Natural Parenting Consumer Show Set for 2006 Launch

Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 4/25/2005

The Rebedeau Group and author Kathy Arnos are launching a consumer show at the Los Angeles Convention Center next year that will focus on natural parenting.

The Whole Children, Whole Planet Expo, scheduled for the April 22–23 Earth Day weekend, will include celebrities, healthy foods and five education and entertainment stages, in addition to an exhibit floor spanning about 30,000 square feet.

"Everyone was very excited about this project," said Mary Beth Rebedeau, who serves as executive director of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, in addition to operating the Rebedeau Group show management firm. "This is the first one of its kind."

Arnos is the author of two books on natural parenting, including "The Complete Teething Guide: From Birth to Adolescence." The expo will embrace everything from herbs, flower essences and vitamins, to natural cleaning and body care products.

Doctors and experts in holistic pediatrics will provide information on natural products. Sustainable living practices will be stressed in the Children's Village. Pollutants will be discussed in the Environmental Safe Zone. And fertility and delivery discussions will take place in the Birthing Corner.

Rebedeau said when her daughter, Dallas, was growing up 20 years ago, information on raising healthy children wasn't readily available. Nowadays, applying natural health principles to child rearing is becoming mainstream, said Rebedeau, who now has a grandson.

Rebedeau and Arnos hope to replicate the event in other cities across the country. "This is something that's very close to my heart," Rebedeau said.