Sparking Imagination in Every Direction: ImagineNation Kid Expo Brings Over 20,000 to Weekends of Wonder Starting in New Braunfels, Katy and Rosenberg
By Andy Valadez, ImagineNation Kid Expo Staff Writer
The Merrell Center in Katy came alive this month as over 8,000 children and families from across Houston converged for the 2nd Annual ImagineNation Kid Expo, a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly event that boldly blurs the line between imagination and innovation.
Show Producers Stacie Bowles (left) and Kately Pennington (right) with Guanaco Bots. Produced by mother and daughter team, Stacie Bowles (mom) and Katelyn Pennington (daughter) and ImagineNation Cast, the creative minds behind the well-loved Home for the Holidays Gift Market, this year’s expo proved to be more than a show—it was a full-blown celebration of imagination, learning, and hands-on discovery.
From vintage video games to the edge of futuristic innovation, the expo offered something for every age and interest. Children and adults alike explored activity and learning zones, health and fitness resources, martial arts demonstrations, LEGO building competitions, creative art stations, and even AI-powered robotics. A dynamic DJ kept the energy high with the lively music and the ImagineNation Kid Expo theme song, while kids enjoyed laser tag, story time, and surprise encounters with fantasy and sci-fi characters and real authors.
“I’ve never seen my kids this excited to learn and play in one space,” said one enthusiastic parent. “It’s like Comic-Con met STEM lab and threw a party for the whole family.”
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Voice Talent Bradley Smith of Combo Panda
Combo Panda voice actor Bradley Smith was on hand for meet-and-greets which delighted this family friendly from YouTube platform, while local graphic artist Matt Brown inspired aspiring young creators with his graphic design showcases. Facebook live audiences and attendees were also treated to early-stage demonstrations of Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, which provided real-time live streams with interviews and a virtual tour, and a digital window into the heart of the show.
New this year: ImagineNation News, featuring virtual reporters Alien Cassie from Planet Wondertron, Wally Wood, Max Marvel, Wendell Wordsworth, and Ness Carrington powered by artificial intelligence, another futuristic nod to the expo’s expanding tech capabilities. The show also featured a Red-Carpet glamour shot station hosted by Houston Latino Family Magazine which will share the story in their magazine.
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Alien Cassie Reporting for ImagineNation News.
(Source: ImagineNation Kids Expo)
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Max Marvel Reporting for ImagineNation Exp News (INN.
(Source: ImagineNation Kids Expo)
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Special thanks to My Neighborhood News, Houston Latino Family Magazine, KSEV Radio 700 AM, New Braunfels Radio, and Salem Broadcasting who helped spread the word about the shows.
This year’s shows also spotlighted a powerful cause. A portion of proceeds benefitted Champions Kids Camp, which serves children who have experienced severe trauma. Founded and supported by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriters Bill and Kim Nash, the camp helps children find healing and hope through music and community. The alignment with ImagineNation’s mission was a natural fit.
Grammy Song Writer Bill Nash, Founder of Champions Kids Camp. (Source: ImagineNation Kid Expo)“The heart of the show is really about empowering kids—through creativity, through technology, and through compassion,” said Stacie Bowles, Producer. “We’re not just entertaining—we’re planting seeds for the future.”
Dozens of show vendors—from Power Remodel and The Home Depot, to education-forward exhibitors promoting schools of the future—helped round out the expo’s commitment to learning through play. Interactive booths provided everything from STEM kits to hands-on home solutions and creative foods, making the show as engaging for parents as it was for kids.
“This is exactly the type of event our community needs more of,” said a participating vendor. “It’s educational, uplifting, and a huge boost for small businesses with a purpose.”
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The ImagineNation Expo is far from over. The next show is scheduled for July 4th–6th at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg. Tickets and exhibitor information are available at ImagineNationExpo.com.
With plans to expand even further into STEM innovation, including nanotechnology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and metaverse experiences, future events promise even more breakthroughs in edutainment.
“We’re just getting started,” said Katelyn Pennington, Show Co-Producer. “The kids are ready for what’s next—and so are we.”
