expo
Debbie Gibson Inspires at the 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo
Pop legend Debbie Gibson headlined the 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo in Phoenix, inspiring thousands with her story of resilience and creativity.
Last Updated on October 16, 2025 by Daily News Staff
News You Can Use This Moment! | STM Daily News
The 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo lit up downtown Phoenix last month with an empowering mix of celebrity inspiration, local entrepreneurship, and creative energy. Held September 28–29 at the Phoenix Convention Center, this year’s expo drew thousands of women from across the Southwest to explore, connect, and celebrate.
Among the weekend’s standout moments was the appearance of pop icon Debbie Gibson, whose presence on the main stage brought both nostalgia and inspiration. The singer-songwriter, who rose to fame in the late 1980s with hits like “Only in My Dreams” and “Lost in Your Eyes,” shared her personal journey through the music industry, resilience, and rediscovering purpose. Attendees were treated to an intimate and uplifting conversation, followed by meet-and-greet sessions and photo opportunities — including one lucky attendee who met Gibson personally and captured the moment with several photos.
A Weekend of Empowerment and Discovery
The Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo, part of a national event series produced by the Ultimate Events Group, featured more than 400 exhibitor booths and dozens of workshops across health, finance, fashion, and wellness. Visitors explored everything from skincare innovations and artisan goods to self-development seminars and business networking lounges.
Sponsors and partners have historically included Chevrolet, Humana, Mary Kay, Massage Envy, and the Arizona Republic, reflecting a diverse mix of corporate and local support. The 2025 edition once again sold out exhibitor space, signaling renewed enthusiasm among small businesses and women-led ventures in Arizona.
Record Attendance and Growing Momentum
While official numbers haven’t been released, estimates place attendance at over 20,000 visitors — a notable increase from roughly 17,000 in 2024. Organizers cited record booth sales and packed speaker sessions as evidence of the event’s continued post-pandemic growth.
Phoenix’s event mirrors a broader trend of rising participation in women-centered expos nationwide, as more entrepreneurs and creators seek in-person opportunities to share ideas, products, and inspiration.
Why It Matters
The Women’s Expo is more than just a shopping or networking event — it’s a platform for women to connect, elevate one another, and rediscover their voices in business and life. Whether through a celebrity keynote, a local business success story, or a spontaneous encounter on the expo floor, attendees leave with a sense of empowerment that lasts long after the weekend wraps up.
As Debbie Gibson reminded the crowd:
“Reinvention isn’t about starting over — it’s about owning every version of yourself.”
🖼️ Photo Gallery: Moments from the 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo
(Captured by Rebecca Jo Washington, a contributors to STM Daily News)








(Editor’s note: Photos courtesy of STM Daily News contributor Rebecca Jo Bigham. If you attended this year’s expo and would like to share your images, please email them to editor@stmdailynews.com for feature consideration.)
🔗
Related Links
Explore more stories from STM Daily News and around the web:
- Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo – Official Site
- Phoenix Convention Center Events Calendar
- Debbie Gibson Official Website
- Women’s Business Success Stories – STM Daily News
- Empowerment Events & Lifestyle Features – STM Daily News
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
family fun
Jurassic Quest Brings Life-Size Dinosaurs to Phoenix in February 2026
Jurassic Quest is roaring back into Phoenix in February 2026 with towering life-size dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities for kids and families at the Arizona State Fairgrounds.
Last Updated on February 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Phoenix, AZ — Jurassic Quest, billed as North America’s largest traveling dinosaur experience, is set to return to Arizona with a limited engagement at the Arizona State Fairgrounds from February 6–8, 2026.
The family-friendly attraction features life-size animatronic dinosaurs, immersive walk-through exhibits, and hands-on activities designed to blend entertainment with education. Guests will encounter towering recreations of iconic species such as Tyrannosaurus rex and Spinosaurus, along with interactive fossil digs, dinosaur rides, inflatables, and meet-and-greet opportunities with baby dinosaurs.
Jurassic Quest has become a popular touring event across the United States, particularly among families with young children. The experience combines museum-style displays with high-energy attractions, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Most attendees spend one to two hours navigating the exhibit.
The event will take place at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, located at 1826 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix, with multiple daily sessions scheduled throughout the weekend.
Tickets and additional event details are available through the official Jurassic Quest website.
