Maria Bugeja, the dynamic leader of the team behind this weekend’s first ever women’s expo ‘Me Am Chic!’ is hoping more than 10,000 visitors will turn up at the event showcasing all things female.
“It does not mean men are not invited,” Ms Bugeja told The Times Business last week during a break from finalising arrangements for the girlie fest. “But we are hoping numerous women of all ages and with different priorities will enjoy it. There is something for everyone: from single women, career women, to expecting, full-time and working mums.”
The managing director of St James Group and Transforma, the Attard cosmetic clinic, had the idea for the “woman’s world” event after seeing an average 90 per cent female turnout at Transforma’s open days. The demand certainly existed.
The all-female ‘Me Am Chic!’ team drew on their expertise in fashion, travel, cosmetics, management, marketing and business to design a programme bringing women of all ages and lifestyles “the best of the best, something different”.
More than 60 firms and brands will be present at the MFCC event, including the most popular names in fashion and sportswear, jewellery and accessories, health and beauty, cars, food and drink. A children’s play area will be managed by Bubbles. The catering concession has been entrusted to Bar Celona.
The honours at the opening night in Ta’ Qali tomorrow have been entrusted to First Lady Margaret Abela, Kate Gonzi, the Prime Minister’s wife, and Michelle Muscat, the wife of the Leader of the Opposition.
Throughout the weekend, the main stage will see live non-surgical cosmetic demonstrations, fashion shows by some of Malta’s most popular brands, presentations by health and nutrition professionals including Dr Tim Gilhooly on Omega 3s, and a live gig by Ira Losco. The Zoo team will stage a matinee show on Saturday morning.
On Sunday morning, there will be an attempt to set a Malta record for participation in a Zumba fitness session in aid of Action for Breast Care Foundation.
The kitchen stations will be manned by some of Malta’s best loved chefs, including Anton B. Dougall, James Muscat, Karen Mugliett, Rita Petrococchino, Andrew Pace of Salvino’s, and Neil Darmanin.
A programme of info classes will focus on diverse issues including breast care awareness, attachment parenting, nutrition, make-up, laser eye treatments, colonic hydrotherapy, baby and child care and health, dietary information, nail care, cervical cancer awareness, stem cell research and heart disease prevention.
There will be ample seating for visitors to watch acts and presentations on the main stage. Guests of the designated VIP area will be hosted by Cleland & Souchet and Bar Celona.
Ms Bugeja, who began planning the event just six months, embarked on an intensive branding and marketing campaign in the run-up to ‘Me Am Chic’ several weeks ago to spark people’s curiosity. She is determined all involved will see a return on their investment thanks to a programme that is up-to-date, varied and in tune with Maltese women.
The mother of one daughter aged three and a half, Ms Bugeja admits she has a hectic lifestyle. The programme reflects many of her – and most women’s – favourite things in life.
A “very supportive” husband and two part-time nannies allow her to manage thriving businesses and organise events such as ‘Me Am Chic’.
Her secrets, she says, are an hour to herself in the morning, quality time with her family every evening, a constantly updated ‘to do’ list, and a sense of humour.
Her one indispensable tool is her mobile phone.
‘Me Am Chic!’ opens tomorrow at 5 p.m. On Saturday the event runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. There is a €3 entrance fee.
Programme details are available at www.meamchic.com.mt.