Being well-rounded can mean knowing how to complete DIY projects, decorate baked goods, manage finances, start a business or remodel a home. The Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo offers opportunities for women to learn new things as well as treat themselves.

The expo is Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, at the Phoenix Convention Center. The headliners are author, actress and producer Melissa Rivers and Food Network chef Anne Burrell.

The event caters to women of all ages and interests with DIY and educational workshops; make-and-take crafts; fashion shows with local designers; complimentary beauty treatments; music from female performers; free haircuts and hairstyling; and wine, piña colada and fruit-infused vodka tastings. 

In the shopping area, vendors sell accessories, handbags, shoes and home décor.

Jane Sands, director of public relations for the expo, said the event has become more interactive over the years.

“When you come into the event, it’s not just about seeing all of these great showcases and listening to these great speakers and being empowered, but it’s also about learning skills and fun things to do yourself,” Sands said.

There will be workshops on jewelry stamping, grouting tile, creating chalk projects, playing roulette, rehabbing furniture, baking and decorating cakes, making aromatherapy products, developing a vision board, designing a terrarium, cutting patterns and sewing, building a succulent garden and living a gluten-free lifestyle.

Learn new things to try at home

Sands said these sessions offer information and techniques that women can use in their everyday lives.

“There’s a lot of fun, interactive and great hobbies and skills that you can learn while you are there and take home and incorporate,” Sands said.

A craft bar area will have make-and-take projects such as painting a wine glass and making a spring wreath. Attendees can hear from experts on topics such as multitasking, child rearing, involvement in the cannabis industry, home remodeling and setting up financial trusts.

Sands said the expo encourages women to pursue new hobbies and skills.

“Whatever it is that we’ve secretly always wanted to do, this event helps you get started. It gives you a kick in the pants to do something that you’ve always wanted to do but just didn’t know how to get there,” Sands said.

Sands said the event is meant to have a meaningful impact on women’s lives.

“I think the whole Me Too Movement and empowering women has really made us think about what is important, besides shopping, getting a makeover and getting your nails done. What are women really looking for? And it’s making the most of who we are, whether it’s doing better at work, doing better at play, raising children in a different way,” Sands said.

Emphasis on local business

Most of the speakers and businesses at the expo are local, and some have been participating for years. Sands said connecting women to local resources is an important part of the expo.

Each year at the expo, Phoenix-based ABC Cake Decorating Supplies offers instruction on dessert decorating and gives away products such as dessert stands, spatulas or cake-pop straws. This year, the company will talk about making snacks with melted chocolate and common pantry items such as potato chips or pretzels.

Barbara Pela, co-owner of ABC, said the expo is a good opportunity to learn something new.

“We try to do demos that the average person can do at home, easy tricks of doing different desserts and different decorating ideas,” Pela said.

Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 27. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 28.

Where: Phoenix Convention Center’s South Building, 33 S. Third St.

Admission: $10.

Details: 866-618-3434, azwomensexpo.com.

 

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