Oh Baby, Baby!

by Danielle Beck

Carrying a baby around in your belly for nine months can prove to be a “tad bit” tricky, but it was trying to find a one-stop shop for baby resources that proved to be even more difficult for one future mom – and spurred a new business.

“I was pregnant with my son, Zane, and as a first-time mom I wanted to know everything, “says Jenn Kampmeier, “I wanted to know how to care for my baby – from proper nursing techniques to where I could find unique baby clothes and items.” 

East and West Coast, But Not the Midwest

As Kampmeier searched for information, she came across scheduled baby expos on both the east and west coast, but none in the Midwest. “A baby expo was the answer I was looking for. It not only had informational presentations but would have allowed me to talk to experts, check out the latest baby products, and mingle with other new or future moms,” says Kampmeier. “I was disappointed that there weren’t any baby expos scheduled in the Midwest.”

The Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

Kampmeier’s disappointment was short lived. She began doing the research behind hosting her own baby expo right here in Indiana, knowing that it would be helpful to other future moms, like her. Upon researching baby expos, she found that it was a multi-billion dollar industry.

It was exciting to start putting the plans in place, says Kampmeier. “I researched the formats and events at other baby expos to determine what I wanted the Indy Baby Expo. I wanted it to be more than just a “freebies” show.

Shopping for Baby

There are a lot of great boutiques, baby products, and services on the market – but you have to search to find them. Kampmeier went on the search for these retailers and offered them the opportunity to exhibit at the Expo. She far exceeded her goal of 50 exhibitor booths, selling out at 125 booths. Exhibitors include Wild Child’s Children Store, Trendy Sisters Boutique, Baby Goga, Gibson Newborn Services, Ticklebug Baby, and many more.

Educating Moms

To help future moms with questions they may have, and to offer expert advice, the Indy Baby Expo will include several presentations and seminars. There will be a keynote speech by Dr. Lauren Dungy-Poythress, the medical director of maternal fetal medicine for the Community Health Network of Indianapolis. CP Morgan has built a “Smart Space Safe Place” house they are building specifically for the Expo – and will be on display in the Expo. They will be holding demonstrations multiple times a day regarding how to safety-proof homes.  There will also be Stroller Fit demonstrations, a Daddy Survival Course, Kids BMV Child ID Cards, and much more.

Boogying About

When Kampmeier began planning the Expo, she knew the key element that would draw people in was not just the opportunities to shop and learn, but interactive fun. “I wanted moms, dads, and everyone to come to the Expo and enjoy themselves – get out of the house and laugh with others.” Entertainment at the Expo includes a Baby Crawling Contest, a Toddler Boogie, a Maternity, Baby and Toddler Fashion Show, a Story Book Corner and the Kids R Us Fun Zone. There is also an Ovation Dad Zone complete with flat screen TVs and Wii.

The Next Nine Months

The Indy Baby Expo is the first to be born of many baby expos for Kampmeier. Besides making the Indy Baby Expo a semi-annual event (she’s already scheduled the second Indy Baby Expo for Oct. 11 and 12 – doubling its size), Kampmeier plans to expand her baby expo business throughout nearby Midwest cities such as Columbus, Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis and the Quad Cities in Iowa and Illinois.

More Information

The Indy Baby Expo is scheduled to take place at the Indiana State Fairground’s Ag-Hort Building on April 26-27, 2008. The Indy Baby Expo will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. General admission tickets are available at the door for $5. Grandparents and children under 5 will be admitted free. For more information on the Indy Baby Expo, go to www.indybabyexpo.com, or call (317) 517-9920.

About the Author

Danielle Beck is the owner of Blue Ink LLC, a marketing and event planning company based in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information on Danielle and the services that Blue Ink LLC provides, go to www.blueinkmarketing.com.