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Welcome to Expo East: Even though change is difficult, it often leads to progress

New partnerships and new goals make Natural Products Expo East 2022 one of diversity, equity and inclusion as never before.

September 27, 2022

3 Min Read
Welcome to Philadelphia | Natural Products Expo East lighted sign

As we prepare to open the 37th occurrence of Natural Products Expo East, I find myself reflecting on the past several years and how much change we’ve collectively experienced. Changes among teams, changes in gatherings and events, changes throughout the industry and, of course, so many changes in our world and society at large. Change can be hard, but more often than not, change is the impetus of innovation and progress. 

We are excited to gaLacey Gautier  Vice President, Events, New Hope Networkther the industry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and virtually for Expo East 2022, and we are proud to share many of the positive outcomes from the changes we’ve experienced, all of which are rooted in strong partnerships.

At New Hope Network and the Natural Products Expos, we’re accelerating efforts to create greater justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within the industry. This year’s event will feature an enhanced partnership with (included), and its elevation of BIPOC voices and brands in our industry. We hope you’ll join us in visiting many of the (included) member brands in the Harvest Festival, the Hot Products Pavilion of the show floor and in other areas and activations throughout the event. We will introduce a new partnership with Project Potluck, and increase our support of their important work of connecting people of color with each other, opportunities and resources for their growth and success. We’re honored to partner with (included) and Project Potluck for the Friday night concert featuring Arrested Development. Dust off your dancing shoes! 

Related:What's hot in Philly? Not just the Liberty Bell

This will be our first year partnering with the amazing team at Food Tank and gathering their Chief Sustainability Officer and Impact Directors group. We’ll feature a full day of co-created programming and events, centered on defining business leadership around sustainability. We’re grateful to also welcome the Naturally Network organization again and support its mission to harness, accelerate and elevate the power and impact of conscious business practices in the natural and organic products ecosystem. Be sure to look out for its many chapter members and Pitch Slam award winners on the show floor and throughout the convention center. 

Finally, we’re delighted to introduce the latest show initiatives and investments: CarbonNeutral Event Certification and our ETHOS commitment. We have worked toward carbon neutrality for many years; this certification further solidifies our commitment to reducing the environmental impacts of our trade shows and unavoidable emissions completely offset.

Related:The Natural Products Expo East 2022 NEXTY Award winners

Our ETHOS initiative supports our commitment of creating a safe environment of mutual respect, free from unwanted contact and unprofessional behavior. This initiative is embodied in a community pledge, specialized team trainings, enhanced security and new onsite resources.

We're grateful for the incredible partnerships we have, and for the community's resiliency to endure and embrace change, returning with a renewed dedication to our people and our plenty. Thank you for your participation in this year's event—we are really looking forward to this week's celebrations and connections. 

As part of the ETHOS initiative, New Hope Network has established a 24-hour security hotline—213-222-3508—for either emergency or non-emergency situations such as if you experience or witness unprofessional behavior.

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