5 Expo West events for networking with the hottest brands in the biz!5 Expo West events for networking with the hottest brands in the biz!

Ever wonder where the cool kids hang out in Anaheim? While we might not know the answer to that question, we do know where some of the coolest and most innovative brands will be at Expo West.

These five events showcase (and celebrate!) some of the newest and most exciting natural products brands. Come celebrate the finalists and winners of the NEXTY Awards and kick up your heels and dance at the NEXTY Prom. Listen to the most passionate of pitches at the Expo West and NCN pitch slams. Mingle with mission-driven organic brands in the fresh air at Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, and hob nob with diverse brand owners and allies at the J.E.D.I Community Happy Hour.

Find all the details below:

Natural Products Expo West Pitch Slam

Watch fifteen up and coming brands compete for Natural Products Expo West Pitch Slam, a program that elevates mission-driven and innovative brands, connecting changemakers with the exposure and resources they need to take their companies to the next level. An exciting and fast-paced event, join us to hear pitches from standout emerging brands and Q&A with expert industry panelists.

Date | Time: Tuesday, March 12th, 5–7:00 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom F

Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace

Expect to find lots of fresh This innovative outdoor event combines the lively appeal of a traditional farmers' market with the business-building power of an industry trade show. This one-day event is one you won't want to miss.

Date | Time: Wednesday March 13th, 11:00am – 4 p.m.
Location: Marriott East Lot

2024 NEXTY Awards Celebration

Celebrate CPG's next-gen innovators! Join us for a prom-inspired celebration of the future of CPG as we announce our 2024 NEXTY Award winners and this year's Greg Steltenpohl Award winner!

Date | Time: Thursday March 14th, 2024 6-7:30p.m.
Location: Marriott, Marquis Ballroom Center

NCN Investor Kickoff & All-Star Pitch Showcase

This event is Nutrition Capital Network’s exclusive session at Expo West purpose-built for investors, featuring top innovators from the 2023 NCN cohort. The event will kick off with the NCN Capital Market Update, followed by a talk on “Balancing Returns & Mission: A Winning Strategy for Impact Driven Business,” with Steve Young of Manna Tree and Jesse Merril of Good Culture. Then, stick around for the dynamic pitch event featuring innovative and interesting CPG brands.  

Date | Time: Friday March 15th, 2024 10:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Marriott, Grand Ballroom F

J.E.D.I. Community Happy Hour

Celebrate growing diversity and inclusion in the natural products industry and help break down barriers that under-represented populations face. This event is in partnership with (included), J.E.D.I. Collaborative, Naturally Network's M/O Fellowship and Project Potluck.

Date | Time: March 15 | 4-6 p.m.
Location: Arena Plaza

Natural Products Expo West, the leading trade show in the natural, organic and healthy products industry, begins March 12 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Click through for the agenda, registration, travel information and more.