Natural Products Expo West Shows How to do Business Naturally
March 11, 2014
From its humble beginnings 34 years ago of only 200 booths, the 2014 Natural Products Expo West show saw its largest numbers to date.
More than 65,000 attendees visited 2,600-plus exhibits and just over 415,000 square foot of showfloor space at a convention center that embraces sustainability.
“The Anaheim Convention Center has been an incredible partner for us,” said Adam Andersen, group show director, New Hope Natural Media.
He added, “There has been great investment in sustainability by the convention center, from being LEED-certified to the planned installation of solar panels, to using compostable utensils and collecting bio kitchen waste. It has allowed us to walk our own talk as well as demonstrate you can have a green show that thrives. The proof is in the attendance and we could not be more pleased.”
Natural Products Expo West ran from March 6-9 and the hot topics included GMO labeling, food accessibility and food that is both convenient and healthy.
“There is a lot of focus on how to speak to, and reach, consumers for healthy eating and living,” Andersen said.
He added, “This is a key focus for both large and small businesses – working on food labeling to provide information consumers need to make healthy choices.”
First-time attendee Sara Arscott, Ph.D., manager of Clinical Research at Standard Process, had her assignment for the show.
“My first priority has been to take in the show information, both from the exhibits and the educational sessions,” she said. “With so much information and engagement, it can seem overwhelming, but I am excited to immerse myself and soak in all the show has to offer.”
Attendee Feather Jones, owner of Sedona Tea Blends and docent on the Herbal Tour Walk, said, “The show to me is so critical, as it provides information and experts from plant to plate. I appreciate the opportunity to come out to the Fullerton Arboretum with attendees to educate them and see that conversation continued throughout the show.”
A new feature at the show was the “Pitch Slam”, where nearly 300 entrepreneurs participated in pitching their products “Shark Tank” style to industry leaders and companies. These smaller companies rose to the challenge with products and marketing that matched larger and more mature companies in terms of sophistication.
For many of these entrepreneurs, Natural Products Expo West was the clear choice to launch their product.
Exhibitors and owners of Modern Table Meals, Jennifer Eiseman and Gulbin Hoeberechts, said, “For our company and product launch, we knew this show was the place to do it. We have been able to meet with consumers, distributors, grocery channels, and press, all in one place. This has been a great experience for us.”
Natural Products Expo West 2015 will be held March 6-9 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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