Preparing an action plan for Natural Products Expo West 2011 may be at the bottom of your to-do list, but spending the extra time before you hit Anaheim will have you patting yourself on the back as you walk the show floor. Here are a few advance suggestions to help make your trip worthwhile. 

Once you’ve registered, booked a hotel room and made travel arrangements, start thinking about your business needs at the show. Likely, discovering new products, categories, exhibitors and relationships are important goals. Make a list of can’t-miss exhibits, education sessions and people.

This year, zeroing in on what you’re looking for is easier than ever with our new Enhanced Show Directory tool, sponsored by Silk and White Wave, at expowest.com. Use your registration e-code to log in and make appointments with exhibitors, peruse new products, schedule education sessions and events, and connect with others.

Be sure you check out our education offerings this year, which are more diverse than ever. I’m looking forward to sessions on organic personal care, food safety management, adulterated supplements and marketing to Latino populations. We’ve also added a retail track to the Expo West Business Program on Thursday, March 10, from 12:30 to 6 p.m., to give you the tools for success in retail marketing, operations and sales.

Every retailer knows that new products are the lifeblood of the industry. This year, with more than 1,800 exhibitors, expect a wide array of never-been-seen goods. Which categories in your store could use an infusion of new items? 

Also, are you as economically efficient as you could be? Look for exhibitors offering technology and business services to help you reach that next level.