Behind the Expo: Jenna Fitch, Community and Conference Content senior director

With more than 3,000 exhibitor booths, 510,000 square feet of show floor and tens of thousands of attendees, it takes a dedicated team of professionals with diverse skills to ensure that Natural Products Expo West is an all-around success. Representing education to operations, client services, sales, marketing, design, standards, content and more, these and other New Hopers work behind-the-scenes—for months and sometimes even years in advance of a show—to make sure each expo runs smoothly, and to support New Hope’s mission statement to cultivate a prosperous, high-integrity CPG and retail ecosystem that creates health, joy and justice for all people while regenerating the planet.

This Expo West Show Scoop series highlights some of the many people at New Hope Network who make it all possible.

Here, Jenna Fitch, Community and Conference Content senior director, shares her experiences from Expo West and how her team brings Expo to life.

In one sentence, tell me about your job at New Hope? I lead conference programming at New Hope and am passionate about using education and relationship building to empower and connect individuals in the natural products industry.

How long have you been doing this: I’ve been with the New Hope Network for over nine years! 

What do you wish people knew about conference content? I learn something new from every single person I work with on conference programming. If you take the time to listen, I know your world and industry connections will expand just as mine have.

What’s your favorite thing about Expo West? Hugs. Sharing precious moments reconnecting with friends from around the world. 

What’s your least favorite thing about Expo West? More sleep please!

What’s the one thing you cannot live without at EW? My coffee mug. It’s my constant companion. 

Favorite Expo shoes? No shoes! That feeling when you get back to your hotel room and slide them off is pure bliss. 

What are some of the top-of-mind issues that the Expo West education programming is addressing this year? Stay tuned for sessions detailing top product trends, how to engage on climate, the changing consumer, the importance of organic and regenerative agriculture, sustainable packaging innovations, the 2023 investment and macroeconomic landscape, the future of food and much more.

What do you hope people will gain by attending the education sessions at EW? Business intelligence and a sense of community. We’re all facing a rapidly changing world and challenging economic landscape—no one is in this alone. Our team and every speaker on stage is here to support you and your business. 

What are a couple of not-to-miss sessions that everyone should know about? Can I recommend them all?! No? Then definitely check out pre and post-show virtual programming including our NEXTY Awards announcement on March 1. Climate Day takes place March 7 and The State of Natural & Organic Keynote is not-to-miss on March 8. If you want to hear from innovative new brands, don’t miss our special storytelling pitch with this year’s (included) ACCESS cohort followed by the Expo West Pitch Slam on March 8. Lastly, Neil Pasricha, our Thursday Keynote, will provide laughs and tons of wellness inspiration to keep the gratitude flowing in Anaheim!