Unique Gibson, a 500-pound African American entrepreneur, retired social worker, and lifelong advocate for fat activism and size inclusivity, is bringing the 2025 SuperSize Your Life Expo to two major cities this summer.
The highly anticipated event will take place in Chicago on June 21-22 and in Atlanta on July 19-20, marking a significant milestone for the extended plus-size community (sizes 26+) and individuals living with Lipedema and Lymphedema.
A Celebration of Plus-Size Empowerment
The SuperSize Your Life Expo is the first and only event exclusively dedicated to uplifting and empowering the extended plus-size community.
More than just a gathering, the expo aims to bridge the gap between the plus-size population, the medical industry, and the fashion world. Over 2,000 attendees are expected, with more than 250 vendors showcasing specialized products and services in plus-size fashion, wellness, travel, beauty, and medical support for Lipedema and Lymphedema.
Attendees will experience a dynamic lineup of empowerment speakers, confidence-building workshops, and inclusive fashion showcases designed to affirm the beauty and worth of every individual.
Luxury beauty activations and product sampling will be available, emphasizing that plus-size individuals deserve the same level of care and pampering as anyone else. The event explicitly does not accept weight-loss products or services, maintaining a focus on self-love and body positivity.
Unique Gibson: Leading the Charge for Change
Gibson, 54, has long been a vocal advocate for size inclusivity, challenging societal biases and medical misconceptions surrounding larger bodies. Reflecting on the significance of the expo, she states:
“We’re sick and tired—of being unwelcome, underestimated, devalued. We’re sick of being told we’re unworthy and undeserving, and that our existence is a burden. This expo is for every person on the plus-size spectrum, especially those size 26+ who, like Fannie Lou Hamer said, are ‘sick and tired of being sick and tired.’ It’s also for every Lipedema and Lymphedema warrior who has been left out of essential care due to a lack of resources and the diseases’ exclusion from modern medical studies.”
Innovative Town Halls and Industry Roundtables
This year’s expos will introduce two groundbreaking initiatives:
- Chicago Event (June 21-22): A patient-led town hall where hospital administrators and medical leaders will hear directly from plus-size patients and Lipedema/Lymphedema warriors about their healthcare experiences. This forum aims to foster understanding and drive policy changes for more inclusive medical care.
- Atlanta Event (July 19-20): A fashion industry roundtable where plus-size consumers will engage with retailers and designers to discuss the future of plus-size fashion. The goal is to provide authentic feedback and spark innovation in an industry that has historically underserved larger-bodied individuals.
Both forums prioritize collaboration over confrontation, fostering dialogue that can lead to lasting partnerships and systemic change.
Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities
As the SuperSize Your Life Expo continues to grow, it seeks like-minded brands to join its movement toward inclusivity. Major partners such as Big Fig Mattress, NAAFA, and JOBST USA have already signed on, and additional sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available for those looking to connect with a powerful yet underserved consumer base.
How to Attend
Tickets for both the Chicago and Atlanta expos can be purchased online at SSYLExpo.com. Attendees can also stay updated by following the event on Instagram and Facebook.
For press inquiries or business partnerships, contact Unique Gibson at unique@ssylexpo.com or call (943) 244-8025.
