Will You Market Your Business?

As I type this, I am amazed that it is 2009.  Time flies by!  It doesn't seem so long ago that we were celebrating 2000 and worrying about all of our computers crashing!  But it is 2009 and times are different, including the economy.  The economy is making things a bit challenging for everyone - businesses and consumers.

Have you thought about your marketing plan for the new year?  Will you scale back on traditional advertising?  Will you try something different to attract new business?  Has your company or organization ever done any event marketing?  

Exhibitors at the Baby Bonanza Expo experience marketing in a different way.  They have the opportunity to speak directly to people who are interested in their company.  They can showcase their products or services and give hands-on demonstrations.  By doing all of this, they receive cost-effective exposure.

As you plan your marketing strategies for 2009, we hope you will consider event marketing and participating in the 3rd Annual Baby Bonanza Expo.