A Trade Show with Babies?

I have been to many, many trade shows in my life but this is the first one where I have seen an unusual number of children -- quite a few babies, as well as numerous toddlers, being escorted by their moms. I mentioned this to Mary Therese Williams of Tetra Pak, maker of green packaging, and she agreed, pointing out that it may be a California phenomenon, or a function of the preponderance of female entrepreneuers incorporating their kids into their work lives. (Yes, it's always women with the kids, not men, but this event must be 70% women.)

Perhaps it's a reflection of the natural/organic mindset that informs Expo West -- a more down-to-earth, anti-corporate philosophy that welcomes children. All these babies and toddlers add to the humanistic quality of this event, very different from the typical trade show.