For Immediate Release
Contact: Contact: Lisa Conover
The Fresh Ideas Group
(303) 449-2108, ext.12
lisa@freshideasgroup.com
Up in Down Times: Natural Products Expo West Tracking Ahead Despite Flagging Economy
Boulder, Colo. (Feb. 9, 2009) —Natural Products Expo West 2009 is currently tracking 3% ahead in registered retail buyers proving that despite a flagging economy, retailers still feel this is the event they have to attend to find the newest products, latest trends and best networking opportunities to help their business. Last year's record breaking event attracted 52,000 professional industry members to Anaheim. This year will feature over 1900 exhibiting companies from 30 different countries and 300,000 square feet of natural, organic and specialty foods, supplements, health and beauty, natural living, organic, and pet products. The trade show, produced by New Hope Natural Media, a division of Penton Media, will be held March 5-8, 2009 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.
"It's getting busier every year." said Kim Denend owner of Moon Valley Organics about the 2008 event. "You have to be here over and over again so buyers can get to know you."
The chance to see thousands of new products isn't the only thing bringing buyers back to Anaheim. Natural Products Expo West is known throughout the industry as the best place to find cutting edge trends. This year's educational lineup has hundreds of hours of seminars featuring such topics as The Future of Retail in America, Sustainability: Next Steps for Naturals Industry and Slow Money: The Answer to a Slow Economy.
In a time when marketing budgets are being reduced, companies are relying more and more on making long-lasting business connections through face-to-face contact and relationship building opportunities. This year Expo West will feature numerous opportunities to network with peers and professionals including a Live Music Party with G Love and Special Sauce, an International Welcome Reception featuring the sights and sounds of India and the 6th Annual Organic Beer and Wine Festival.
"Even in these difficult economic times, natural and organic product sales show steady growth," said Adam Andersen, show manager for Natural Products Expo West. "I look forward to creating new ways for retail buyers and manufacturers to connect and meet the challenges they face in the current business climate."
Editorial staff meeting press guidelines may register online at www.expowest.com/media. Natural Products Expo West/SupplyExpo is open to a professional audience of manufacturers, buyers, and industry members. It is NOT open to the general public.
New Hope Natural Media (www.newhope.com), a division of the Penton Media Inc., is the leading media resource and information provider for the natural, organic and healthy products industry, with print, in-person/event, and e-business products and services. Penton Media is the largest independent business-to-business media company in the U.S., serving more than 6 million business professionals every month. Headquartered in New York City, the privately held company is owned by MidOcean Partners and U.S. Equity Partners II, an investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co., LP, and its co-investors. For additional information on the company and its businesses, visit www.penton.com.