Anaheim, CA—Something new is in the works for Natural Products Expo West 2013 (produced by New Hope Natural Media), which is slated to be held here, March 7–10, 2013.

Show organizers plan to launch the NEXT pavilion (located in an upper ballroom), which is intended to highlight "new innovative brands entering the market." The sold-out main show floor will be home to more than 2,200 exhibiting companies.

Also new will be a Food Truck Zone in the Arena Plaza. It is said to be the “first natural and organic trade forum of its kind to support these entrepreneurs.”

Aside from a packed exhibit hall, Expo West will offer a variety of speakers, including keynote speaker and author Tracie McMillan; author Robyn O’Brien; fireman and author Rip Esselstyn; marketing guru Carol Nicholson; creativity expert Stephanie Collins; and actress, vegan and animal rights activist Kristin Bauer. New for this year will be a specialty diets forum (additional costs apply), featuring topics about the gluten-free, vegan and allergen-free categories. For an extra fee, the Expo West Business Program will include track options gear to early entrepreneur, exporting and marketing to moms.

After hours in the lobby of the Convention Center, Manitoba Harvest will celebrate its 15th anniversary March 8 with music from Ozomatli, and Organic Valley will honor its 25th anniversary with its house band on March 9. The Women in Naturals Networking reception will take place at the Anaheim Hilton Sunset Roofdeck after the show on March 8.

The 2013 event will again be co-located with Engredea and Nutracon, and will coincide with the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, and the Beer, Wine and Spirits Marketplace. More than 60,000 attendees are expected.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, February 2013 (online 12/19/12)