- Jurassic Quest Phoenix 2026 – Official Event Page
- Arizona State Fairgrounds – Venue Information
- More Entertainment News from STM Daily News
- Family & Kid-Friendly Events on STM Daily News
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
expo
DEWALT Doubles Down on Cordless Concrete Power at World of Concrete 2026
DEWALT will showcase its latest innovations at World of Concrete 2026, emphasizing that cordless tools are now the industry standard. Highlights include the powerful DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ 12 in. Cut-Off Saw and a demolition hammer designed for heavy-duty tasks. Additional tools for concrete applications, including a chemical sprayer, will also be introduced.
DEWALT is heading into World of Concrete 2026 (Jan. 20–22 in Las Vegas) with a clear message for jobsite pros: cordless isn’t a compromise anymore—it’s the new benchmark. In a new announcement, the Stanley Black & Decker brand says it will debut expanded “total concrete solutions,” anchored by two major additions to its DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ lineup and fresh 20V MAX* XR® tool releases aimed at concrete workflows from cutting and demolition to forming and chemical application.

The headline: a cordless cut-off saw that claims the top spot—period
The most attention-grabbing reveal is the DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ 12 in. Cut-Off Saw (DCPS612AG2), which DEWALT calls “the most powerful cordless cut-off saw in the industry” across power source (battery or gas) and blade size (12 or 14 in.). The company says the saw can cut up to 4-3/4 inches deep through concrete, rebar, ductile iron, and more—while avoiding the noise and fumes associated with gas.
On performance, DEWALT highlights runtime metrics like cutting up to eight linear feet of concrete at 4-3/4 inches deep or making up to 156 cuts in #5 rebar on a single charge. Safety and control get a nod too, with an electric brake designed to stop the blade in as little as three seconds after the trigger is released. The saw is expected to be available in fall 2026, kitted with two POWERSHIFT™ batteries and a charger.
A demolition hammer built for the “most demanding applications”
Also joining the POWERSHIFT™ system is the 1-1/8 in. Hex Demolition Hammer (DCPS966AG2), delivering up to 45 joules of impact energy (per EPTA-Procedure 05-2009). DEWALT positions it for heavy-duty demolition work, pairing an all-metal housing with SHOCKS Active Vibration Control® to reduce fatigue.
The tool also includes WIRELESS TOOL CONTROL, allowing users to sync and remotely activate compatible dust extractors (sold separately). Availability is slated for spring 2026, either as a bare tool or as a kit with two POWERSHIFT™ batteries and a charger.
20V MAX* XR® updates: faster forming + concrete spraying support
Beyond POWERSHIFT™, DEWALT is expanding its 20V MAX* XR® lineup with tools that target common concrete job tasks:
- Brushless 21° Plastic Collated Duplex Nailer (DCN910B): Built for concrete forming, temporary bracing, and scaffolding. DEWALT says it delivers up to 3X productivity versus manual nailing (based on its stated test conditions). Available now (tool only), with matching collated duplex nails sold separately.
- Brushless Concrete Chemical Sprayer (DCCS1100B): Designed for concrete spraying applications, with up to 150 PSI, a 10-speed adjustable flow rate up to 0.8 GPM, backpack straps for mobility, and six changeable nozzles. Expected early 2026 (tool only or kitted).
Where to see it
DEWALT says attendees can find the brand in the Silver Lot at Booth #O31324, with interactive demos, giveaways, and events during the show.
For more details, DEWALT points readers to: https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4594464-1&h=2600186824&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdewalt.com%2Fworld-of-concrete-2026&a=dewalt.com%2Fworld-of-concrete-2026
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
News
CES 2026: The Exhibitors and Moments That Stood Out for Entertainment + Tech Fans
CES 2026 delivered big entertainment-tech moments—from Sony Honda’s AFEELA to streaming, smart glasses, AI PCs, and robots that stole the show.
Last Updated on February 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
CES 2026 (Jan. 6–9 in Las Vegas) didn’t feel like a “future tech” show as much as a “right now” show. The big shift: AI wasn’t treated like a standalone product category anymore. It was the invisible layer powering everything from streaming discovery to robots that can actually do work.
For STM Daily News readers who live in the overlap of Entertainment and Tech, here are the exhibitors and trends that stood out most—plus why they matter beyond the show floor.
