More than 300 exhibits and seminars were displayed at the 19th annual Mid-Michigan Expo at Lansing Center from Friday, Feb. 8 to Sunday, Feb. 10. The expo provided a weekend of entertainment and education tailored to women and their families.
“It was a fun event to say, for sure. I came with my daughter here to have a girls’ day,” said Amanda Thatcher, 31. “McLaren’s section was really awesome. I just wish there were a few more samples. I read about the new ultrasound machine and I got to try it for free.”
Amanda Thatcher with her daughter Margo at Mid-Michigan Expo
Thatcher is in her first trimester and was provided with free 3D and 4D ultrasounds. McLaren’s section also offered blood typing, stroke assessment, blood-pressure testing, and displayed the model for an advanced surgical robot. McLaren Greater Lansing is a part of the McLaren Corporation with two campuses in the Lansing area.
“Demoing the robot has been a huge hit,” said Amy Krautkramer, a physician liaison at McLaren. “This is what surgeons do to perform minimally invasive surgeries. Right now, we’re working to build a new hospital at the south of Michigan State University’s campus, across the street from the University Club. It is said to open in 2022.”
The surgical robot model and Amy Krautkramer, 36, at McLaren Healthcare’s section
Philippe Janvier, 56, came from New York to Michigan to display his products for the expo. Janvier is an American master craftsman and explained the design of his product called “Princesita’s Magic Baskets” to attendees.
Michigan native and MSU alumni Ashley Gold appeared at the main stage on Saturday, Feb. 9. Gold is known for the truTV’s hit show Hardcore Pawn. She recalled her journey from stay-at-home mom to filming a TV show for nine seasons and launching her own brand of jewelry at the expo.
“I am so honored to be here,” Gold said. “I’m a Spartan and what better time to represent the city I’ve been a part of for four years? I want to empower women and just let them know that they can do anything they want to do in life.”
