Is It Worth Attending a PTO Today Live Expo?

Previous attendees share insights about their expo experience.

by PTO Today Editors

06/15/2021

Is it worth attending a PTO Today Live expo? We hear this question a lot!

We can tell you all the reasons you should attend—the great exhibitors, free samples, giveaways, and all the fun you’ll have—but we know you really want to hear from other parent group leaders who’ve been there.

And, in fact, this very question has been posted many times over in our closed Facebook group, and each time the response is tremendous. Leaders share what they took away from the expos, with many saying they plan to return the next year.

We figured we’d highlight some of the more recent comments from attendees who gave us permission to share:

“We attended our first this year and definitely think it was worth it. We got some great ideas for next year and had fun checking things out. Got lots of awesome samples too.” —Faith K. Wild-Washegesic

“I went to the Edison event today! It was incredible I left feeling refreshed and full of new ideas!!! It was incredible meeting the people that we talk to and deal with via email!” —Rachael Sejuela

“We went for the 1st time this year, and if they come back to our area we will be going back again. So much info that we never even knew about. Lots of giveaways too!!” —Melissa Casarez

Past attendees tell us that coming to an expo as a group gives teams the chance to connect away from school, meet lots of vendors, and take advantage of giveaways and idea-sharing with other leaders:

“SO MANY IDEAS. SO MUCH INFO. Plus, it’s just a great way to get out and have fun with your team and bond! Also, lots of freebies and seminars.” —Torrie Williams Mowell, President, Cornersville (Tenn.) Elementary CAT

“Our PTO went for the first time last year. It was amazing! From quick information trainings to meeting vendors to receiving boatloads of freebies and trying your luck at raffles, it was a fun filled event. More of us [are] going next year so I’m super psyched.” —Angelica Cooks Lucas, Board Member, Inglewood Elementary PTO, Nashville, Tenn.

“It’s amazing!!! Free samples for fundraisers, tons of different options for fundraisers, live displays that can be brought to your school, last one I went to had a game show, lots of free goodies, and amazing other PTO moms from different areas to chat up for ideas and support!!!! GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!!! Not to mention the free raffle.” —Amanda Leeth, Volunteer Coordinator, Prospect Elementary PTO, Elyria, Ohio

If you’re thinking about attending an expo and we haven’t convinced you yet—or if you’re trying to decide whether you should come again—take a few minutes to read more comments from other group members. The Facebook group is closed, which means you’ll need to join it to see discussions. It’s easy, and we approve new members quickly. (And if you want to leave the group after reading this thread, that is A-OK—no pressure!)