Twenty-nine in expo years
I remember turning 29 (okay, it wasn’t too long ago) and seeing 30 as a huge turning point in life. At the time I had just gotten married and was settling into year two of my job at the time and my wife and I just purchased our house.
2009 marks the 29th occurrence of Natural Products Expo West, and like any 29 year old, it is still extremely youthful and strong. Expo West has an undeniable energy that brings out the best in our industry and also brings the best together.
Whether enjoying G.Love and Special Sauce, perusing the big white tent of Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace for new organic products, or joining the Organic Farm Tour or Retail Store Tour, this 29 year old has much to offer in addition to the bustling and exciting trade show floor.
Besides the official first day of education, Thursday, March 5 offers two unique opportunities for attendees, the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace and the Retail Store Tour. The store tour starts at 8 a.m. in the Hilton loading zone and returns at 1 p.m. Lunch is included and you will be able to visit some of the best natural products retailers that are so abundant in Southern California. After the tour, walk across from the Hilton to the Big White Tent in the Marriott parking lot for Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace. Preview the best in organic products before the show floor opens on Friday and network with organic thought leaders.
Friday is a full day at Expo West. Start your day with the Better Breakfast, sponsored by Silk, Cascadian Farm and Horizon. You’ll be ready to walk the show floor after a nutritious, healthy meal. After your first full day of walking the show floor, you will be ready to relax and enjoy yourself in a laid back atmosphere. If you are not familiar with G.Love and Special Sauce (is that organic sauce?), they play bluesy, upbeat music that is perfect for the natural products industry vibe. Be sure to save some energy for the dance floor and catch up with other industry members in a casual atmosphere. The music gets started at 9 p.m. in the Anaheim Marriott Marquis Ballroom.
Saturday morning at Expo West, after you’ve been up late dancing to G.Love, hit the convention center for the keynote session hosted by Peter Sagal, walk the show floor and then join the Organic Farm Tour. The Organic Farm Tour picks up in the Hilton loading zone at 12 p.m. and lunch is provided. The bus ride this year will be a quick trip to the organic farm and distribution center of Veg-Land Inc and JBJ Distributing in Fullerton. Sign up now for this event as it fills up quickly! Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with an organic farmer and other retailers.
29 and going on 30, Natural Products Expo West offers a mix of education, events and an exciting show floor that all contribute to your expo experience. What story, event or experience will define your Natural Products Expo West 2009? What plans are you making now to have the best expo in March?
