New International Women’s Day Expo puts focus on connecting women in business

By Bailey Zimmer

Come visit the first annual Women in Business Expo on March 8 at the Marriott Conference Centre in Brantford from 10 a m to 4 p m for an International Women’s Day celebration.

Clarity Marketing and Design is hosting a Women’s Day event to help introduce, support and network women in business in the surrounding Brantford, Brant County and Norfolk County area. This exposition will showcase local talent and businesses run by women within the community.

Samantha Gernhart, creator of the expo, says International Women’s Day is a great day to host an event in support of women looking to develop their businesses.

“There’s not something like this that happens any other time of the year. There are other women’s events, but not business events like this … the hope is it’s going to morph and grow,” said Gernhart. This Women in Business Expo is open to everyone and is welcoming people of all ages to come explore and celebrate the exceptional women in the area About 100 people have already registered online to attend.

“There are many women’s networking groups in our area and we really wanted to offer something fresh and modern to today’s women in business. No membership, no popularity contest, nothing like that, just community over competition,” said Jaime-Lee Ridge, Clarity’s social media manager and photographer. The Expo will be free of charge for admission and will feature many attractive events for all attendees to enjoy

Events include six guest speakers, each speaking for about 45 minutes about their businesses, backstories and motivational tales with about 15 minutes between each speaker.

“We’re really excited with the partnerships so far that are interested in coming on,” said Gernhart

There will also be 50 trade show tables for guests to explore, which can lead to job opportunities and networking within the business community. Tables may be handing out business cards and other merchandise to bring home

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Vendors for the tradeshow are applying from Oxford County, Brant County, Norfolk County and Hamilton area Applications to be a vendor will be open until January 31.

“We want to be a resource for women within our communities who are thinking about taking the plunge into business for self,” said Ridge. “You can come to learn from our selected guest speakers who will touch on subjects that are relevant and educational. Walk the trade show and meet actual women in business and learn about their stories, how they overcame challenges, what their passions are, how they keep balance and more ”

Along with vendor tables, there will also be a photo booth to commemorate the exciting day and capture the start to success of many new and growing businesses.

The exposition will also include a ballot draw for prizes which will include gift cards or gift certificates to local businesses around the community. This event will also come with swag bags for the first 100 attendees to take home which includes merchandise from local businesses, various sponsors and other community members putting their products, gift cards or online discount codes in the bags.

Swag bags are not only great for what’s inside, but they’re also convenient to put other products in.

“Swag bags are always great when you’re walking around at a trade show because you receive stuff or people give you pamphlets or a tester.”

Gernhart and Ridge are most excited to see the number of people attend the event and learn about women in business and to see all the successful women come together, to network and support each other in the community.

We’re putting the work in to make this a successful annual event to celebrate women in business and support one another authentically,” said Ridge.

Gernhart feels this will help fill the gap in support and networking for women in the area and hopes to see business develop and grow. She is excited for a day of learning and showcasing women in business.

“You never know who you might meet or what connection you might make,” said Gernhart. “There a lot of different ways people can utilize this event and benefit from it ”

Registration is available online until January 31.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Ball

Helps A Child Smile!

The Glass Slipper Company hosted a Bibbidi Bobbidi Ball on New Year’s Eve and a portion of the proceeds from that evening were donated to Help A Child Smile.

Cinderella presented a $2,500 to Tara Derbyshire-Hutson from Make A Child Smile and Chloe Hutson, who is holding a picture of her late sister, Caitlin. The Glass Slipper Company sent out a huge thank-you to everyone who was involved: Raised Barefoot Photography, David Brown, Martin Smith - Playwright, Joshua Wall, Mike Anthony Tattoos, Kidtastic Adventures, Dan Taylor's Music Academy and Dollarama! This event was only possible because of your kindness and generosity!

Photo credit: Help A Child Smile