DAVENPORT, IOWA (February 28, 2023) — Jaycees of the Quad Cities revealed at their 2023 Bridal Expo that the annual vendor showcase will be rebranded as the Jaycees of the Quad Cities Wedding Expo with next year’s event bearing the new name in January 2024.
“The goal of changing the name was a no-brainer when the mission of our organization revolves around empowering all individuals. In order to do this, being inclusive is necessary to ensure everyone involved with our event feels valued and respected. The wedding industry is very geared towards the bride, but we want to break that stigma and communicate that everyone involved in planning their wedding is welcome,” stated Kelsey Watson, Jaycees President and Wedding Expo Co-Chair.
For over 35 years, the Jaycees have grown the Bridal Expo to the largest wedding fair in the Quad City area, with a record-number 1,200 guests attending the 2023 event. With the new moniker in place, the Jaycees are hoping to further extend their reach within the community.
The next expo will take place on January 27, 2024, at the River Center and is currently accepting vendor applications.
About the Wedding Expo: The Jaycees of the Quad Cities Wedding Expo started in 1985 with approximately twenty vendors. In 2023, the event hosted over 120 vendors and record-breaking attendance of over 1,100 attendees. Wedding Expo proceeds are used to fund the Jaycees Santa Program, which helps provide gifts for over 1,000 area underprivileged children, teenagers, and adults. The Jaycees have given over $725,000 of Wedding Expo proceeds to help local causes.
About Jaycees of the Quad Cities: Jaycees aim to build personal and professional relationships by working together on projects to strengthen and grow the Quad-Cities community. The Quad Cities Chapter is one of the oldest chapters in the state of Iowa and has grown to include young professionals from both sides of the Mississippi River. They pride themselves on blending social opportunities with service — like planning the annual Bridal Expo and Bar-B-QC that raise funds for charitable initiatives.
