The weekend at Expo West got an energetic head start at Friday night's Organic Trade Association reception. The packed room was elbow-to-elbow with OTA members and guests. The mood was festive, and a spirit of community spilled out into the halls. Overhead in the room were snippets of conversation about The Whole Foods/Federal Trade Commission settlement, finalizing the organic pasture rule and OTA's new consumer marketing campaign. Surprise celebrity appearances weren't only reserved for the show floor (didn't you hear? Paula Abdul was at the Applegate Farms booth eating a hotdog). Marilu Henner was spotted at the reception beaming a thousand-watt smile to our organic friends.

--Jylle Lardo
New Hope Natural Media