For over 30 years, the New Jersey Ultimate Women’s Expo and Great Food Expo have scouted out small businesses to come bring new services, products, and ideas to over 500 expos. This year, over 350 business set up booths at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, New Jersey. Women got the opportunity to learn a new hobby, purchase unique gifts, relax and unwind with free massages, receive free beauty treatments, and even try out new hairstyles. Events included DIY crafting, food samples, wine tastings, fashion shows, beauty and wellness pavilions, and stop by the many different photo stations to take photos to share online.
A unique aspect to this expo, was the special lineup of guest speakers that came to this event. This year speakers consisted of Food Network’s Anne Burrell, Emmy Winning Journalist, Bestselling Author, Executive Producer and Host Tamron Hall, Jersey Shore’s JWOWW (Jenni Farley), Bravo TV’s Food Personality Caroline Manzo, Real Housewives of New Jersey Dolores Catania, and Champion of Food Network’s “Chopped”, Lish Steiling.
While they held several giveaways all around the expo for free items, vacation trips, etc., the biggest giveaway consisted of a $10,000 Amex shopping spree.
All of these different experiences guarantee that anyone who attended found the perfect item to bring home or to gift to someone and a small business gained a new customer.
Jenni Farley, also known as JWOWW, entrepreneur and star from the hit television show “Jersey Shore” and “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” delivered the keynote on Saturday, November 10th.
Farley took the time to give out advice to the audience, talk about her recent projects, and talk about her own life experiences. This 30 minute talk connected with both younger and older audience members.
“So if you guys can get through that awkward stage in your early 20s and even your 30s life can get so much better. And don’t let the bullshit of school make you think that that is all you’re going to have in life and that is all you’re going to be..” Farley said.
She went on to speak about when she competed on “Worst Cooks in America” and surprisingly won along side special guest Anne Burrell. The experience was a beautiful opportunity to earn money to support a dog charity while meeting a lifelong friend while doing so.
Farley also gave the audience some insight into who she is as a person off television. She spoke about her love for horror movies and things that other people would consider weird. For the holidays, Farley mentioned she starts Thanksgiving off with the first “Saw” movie and ends on Christmas with the final installment in the movie’s franchise.
To end her 30 minute session, she promoted her projects.
“I’m praying that it is successful. I pray that they keep that (Jersey Shore Family Vacation) going, still airing every Thursday night on MTV. I would love for everyone to watch our lives unfold. Including Devon which premiers this Tuesday and just keep the party going. It’s once in a lifetime to be able to do the things that I do and I’m so grateful for it.” Farley ended.
In White Plains, New York, the Westchester Women’s Summit held their 4th ever event back in March. Andrea Navedo producer, author, advocate, and actress most known for her role playing Gina Rodriguez in the Golden Globe winning CW series “Jane The Virgin” delivered their keynote.
The creator and producer of this event, Rose Cappa Rotunno spoke highly of the event. She highlighted that every sponsor, speaker, and partner was a critical part of the events success.
“It’s about creating a space for inspiration, advocacy, and self care. It’s been my experience that when you put women together, connections are made, solutions are found, and things get done.” Rotunno stated.
This event consisted of all different workshops, master classes, vip and non vip receptions, and keynotes that all cater to all aspects of womens care.
Women’s expos are all meant to be a place of inspiration, self-care and comfort. A place for women to get together in one room and have all the opportunities to learn something new, create new memories, and network with other women in the business world. There is one everywhere for women who are ready to thrive to attend.
