Empowering Through Education: Inside Jay Ann Intimates' Community Event

Published in Women's Health on October 23, 2024

Essentially Women loves to hear stories from members who put on events in their community to help spread awareness, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Jay Ann Intimates, a member of Essentially Women, recently hosted a highly successful expo for local medical professionals and patients in Philadelphia, PA. Organized by Hope Bear, CMF, this event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including breast cancer survivors, their loved ones, individuals affected by lymphedema, and various healthcare providers.

The Inspiration Behind the Expo

The idea for the expo originated from Farrell Friedenberg, the CEO and President of Jay Ann Intimates, who was inspired by a similar event organized by a colleague in the midwest. Recognizing the need for a large-scale community outreach focused on education, Farrell and Hope began brainstorming in February 2024. Their vision was to create an event that was not only educational but also relevant to those affected by breast cancer and lymphedema.

Planning and Execution

Planning such a significant event was no small feat. The team aimed to attract 300 participants, which required a venue capable of accommodating this number, multiple breakout rooms for a robust schedule of classes, and coordination with experts and clinicians who could draw interest from the community. The planning process involved extensive networking, with initial contacts leading to further referrals, ultimately resulting in over 220 attendees, 83 exhibitors, and 21 speakers.

Key Highlights and Success Metrics

The expo featured a variety of educational sessions and networking opportunities. Attendees could choose from numerous presentations on topics they were passionate about or wanted to learn more about. The event’s success was measured not only by attendance numbers but also by increased website traffic and appointment sign-ups post-expo. A post-event survey indicated high satisfaction rates among attendees, with many looking forward to the next event in 2025.

Challenges and Learnings

Organizing the expo required a significant time investment, with the Jay Ann Intimates team spending up to 30 hours a week in the final month leading up to the event. One of the key learnings was the need for longer sessions to allow for more in-depth discussions. The team also recognized the importance of making the event accessible, choosing a venue that was easy to reach by car, train, and bus, and ensuring there were no cost barriers for attendees.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With the success of the 2024 expo, Jay Ann Intimates is already planning for the 2025 event. The team aims to expand their outreach, attract more non-customers, and possibly incorporate a virtual component to reach a wider audience. They are also considering ways to improve the event based on feedback, such as offering longer sessions and ensuring a more diverse range of topics and exhibitors that could range from wellness to clinical to products.

The Jay Ann Intimates expo was a resounding success, providing valuable education and networking opportunities for both medical professionals and patients. The event highlighted the importance of community outreach and the impact of bringing together individuals affected by breast cancer and lymphedema. With plans already underway for the next expo, Jay Ann Intimates continues to demonstrate their commitment to supporting and educating their community.

For any questions, please email Nicole.Jensen@vgm.com and she will share them with Hope to respond.

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