Organics will get a lot more attention at this year's Natural Products Expo East in Washington, D.C. The show runs Oct. 3-6 and advances the implementation of the National Organic Program later in the month. "Driven by strong consumer demand and the implementation of the NOP, organic continues to grow as an integral part of our show," said New Hope Natural Media Trade Show Director Eva Marie. "Expo East is the place to find the widest selection of natural and organic companies."

Organic events at this year's show include Organic Supply@Expo, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday. Buyers can shop for organic raw materials, ingredients, store supplies and more. The Sprit of Organic Dinner and Awards on Thursday, from 7 to 10 p.m., at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, is a celebration for organic farmers dedicated to the development, growth and preservation of the organic industry. A menu of certified organic food and wine will be served. (For more on the farm tour, see "Get A Close-Up View Of Organic Farming at Expo East").

Because of its success at Expo West, the Show-Within-A-Show format will also be used at East. Distinct color-coded product pavilions are designed to make category shopping easy. Category and products at Expo East include food—broken down into organic, specialty, natural, vegetarian and beverages—supplier, supplements, personal care, natural living, international, and health care and complementary/alternative medicine.

Education remains an important component of the show, with more than 40 seminars scheduled. "As busy as attendees will be at the show, educational opportunities are an important component," Conference Manager Sharon Cook said. "Manufacturers, industry associations, experts and consultants all join forces to unify, educate and promote the growth of the natural products industry."

Author Jeremy Rifkin will present the keynote address, "Natural Products in the Biotech Industry," on Friday at 8:30 a.m. Also on Friday is "Crystal Ball Overview: New Ingredients and Supplements with Potential," from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

"These are experts who will risk being quoted and they've been pushing the envelope for years—it's exciting to provide educational content that can't be found in a report," Cook said.

For a complete seminar schedule, see

The annual Dietary Supplement Education Alliance breakfast is scheduled for 8 to 9 a.m. on Saturday in room 27. DSEA Boardmember Jon Benninger said the program will include networking, an update on the organization's national education and public information outreach and a high-level government speaker. "The main point of the event is to give an update of our industrywide PR effort and ask people to get involved," he said.

For a break from the show floor, attendees can check out Taste of Expo, located on the second floor lobby between Halls B and C. Each day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a different product will be featured. The lineup features soy milk on Friday, chips on Saturday and energy bars on Sunday. Attendees are invited to taste a variety of brands and vote for their favorite.

There are several events for conference goers looking to unwind with colleagues and have some fun. On Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. is the industry reception, a martini party at the Grand Hyatt hotel. On Saturday night, the dance party at the Renaissance Hotel runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and will feature live music; free hotel shuttle service lasts until 1:30 a.m.

Natural Foods Merchandiser volume XXIII/number 10/p. 18, 22