GEARING UP FOR EXPO

11th annual New York Women’s Expo to take place in March

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. » Women of all ages will gather at the upcoming 11th annual New York Women’s Expo.

The two-day event is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 at the Siena College Marcelle Complex, located at 515 Loudon Rd.

The expo will feature 175 vendors along with hourly seminars and continuous stage performances by the Capital Region female act The Pretty Wreckless playing covers from oldies to today’s top hits.

A total of more than 5,000 women are expected to attend throughout the weekend, to enjoy a truly interactive experience with shopping, pampering, learning, relaxing and information gathering.

“Our attendees range from women of all ages, including mothers and daughters, co-workers or best friends looking for the ultimate girls day out,” said event producer Suzette Anthony, president of Anthony Media Services.

Prior to creating the NY Women’s Expo, Anthony worked in broadcast sales for more than 15 years. She was involved in the media planning for many of the trade shows in the Capital Region and realized that although this area had many arts and craft fairs, gardening and home shows, it lacked an event that specifically targeted women’s needs and interests.

“With women making over 85% of household decisions and as a working woman myself, I thought it would be great to host an expo that would appeal to women of all ages,” Anthony said.

Anthony’s vision 11 years ago was to create a multi-dimensional event that would include entertainment and education as well as the opportunity to discover the latest in new products and services available to women and their families.

“In the beginning, in order to have my vision come true, I personally contacted over 500 companies that would help create the perfect expo for all women to enjoy,” she shared.

Now in the event’s 11th year, “I am proud to say that it has become the largest women’s expo of its kind in New York state with over 5,000 attendees and 175 vendors from the Capital Region and across the country,” Anthony said.

“The 11th annual NY Women’s Expo promises to be the biggest and best yet, showcasing 175 best of the best companies from around the Capital Region and beyond - focused totally on women for the ultimate day out for women of all ages,” a press release for the event said.

For the first time, the expo is teaming up with the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society to present a FurEver

Dog Fashion Show. At 1 p.m on each day of the event, 20 dogs will be on stage strutting their stuff in front of the judges, competing for the grand prize of a $500 Gift Certificate to All Dawgs, and a hair and skincare package courtesy of Grit and Grace Salon for the owner. There will be one winner each day.

Attendees are asked to bring a donation for the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and receive $2 off their admission. A list of donations can be found online at https://995theriver. iheart.com/content/202002-06-fur-ever-dog-fashion-showat-the-new-yorkwomens-expo/.

Tickets for admission are $10 each, available at the door.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN HALLIGAN — MEDIANEWS GROUP FILE Young Living Essential Oils representative Teresa Alger of Saratoga Springs talks with an attendee at the 10th annual New York Women’s Expo at Siena College.

Left to right: Diana Houghton of Castleton, Linda Byer of East Greenbush, and Marilyn Parslow of Schodack, hold their pink New York Women’s Expo bags before entering the event.

Thousands of women attend the 10th annual New York Women’s Expo at Siena College.

LAUREN HALLIGAN — MEDIANEWS GROUP FILE A vendor interacts with an attendee at the 10th annual New York Women’s Expo at Siena College.

LAUREN HALLIGAN — MEDIANEWS GROUP FILE Samples are handed out at the 10th annual New York Women’s Expo.