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)

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(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.)

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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

Last Updated on August 6, 2025 by Rod Washington

Join host Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa as he sits down with Kelsea Thompson, Tournament Director of PickleCon 2025, for an inspiring conversation about passion, pickleball, and one of the sport’s most anticipated events.

In this engaging episode, Kelsea shares her personal journey into the world of pickleball – from her first time picking up a paddle to becoming the driving force behind PickleCon’s tournament operations. Discover how her love for the sport evolved and what led her to take on the massive responsibility of organizing tournaments for thousands of players.

Kelsea provides an insider’s look at PickleCon 2025, taking place August 7-10 in Kansas City, Missouri. Learn about this all-inclusive pickleball paradise that transforms 400,000 square feet of convention space into the ultimate destination for players of every skill level. From competitive tournaments and pro clinics to glow-in-the-dark matches and social events, PickleCon truly offers something for everyone in the pickleball community.

Whether you’re a competitive player, casual enthusiast, skill-building learner, industry professional, or simply a pickleball fan, this episode will give you the inside scoop on what makes PickleCon a must-attend event. Kelsea discusses the unique challenges of organizing such a comprehensive event and shares her vision for creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates everything we love about pickleball.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the key figures making PickleCon 2025 possible – and start planning your trip to Kansas City this August!

PickleCon 2025: August 7-10, Kansas City, MO

Learn more: https://www.picklecon.com

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. 

https://sleeves-spr.com/

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world. 

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AUSTIN, Texas, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At SXSW 2025, the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) is set to showcase the next frontier of entertainment and technology, bringing 12 cutting-edge Korean companies to Austin. From AI-powered media to immersive experiences in XR and the metaverse, KOCCA Pavilion will be the hub for the latest innovations reshaping global content trends.

KOCCA will host three major events at SXSW 2025:

KOCCA Pavilion (March 9-12, Booth No. 1007, Austin Convention Center, Hall 3) – Experience firsthand how AI, virtual humans, immersive art, and game-tech are redefining storytelling and audience engagement.

KOCCA NEXT STAGE (March 10, 10 AM, Hall 4) – Industry leaders discuss the convergence of AI and entertainment, the rise of digital humans, and the future of interactive storytelling.

K-Content Night (March 10, 6-9 PM, Parlor & Yard, Downtown Austin) – An exclusive networking event where investors, creators, and tech pioneers connect over K-content’s impact on the global entertainment landscape.

Meet the Innovators at KOCCA Pavilion
Twelve visionary companies will present game-changing solutions in AI-driven media, metaverse experiences, immersive art, and next-gen music & gaming solutions. These companies include DATUMO, BRUSH Theatre, BEAM Studio, ShiningLab, Cuz Global, KAI, Minimap, GiiOii Immersive Studio, apoc, Stela, Neutune, and Gaudio Lab.

Visitors can expect to engage with groundbreaking advancements such as AI-generated storytelling, virtual human interactions, and next-gen music tech that is redefining how audiences consume content worldwide.

KOCCA NEXT STAGE – The Future of AI in Entertainment (March 10, 10 AM, Hall 4)
Beyond the exhibition, KOCCA will host NEXT STAGE, a must-attend panel exploring how AI, XR, and emerging tech are revolutionizing content creation and audience experiences. Featuring industry experts Michael Hwang (DATUMO), Youngbeom Jeong (BEAM Studio), Ellie Lee (apoc), and Sylvia Yang (BRUSH Theatre), this session will dive into the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI in storytelling and the lessons global industries can learn from Korea’s rapid innovation.

K-Content Night – Where Business Meets Creativity (March 10, 6-9 PM, Parlor & Yard, Austin)
KOCCA’s K-Content Night is an exclusive gathering that brings together investors, startups, and industry leaders to explore how Korean content is shaping the next wave of entertainment. Attendees will enjoy a high-impact networking session, speed pitches from innovative startups, and exclusive insights into one of the fastest-growing creative industries in the world.

This is more than just a networking event—it’s an opportunity to connect with visionaries redefining the future of media and entertainment.

Register Now:

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KOCCA Pavilion: https://m.site.naver.com/1BCHG

KOCCA NEXT STAGE: https://forms.gle/ZGedEyUEAjxKsH4X8

K-Content Night: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/k-content-night-2025-sxsw-free-dinner-drinks-tickets-1238084777899?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join KOCCA at SXSW 2025 and witness the future of entertainment unfold.

SOURCE KOCCA