There are just two days until MamaMagic, The Baby Expo kicks off in Durban this year. The show will be at the Durban Expo Centre from the 25th to 27th of August, and offers families the chance to get expert advice on the best pregnancy and parenting brands. Barney will also be on stage four times each day for the kiddies to enjoy.
I caught up with Exhibition Director Warren Murray to find out what’s new to the expo this year and how the expo has grown since it’s first year in 2005. Read the interview below to find out more:
Forts and Fairies: What’s new to the expo this year? Why should parents visit the expo again this year?
Warren Murray: This year we are excited to once again bring visitors to the expo all their favourite features, which makes the MamaMagic experience so unique and special. Alongside these firm favourites we have also introduced some other elements to ensure that your experience at the expo is smoother and always pleasant. Look out for our Barney pop-up store and activity area. This is a feature that all our pint size fans will love as they get to watch, play and engage with their favourite purple dinosaur through fun games and activities. In addition to this, to make your shopping at the expo a little easier and to ensure that your pram doesn’t become a trolley, visitors can now also hire a trolley to use while at the expo, freeing your hands and prams.
Forts and Fairies: How has the expo grown from its first year in 2005?
Warren Murray: In 2005, we had only one expo in Johannesburg that was much smaller than it is now. MamaMagic, The Baby Expo has grown substantially since then and we now host 4 expos around the country every year, with the current expo taking place in Durban from the 25-27 August. The MamaMagic brand has also become a trusted brand for parenting information from our website to our free MamaMagic Milestones Magazine printed every three months. Parents now mark off the exhibition dates in their calendars months in advance so that they don’t forget this exciting expo, and expectant moms and dads know that there is no better way to prepare for their little one’s arrival than by visiting the expo for all it has to offer.
Forts and Fairies: What aspect of MamaMagic are you most proud about?
Warren Murray: I am truly passionate about MamaMagic, and I find such joy in being a part of these amazing exhibitions. It is worth every moment of stressful planning when you get to see first-hand the smiles on the faces of the hundreds of children sitting in the audience when Barney walks on stage. One of my other favourite moments of the expo is witnessing the reaction of our Baby on Board winner, which is announced on Sunday afternoon on the expo floor. It is incredible and often emotional to see one family’s life changed forever when they win a pregnancy starter pack valued at over R120 000.
Forts and Fairies: You believe in equal parenting – why should Dad’s also attend the expo?
Warren Murray: As a dad attending the expo it is not just about buying stuff for your children and pregnant wife, it’s about becoming an integral part of the parenting experience. Dads can come and learn more about parenting from our childcare experts who will be giving free talks throughout the duration of the expo. They can also engage with our brand experts so that they can ensure that they are getting the best quality products for their kids. Dads should not attend the expo just to carry the packets or swipe their cards, they should come to the expo to be a part of the parenting journey and so that they can make the best decisions for their families.
Forts and Fairies: What plans do you have for the expo for the future?
Warren Murray: MamaMagic will always be a brand and event that parents attend and trust. The future is about evolving the brand, our expert information and exhibition to always remain at the cutting edge of new products and services for parents, but also always provide them and their little ones with an event that is created with them in mind.
Thanks to Warren Murray for taking the time to answer my questions. Hope to see you at the show!
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