TABLE 4. Problems and Solutions to Hosting a Maternal Heal Fair.

Potential problem	Potential solution
Trademark of event name	Check the Trademark Electronic Search System on the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office website. Leverage expertise of legal office of university or research institution.
Security at event	Hire off-duty officer depending on number of attendees.
Facility comfort on day of event	Identify contact for air-conditioning/heating, restroom service, open/locked doors, Internet access.
Breastfeeding needs	Private space for breastfeeding, refrigeration for storing pumped breastmilk.
Overwhelming emails related to event organization	Designate one person to send one group email update on a specific day each week (e.g., every Thursday at 11 am). Use the same email format each week. Limit “to-dos” to three action items (preferably two). Include a brief motivational image that reflects the mission or theme of the event; provide contact information for individual questions or follow-up.
Nerves and confusion among event staff	Hold uplifting 15-minute “huddle” of all event staff on the morning of the event. Concisely review key logistics. Highlight only three keys staff should remember, with one of those keys being whom they should contact with emergencies/questions during the event.
Last-minute absences of educators	Before the event, plan two back-up activities that can be substituted for original content. Designate the leaders of the back-up plan.
Last-minute absences of event managers	Share all documents (e.g., timelines, contact information, schedule) on Google Drive among designated event managers.
Unannounced media presence	Before the event, determine which aspects of the event are appropriate for media and designate two volunteers to interact with unplanned media presence.
Stroller accessibility	Build in extra space for strollers when arranging tables and booths. Consider aisles and free-standing chairs in auditoriums or large meeting spaces.
Issues with signs, equipment, or technology	Have registration tables and event signs at each facility entrance. Create toolbox of duct tape, masking tape, scotch tape, scissors, binder clips, pens, markers, rubber bands, paper, USB port, Clorox wipes, laptop, phone charger, camera charger, safety pins. Create comfort kit of pain reliever, Tums, sanitary products, hair ties, band-aids, tissue, etc.
Refreshments	Fuel staff by providing a meal and snacks on the day of the event. Personalize the meal, even in small ways such as adding individualized notes. Ensure that promotions accurately reflect refreshments/meals.
Commercialization versus empowerment, connection, and education	Host the event at a non-profit organization or community setting. Create, distribute, and review one-page event guide/expectations to the educators. Use the word “educator” not “vendor.” Select “educators” with specific expertise or service (i.e., not a product or brand). Require educators/staff to wear event t-shirt (i.e., not business/personal brand shirt) at the mom expo. Host Meet & Greet activities for the educators to build cohesion and personal connection with each other.
Lack of inclusivity	Use the words “parent(s)” and “partner(s).” On the one-page event guide and in educator/volunteer meetings, review open-mindedness, inclusivity, and sensitivity to the many ways individuals become parents. Use inclusive graphics and colors on promotional materials.