Expo West: What's new in 2012

Registration spreads out

Previously held in the Anaheim Convention Center lobby, main registration has moved to inside the arena. “This will give us more space to accommodate attendees as they pick up badges on-site,” says Adam Andersen, the Natural Products Expo West show director. In addition, express registration will be located in the Hall E lobby, and satellite registration will be offered at the Hilton and Marriott hotels adjacent to the convention center.

Education moves to the Marriott

The Marriott will now house all New Hope education sessions and speakers, exhibitor-presented seminars and the New Hope Bookstore (all of which were previously staged on the second floor of the convention center). “Both the industry and Expo West have grown, so we wanted to create a more inviting conference atmosphere and allow for more meeting space at the convention center,” Andersen says.

Beer, Wine & Spirits Marketplace

New Hope has partnered with Mountain Peoples Organic Wine & Beer Distribution to craft this new marketplace for the sampling of sustainable alcoholic beverages to buyers. “Because sustainable—and, in particular, organic—beer, wine and spirits is such a growing category, it’s been my goal to launch a separate marketplace for these products at West,” Andersen says. “We’re holding it from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the Marriott Ballroom, so attendees can sample.” Entrance is free for retailers and $30 for others.

Platinum Education Series debuts

This eight-part super series features expert-led seminars that address topics such as striking a healthy work-life balance, blogging your way to better business, tapping into the mom market and adopting a winning social-media strategy. Upgrade your registration to attend one session for $55 or all eight for $195. For more on seminars, see page 34.

The Herb Walk returns

After a brief hiatus, the American Herbal Products Association Herb Walk is back. Tour the Fullerton Arboretum, a 26-acre botanical garden featuring more than 4,000 plant species, at the nearby California State University Fullerton campus. Herbalists Ed Smith, cofounder of Herb Pharm; David Winston, founder of Herbalist & Alchemist; and Feather Jones, president of Sedona Tea Blends, will point out herbs and explain their traditional uses.

“The Herb Walk provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about culinary and medicinal herbs from the best herbalists in the industry,” says Frank Lampe, AHPA director of communications. “It will help retailers round out their knowledge base, network with other industry members interested in botanicals and become a better resource for their customers.” Board the bus at the Anaheim Convention Center by 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 8. Tour ends at 5 p.m. Cost is $60.

Engredea launches

Formerly known as SupplyExpo, Expo West’s sister trade show tailored to manufacturers and suppliers is again co-located in the convention center. At Engredea, see an Innovation Station and new ingredient launches. Admission is free for Expo West attendees.

Hall of Legends ceremony

New Hope, Engredea and Natural Products Expos have teamed up to recognize and honor industry leaders. The awards take place, along with the NutrAwards, on the Hilton Lanai Deck, at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

International Buyer Program

Expo West is now part of this U.S. Department of Commerce program that brings buyers from across the globe to U.S. trade shows. The aim is to increase the attendance of foreign companies looking to export U.S.–made natural and organic products to their countries. 

More Natural Products Expo West coverage