Twice a year, women throughout Utah County leave behind their everyday duties and head to Utah Valley University to enjoy an event dedicated to “What Women Want.”
For the past five years Bennett Enterprises and Utah Valley Expos, LLC have sponsored the “What Women Want” women’s expo. The expo features vendors from all over the country and unique presentations geared towards women.
Roxanne Bennett, the owner and operator of the expo, said each year approximately 10,000 to 15,000 people attend the expo. While it has been popular since its first session, the expo continues to grow each year.
Bennett said the expo is geared towards women of all ages and students would enjoy the expo.
“You can find anything from health and fitness products to the latest fashion to things for your children,” she said. “Whatever your needs are, you can find it at the show.”
Rachael Almeida, a food science major from Littleton, Colo., said she attended the expo in 2009. Always on the lookout for a good deal, Almeida headed over to the expo with her roommates after hearing about all the sales that would be going on.
“They had a lot of different areas and vendors that catered to all types of women,” Almeida said. “There was something that everyone would enjoy.”
Almeida said she loved the event and thinks it’s a great idea to have an event created specifically for women.
She said although men can attend, it is the perfect event to leave the children and husband at home and enjoy a women’s night out.
Kendall Bennett, the show’s organizer, has been involved in developing each expo since the beginning and enjoys getting to know all the vendors and participants.
“I really get in touch with my feminine side this time of year,” he said jokingly said.
One of the highlight speakers this year is Joe Chang, author of the New York Times Best Seller, “The Aging Myth.” He will be presenting with Nu Skin on Friday. Other presentations will be done by Timpanogos Regional Hospital and Amy, the Savvy Shopper. A complete listing of the schedule can be found online.
Kendall Bennett said all the presenters have unique information to show, the fashion show featuring several different companies is the favorite of many.
“It’s kind of like the New York City fall fashion shows — only it’s in the valley,” he said.
More than 170 vendors are participating this year, said Kendall Bennett. Vendors range from boutique owners to fitness instructors.
“We have people that wait all year long for the expo to do their shopping because there are unique items only found here,” Roxanne Bennett said. This year, the expo has added a large children’s area with a variety of activities for children, and a dining area with food from Costa Vida, Rumbi and La Jolla Groves.
Many of the vendors participate year after year, Kendall Bennett said. One of those vendors is Shar Chavira, owner of “Bags That Fit” in American Fork. She has been a vendor since 2007.
“We just really think it’s a good place for women to get together,” said Chavira about why she chooses to be a vendor each year. “It’s a great way to interact with people and seeing our customers in a different environment. Our shop girls love working the show as well.”
Bags That Fit specializes in all types of apparel, Chavira said. This year, the boutique will be featuring all types of women’s tops, cardigans and sweaters, as well as offering cut from cloth jeans and denim at 50 percent off. Chavira said the boutique always displays new product at each expo.
“We always offer something at the expo that is not available any other time in our store,” Chavira said. “Customers love seeing new items.”
Tickets are $5 at the door or complimentary tickets can be picked up at any store in the Shops at Riverwood in Provo.
The Expo will be held in the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. More details and a presentation schedule can be found at uvexpo.com/what_women_want.
