Home |
|
|
| Press Releases A NEW APPROACH TO KIDS EXPO: FOCUS ON COMMUNITY, NON-PROFITS, FAMILY-FRIENDLY ORGANIZATIONS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The focus of this year’s Kids Expo, Nov. 14 and 15 at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall, will revert back to the event’s original intent; to be a one-stop-shop for the community, especially parents, to learn about family-friendly events, businesses, non-profit organizations, tourist destinations, programs, products and services. Guests to the event, which is now free and open to the public (excluding parking), will notice many changes from previous years. Madison Festivals, Inc. (MFI) purchased the event formerly known as Wisconsin State Journal’s Kids Expo from Capital Newspapers in November, 2008. MFI is a non-profit 501c3 organization that produces and develops events in the greater Madison area such as Madison Marathon and Taste of Madison. Their events are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents, showcase the area to visitors, and provide assistance to local charitable organizations. MFI co-managed the event with Capital Newspapers in 2008. Organizers have worked with local non-profits to create an environment for these organizations to draw attention to their programs in front of a large audience. Even the event’s sponsors have focused on helping non-profit and charitable organizations by purchasing and donating exhibitor space to these groups. Sponsors like Two Men and a Truck, Mid-West Family Broadcasting, First Business Trust & Investments and Wells Fargo have all contributed vendor booths to non-profit businesses as part of their sponsorships. Previously, Kids Expo featured professional entertainers from around the state. But organizers say this took the focus away from the exhibitors and did not mesh with their vision of what the expo should be. A section of the exhibition hall will be set aside so exhibitors and sponsors can give educational talks about their organizations and services. The event will also feature two entertainment areas (down from five in 2008) where local groups (dance, martial arts, etc.) can perform. “Kids love to watch other kids,” says Rita Kelliher, president of Madison Festivals, Inc. “They inspire each other. Seeing a local dance troupe, martial arts exhibit or learning about a new sport or activity makes a young person think, ‘Hey! I can do that, too!’” The stages will not only showcase local groups, but a nationally-known parenting expert, Dr. Popkin from “Real Parents, Real Answers,” will give many presentations throughout the weekend regarding how parents can help keep their children from cigarette smoking. Dr. Popkin has appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and is a noted expert on the subject. (For media inquiries, please contact Monique Moffit at Leapfrog Marketing, PR & Design: 336-544-2903 (direct), 336-253-6541 (cell) or monique@leapfrogmktg.com). Another major change this year is that Kids Expo is now free and open to the public, making the experience affordable for all Madison area families. And for the first time, Kids Expo has a charity partner; the event benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison. With over 100,000 square feet of space, the event will feature more than 95 exhibitors and hands-on activities for the entire family. On Sunday, Nov. 15 from 8:30-10 a.m., there will be a “Holiday Nutcracker Breakfast and Story Time” featuring characters from Madison Ballet’s upcoming production of “The Nutcracker.” Tickets to the all-you-can-eat breakfast are $16 for adults and $10 for kids 3-12. Visit www.kids-expo.com for tickets. The event will also feature a food court and a raffle for five $500 shopping sprees at the Mattel Toy Store in Middleton. Hours:Saturday, November 14, 2009 - 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission: FREE! (Excluding parking and admission to the Holiday Breakfast) Location: Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall Information: www.kids-expo.com
|
MULTIMEDIA POLICY Images and audio/video recordings are periodically taken of participants, spectators and vendors at Madison Festivals, Inc. events.
Please be aware these images and recordings are for Madison Festivals Inc.’s use only and may be used in a variety of publications
including brochures, pamphlets, web pages, flyers or video productions.
©
2009 Kids Expo / Madison Festivals, Inc.