Incredible Energy was had at the Ultimate Day out for Women

Girls just want to have fun and that is exactly what they did February 6th at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, Inc, for Peace River Regional Medical Center’s 2nd Annual Pantyhose Free Zone 2010 Women’s Expo.  

Hosted by Peace River Regional Medical Center and the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, Inc, the Pantyhose Free Zone 2010 Women’s Expo gave mothers, daughters, and girlfriends a chance to reconnect during a day of shopping, pampering, makeovers, educational speakers and more.  Over 2000 women came out to spend a relaxing day, learning new ways to juggle their responsibilities, realize their dreams, and improve their lifestyle.

There were over 110 local businesses and agencies in attendance, appealing to women in areas such as fashion and beauty, health and fitness, finance, travel, education, art and so much more.  Sponsors for the event included: Buffalo Graffix, Gold Sponsor, and Panera Bread, Port Charlotte Natural Foods, and Royal Palm Retirement, Silver Sponsors. 

With such a multiplicity of professionals on-site, the women of southwest Florida were introduced to a bouquet of information, products, services, demonstrations, and pampering.  “What a great variety of services and products all in one area for women,” says Lori Utley, Scentsy Wickless Candles Consultant and exhibitor.  Karen Dettor, Community Relations Director at South Port Square, agrees.  “This was one of the best executed and presented expos I have participated in Charlotte County,” she states.  “There was a great variety of exhibits and the speaker selection offered something for everyone.” 

The lecture series – a collection of motivational, inspirational and educational speakers – in which Karen touches on, took place throughout the course of the day.  Numerous attendees enjoyed the medley of topics which ranged from tips on how to look and feel younger, to how to face day-to-day challenges so that they don’t interfere with your personal goals.  To spice things up, there were jazzercise and self-defense demonstrations that took place as well.     

From the moment the doors opened, women of all ages could not stop raving about the event.  “My neighbor came home and told me that I had to come and check this out,” says one local.  “I am so glad I did, this is amazing.”  Another agreed: “I circled the parking lot for 10 minutes looking for a spot, but it was sure worth it!”  A group of young ladies confessed that “this event is by far the best,” and that “it is the only event I attend.”  One added: “This Expo is a highlight of the year for me and is something we always look forward to.”             

The amazing attendance and fantastic blend of services and products offered at this year’s Expo is what truly contributed to the awe-factor for exhibitors and attendees alike.  “Wow, what a response,” exclaims Pam Gleason, Mary Kay Consultant and exhibitor.  “We were overwhelmed with the turnout,” she says and so “happy to be a part of this event.”  Dan Cormier, StoryKeeper USA, agrees with Ms. Gleason.  “I was very impressed with the enormous turnout and the continual flow of people at this year’s expo,” he says.  “I literally had hundreds of quality conversations with so many wonderful people from our community.  I saw smiling faces everywhere, so I believe a good time was had by all.”  Darlene Ward, New Hope Natural Healing Center, Inc, conquers by adding that this was the: “Best attended event ever.”  

Tina M. Mays, Esq., a member of a 4-person collaborative of Charlotte County women that present a financial management workshop for women entitled Taking Control, exclaimed how she and her team “thoroughly enjoyed meeting each woman who took the time to stop by at the Pantyhose Free Zone 2010 Women’s Expo.”  She adds: “The event was upbeat, fun and extremely well attended.  Thank you Peace River Regional Medical Center for presenting an event meant to show women of Charlotte County what’s waiting here for them.”

Peace River Regional Medical Center made the decision to host a women’s expo two years ago with the first annual Pantyhose Free Zone Women’s Expo being held February, 2009.  Now with the second under wraps, plans have already begun to determine how the next - and the ones to follow - will be organized to accommodate and bring together even more local businesses and organizations to pamper the women of southwest Florida.  For now, the date will remain the first Saturday in February, making 2011’s event scheduled for February 5. 

“All I can say is: ‘Wow,’” comments Bevin Gallo, Peace River Regional Marketing Coordinator and organizer of the event.  “Before the doors even opened, we had a line – wrapped around the building – of enthusiastic women that came to take a quick break from their hectic, overscheduled lives to relax with their girlfriends.  I am ecstatic because that is exactly what this event – this ultimate day out – was envisioned to do; the energy was incredible!  I would like to thank all of our sponsors and exhibitors; it is with their support and participation that this event became – and will be – one the women of southwest Florida will look forward to for years to come.”    

Peace River Regional Medical Center and the Cultural Center of Charlotte County are thrilled at the positive response that has been received following the 2nd Annual Pantyhose Free Zone 2010 Women’s Expo.  Debi Forst, Children's Christian Center Director, says it best: “The Women's Expo was an exhilarating opportunity to interact with people from many, many different businesses in our community,” she says.  “The Expo was visited by thousands of interested women - and some men - which proved this community is interested in where we live, what is happening, and the services available to us.  The Expo was a great source of exposure for all of our businesses and the chance to meet and greet a magnitude of many people was very exciting.  I look forward to being a part of this event next year.”