1) Sony Honda Mobility (AFEELA): The car as a rolling entertainment platform
Sony Honda Mobility’s AFEELA presence reinforced a direction CES keeps leaning into: the next generation of vehicles is competing as much on software and in-cabin experience as it is on horsepower.
What made it stand out:
- AFEELA represents the “car as a connected device” idea taken seriously—where the cabin becomes a screen-first, service-driven environment.
- It’s a clean example of how mobility and entertainment are merging: navigation, safety, personalization, and media all living in one interface.
2) Netflix + Amazon Prime Video + Roku + Xumo: Streaming is evolving into ecosystems
CES 2026’s Content & Entertainment story wasn’t about “who has the most subscribers.” It was about streaming as an ecosystem: bundling, ad-supported growth, and smarter discovery.
What made it stand out:
- CES highlighted how streaming platforms are pushing beyond simple libraries into bundles, premium originals, and integrated experiences.
- FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) continues to gain traction, and device/platform players are positioning themselves as the front door.
3) Dolby: The quiet power behind the best-looking, best-sounding experiences
Dolby isn’t always the flashiest booth, but it consistently shows up as the tech that makes everything else feel “premium.”
What made it stand out:
- In a year where screens, XR, and immersive venues are everywhere, audio and imaging standards are the difference between “cool demo” and “wow.”
- Dolby’s relevance keeps growing as entertainment moves across phones, living rooms, cars, and wearables.
4) Meta + XREAL: Smart glasses keep inching toward mainstream
Wearables at CES 2026 weren’t just about steps and sleep. The momentum was in smart glasses and AR—especially as generative AI voice interfaces make hands-free use feel more natural.
What made it stand out:
- CES noted smart/AR glasses evolving with features like real-time translation, recording, and AI voice interfaces.
- For entertainment fans, this is where “watching” and “doing” start to blend—live overlays, creator tools, and new ways to capture experiences.
5) Samsung + LG + TCL: Screens are still the show’s main stage
Even in an AI-everywhere year, CES still belongs to display tech. Big brands kept proving that TVs aren’t just TVs—they’re hubs for gaming, streaming, smart home control, and ambient experiences.
What made it stand out:
- Display leaders continue to set the tone for how entertainment is consumed at home.
- The conversation is shifting from specs to experience: personalization, AI-powered recommendations, and multi-device continuity.
6) NVIDIA + AMD + Lenovo: The “AI PC” era is no longer theoretical
CES 2026 made it clear that the next wave of consumer computing is built around on-device AI. That matters for creators, editors, and anyone who lives in content.
What made it stand out:
- CES highlighted AI’s move from “digital transformation” to “intelligent transformation,” including edge/enterprise and physical AI in robotics.
- AMD’s CES keynote emphasized AI across devices from PCs to data centers, underscoring how quickly this is becoming standard.
7) Unitree + Richtech Robotics + Hyundai: Robots were the surprise crowd-pleaser
If CES 2026 had a “you had to see it” category, it was robotics. Not just novelty bots—machines built for real environments.
What made it stand out:
- CES framed robotics as “physical AI,” where generative AI and simulation training help robots learn faster than traditional programming.
- Humanoid robots, in particular, are moving from single-task demos toward more collaborative assistant roles.
The big takeaway for STM Daily News readers
CES 2026 wasn’t about one killer gadget. It was about convergence:
- Entertainment is becoming more interactive, more personalized, and more portable.
- Cars are becoming screens.
- Wearables are becoming interfaces.
- Robots are becoming the next “device category” people actually want to watch.
And underneath it all: AI is becoming less of a headline and more of the operating system for modern life.
Here’s a list of what stood out to us at CES 2026:
- Sony Honda Mobility (AFEELA): The car as a rolling entertainment platform
- Netflix + Amazon Prime Video + Roku + Xumo: Streaming is evolving into ecosystems
- Dolby: The quiet power behind the best-looking, best-sounding experiences
- Meta + XREAL: Smart glasses keep inching toward mainstream
- Samsung + LG + TCL: Screens are still the show’s main stage
- NVIDIA + AMD + Lenovo: The “AI PC” era is no longer theoretical
- Unitree + Richtech Robotics + Hyundai: Robots were the surprise crowd-pleaser
Sources
- CES press release recap and exhibitor/topic highlights (Jan. 9, 2026): https://www.ces.tech/press-releases/ces-2026-the-future-is-here
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
