Tampa Bay parents will be able to discover helpful resources, connect with local experts and enjoy a weekend of family-friendly activities during the Family Vibes Baby Expo, Sept. 19–20 at the Tampa Convention Center.
Designed for expecting parents, growing families and their support systems, organizers expect between 4,000 and 5,000 attendees throughout the two-day event, which will feature nearly 50 businesses and community organizations.
Among those will be our very own, RoyalTee CEO and founder Alexia McKay, who will introduce families to The Crowned Assignment, a community-centered maternal wellness network committed to supporting mothers and families through every season of parenthood.
The Crowned Assignment places a specific emphasis on Black maternal health and mortality, postpartum wellness and mental health. “Too many families, particularly Black mothers, struggle to find the support they need during pregnancy and after childbirth,” she said. “It’s a small part but I want to try and do that part when it comes to closing that gap.
Through partnerships with healthcare professionals, birth workers, community organizations and advocates, the initiative seeks to help families find trusted information, support and resources.
Inspired by her own postpartum experiences as a mother of two, McKay said The Crowned Assignment brings together her passion for maternal wellness, community advocacy and storytelling.
“As a journalist, I understand the power of information but information is only valuable when families can access it, understand it and use it,” McKay said. “The Crowned Assignment was created to help bridge the gap between families and the trusted professionals, resources and communities that can support them throughout their parenting journeys.”
The Crowned Assignment includes two signature initiatives: Crowned Motherhood and Crowned Fatherhood.
“Crowned Motherhood supports women through pregnancy, postpartum, mental health, self-care and the many transitions that come with becoming a mother,” McKay said. “Crowned Fatherhood celebrates fathers while creating space for honest conversations, wellness and resources that help men feel supported and empowered in their roles. Both initiatives recognize that healthier families are built when every parent feels seen, informed and supported.”
McKay will also debut her new toddler-aged children’s books at the expo. The Where Is My Crown? series encourages young children to recognize their confidence, kindness and inner greatness.
“Storytelling has always been at the heart of my work,” McKay said. “As a journalist, author and mom, I wanted to create stories that help children see the royalty within themselves. Every child deserves to feel confident, valued and proud of who they are—even without a visible crown.”
Major vendors and community organizations
Tampa General Hospital is the event’s title sponsor. Other participating organizations will include the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, the Florida Department of Health, the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Tampa Bay Lactation, Pediatric Associates and Florida Blue.
Family Vibes founder and producer Allyson Lopez, a Tampa Bay event producer and mother of seven, said the expo was designed to serve families at different stages of their parenting journeys—not only first-time parents.
“Family is a huge part of who I am, and I know firsthand how much life changes when you’re preparing for a baby,” said Lopez. “There is so much excitement, but there are also so many questions. I wanted to create an event where expecting parents could meet the people and organizations available to help them, ask questions, discover products and services and find resources they may not even know exist yet.”
Family Activities
In addition to its exhibitors, the expo will offer infant and toddler CPR classes, a baby-food tasting experience called Flavor Passport, a Toddler Zone and a Cool Zoo petting zoo.
Families can also watch contestants compete in the Diaper Derby, a fast-paced baby-changing challenge.
Three additional Family Vibes Baby Expo events are planned for 2027, with events scheduled in St. Petersburg, Jacksonville and Tampa.
The Family Vibes Baby Expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 19–20 at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St. Children ages 12 and younger will be admitted free.
Tickets and additional information are available at FVbabyexpo.com.
