Natural Products Expo West Shows How to do Business Naturally
March 11, 2014
From its humble beginnings 34 years ago of only 200 booths, the 2014 Natural Products Expo West show saw its largest numbers to date.
More than 65,000 attendees visited 2,600-plus exhibits and just over 415,000 square foot of showfloor space at a convention center that embraces sustainability.
“The Anaheim Convention Center has been an incredible partner for us,” said Adam Andersen, group show director, New Hope Natural Media.
He added, “There has been great investment in sustainability by the convention center, from being LEED-certified to the planned installation of solar panels, to using compostable utensils and collecting bio kitchen waste. It has allowed us to walk our own talk as well as demonstrate you can have a green show that thrives. The proof is in the attendance and we could not be more pleased.”
Natural Products Expo West ran from March 6-9 and the hot topics included GMO labeling, food accessibility and food that is both convenient and healthy.
“There is a lot of focus on how to speak to, and reach, consumers for healthy eating and living,” Andersen said.
He added, “This is a key focus for both large and small businesses – working on food labeling to provide information consumers need to make healthy choices.”
First-time attendee Sara Arscott, Ph.D., manager of Clinical Research at Standard Process, had her assignment for the show.
“My first priority has been to take in the show information, both from the exhibits and the educational sessions,” she said. “With so much information and engagement, it can seem overwhelming, but I am excited to immerse myself and soak in all the show has to offer.”
Attendee Feather Jones, owner of Sedona Tea Blends and docent on the Herbal Tour Walk, said, “The show to me is so critical, as it provides information and experts from plant to plate. I appreciate the opportunity to come out to the Fullerton Arboretum with attendees to educate them and see that conversation continued throughout the show.”
A new feature at the show was the “Pitch Slam”, where nearly 300 entrepreneurs participated in pitching their products “Shark Tank” style to industry leaders and companies. These smaller companies rose to the challenge with products and marketing that matched larger and more mature companies in terms of sophistication.
For many of these entrepreneurs, Natural Products Expo West was the clear choice to launch their product.
Exhibitors and owners of Modern Table Meals, Jennifer Eiseman and Gulbin Hoeberechts, said, “For our company and product launch, we knew this show was the place to do it. We have been able to meet with consumers, distributors, grocery channels, and press, all in one place. This has been a great experience for us.”
Natural Products Expo West 2015 will be held March 6-9 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
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Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
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