We are accepting submissions for speakers and entertainment for our Main Stage at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair, September 26 & 27 in Victoria. Presentations are generally 20 minutes long, and topics vary from pregnancy through preschool.

We are looking for guest speakers who are enthusiastic to promote their presentation. To get an idea of what topics we've featured in the past, have a look at our last event's guest speakers.

Please email a presentation summary describing the topic you'd like to speak about, any interactive elements, plus a title for the talk, your bio, and contact information.

Congratulations to Corinne Marley of Victoria, the winner of our Fathers Day giveaway from Acorns and Applesauce! Subscribers to our e-Newsletter were offered a chance to win a set of customized photo magnets (pictured). We do giveaways from our great exhibitors every month, so sign up for your chance to win.

For this month's newsletter, we contacted some participants of the Vancouver Island Baby Fair who are experienced dads to see if they could offer soon-to-be dads, or dads celebrating their first Father's Day, some Dad-to-Dad Words of Wisdom. What we discovered was thoughtful, caring reflections and feedback, and some great dad & husband role models too! Here are some of their comments...

Brian Gorman, Organic Family Natural Home
As a new father I remember really relishing in the experience of watching my wife and my baby forming a very strong bond, but at the same time feeling that I can't wait until this little person wants and needs me too.
Little things are HUGE things, cleaning, laundry, walking the dogs, cooking, anything to make mom's life a little easier.
Be well rested so that you can be ready at a moments notice to take your turn with your baby.
Take the time to hold, rock, snuggle, sing to and love your little bundle of joy every moment that you can!

Mike Lowe, co-producer - Vancouver Island Baby Fair
Being a new dad is an opportunity to learn on the job, make some mistakes, and accomplish one of the most amazing things you will ever do in your life. Try to find a way to take time off work when the baby comes. See if you can tap into EI's parental benefits program and take a couple weeks or even a month or so off. The first weeks with your baby is not only a time to get to know him or her deeply, but it will be one of the hardest times in Mom's life, and she could use your help! Get up with the baby in the night, take the baby out for a drive or a walk, and let Mom get some rest. In short, be an involved Dad. Any extra time you can devote during the first year will pay off with your child and your relationship!

Warren Van Eyk, Supreme Nannies Canada
Even though it may be Fathers Day, you may want to show your wife what a wonderful husband you are by helping her out with anything you think she would really appreciate, maybe time to relax in a nice bath, extra time for a well deserved nap, or put on a load or two of laundry - I am sure your partner will think you are a great husband and will spoil you even more.
If she asks you what you would like for first Father's day, tell her the best gift would be to spend it with your new baby and her, maybe a picnic or a quiet stroll somewhere.

Coen van Wermeskerken, Simply Colors
We have teenagers now but the best advice we can give to young parents and especially Fresh New Fathers is this:
The Great Art of Parenthood: finding the "perfect balance' between family and work... Do not only focus on your kid(s) but try keeping track of all your other precious contacts and activities! Spend as much time with your little one as possible because the Big Cliche is very true: the young years are really gone before you know it!

Paul Abra, Island Parent Magazine
From your first day as a father, remember you are your child's first male mentor and role model. Your son or daughter is looking up to you and learning from you. Make sure that you are providing them with a positive role model. What you DO speaks louder than anything you say. Make sure your DOING speaks volumes. Enjoy each and every day with your precious children. Trust me, they grow up fast! Happy Father's Day!

Vancouver Island Baby Fair Producer Shirley Broback is a nominee for the SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award and needs your vote to win! The Grand Prize is worth $15,500 in prizes, which would really help us bring our events to the next level.

With the incredible rising costs of putting on the Vancouver Island Baby Fair, and her dedication to keeping exhibitor booth prices as low as possible while creating a fantastic community event celebrating the growing families on Vancouver Island, Shirley could really use these prizes and exposure.

The wonderful thing about voting for Shirley is that the Grand Prize indirectly benefits all the businesses and organizations that participate in our events! Please support and vote for Shirley Broback, owner of Laughing Belly Productions (production company for the Vancouver Island Baby Fair) by clicking on her personal nominee page.

Please also help us spread the message by inviting all your friends to join our Facebook event!

You will not only be helping one business, but also helping supporting the hundreds of exhibitors from the Baby Fairs in Nanaimo and Victoria (many of which are mom-run or locally based small businesses) in the process.

Showcase your business or organization at the most exciting and busy event in British Columbia celebrating the growing family!
Booth spaces are filling up fast so don't delay. Contact us today to reserve your spot! For more information about exhibiting and to download an application form, visit our exhibitors page.

"Happy Mother's Day" to all the Moms on Vancouver Island!
In our recent May e-Newsletter, we ran a contest to win a $50 gift certificate to La Mama Maternity and More, and we're happy to announce the winner was Michelle Soltzer of Victoria. Congratulations Michelle!
If you want to get in on future chances to win great prizes, plus get info on upcoming Vancouver Island Baby Fair events, you can sign up for our e-Newsletter too.

Be sure to pick up the May issue of Island Parent Magazine... not only is it a fantastic resource for Vancouver Island families, but this month, the cover features Nila - the winner from the 2008 Vancouver Island Baby Fair photo contest in Victoria! You can pick it up at many locations around the island, or check it out online.

Our latest photo contest was held at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair in Nanaimo, and helped to raise $1500 for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre! The winner in the 0-24 month-old category is 8-month-old Riley, and our 2-6 year-old winner is 3-year-old Amber. Visit our Contest Page to see the winning shots. We've also put together a gallery of other faces of the Baby Fair.

Each winner will receive a prize package from Prairie Child Photography and Dream With Me Custom Bedding... plus Riley will become the poster child of the next Vancouver Island Baby Fair in Nanaimo! Congratulations to Riley and Amber and their families! And thank you to all the families who brought their sweet little ones out for a good cause!