To help you navigate, we’re giving an overview of exhibit hours and select industry events, education sessions and speakers that we feel are worth considering as you plan your show. And as always, we’d also love for you to make time to swing by our booth. We’ll be at booth #3646, giving out free reusable shopping bags complete with samples and literature.
Exhibit Hours
Wednesday, March 4 Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, Big White Tent, Marriott: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ACC North Hall, Hilton & Marriott: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 5 ACC North Hall, Hilton & Marriott: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ACC Level 3, Arena & Arena Lobby: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ACC Halls A-E: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, March 6 ACC North Hall, Hilton & Marriott: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ACC Level 3, Arena & Arena Lobby: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ACC Halls A-E: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 7 ACC Level 3, Arena, Arena Lobby: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ACC Halls A-E: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
EDUCATION AND EVENTS
With so many informative sessions and educational events being held every day at overlapping times, it really is tough to narrow the selection down. Here are some highlights. For more information about these events—and to view the entire five-day Expo schedule—visit www.expowest.com. Also note that some events require additional fees or a Super Pass Upgrade—this is your ticket to attend Expo West Conference Sessions, plus gain access to a VIP lounge and more. (For a full rundown of attendee registration pricing, go to www.expowest.com and click on “register.”)Tuesday, March 3
The Natural Products Business School is a day of education and networking tailored to emerging brands. (Separate registration required.) Marriott, Grand Ballroom F, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Natural Products Hemp & CBD Summit is sure to draw a crowd as experts discuss how to select quality products for retail stores, how to educate consumers, how to prepare for regulators, and more. Among the speakers: UNPA President Loren Israelsen; Alkemist Labs CEO Elan Sudberg; and Hemp Industries Association President Joy Beckerman. (Separate registration required.) Sheraton, Plaza D, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Climate Day is an all-day event featuring inspirational keynotes, breakout sessions, networking, awards, a community resource fair and more to deliver the tools, information and community that can help companies take meaningful action to reverse global warming. Speakers include Bob Quinn, author of Grain by Grain; and Rose Marcario, President & CEO of Patagonia. Marriott, Marquis Ballroom Central, 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4
Early Morning Yoga to help you achieve that energized calm that will power you through your day. Sponsored by Lifeway. Grand Plaza Stage, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Morning Meditations to help reduce stress, increase clarity and promote happiness. Sponsored by PathWater. ACC, Arena Plaza Stage, 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Keynote: The State of Natural & Organic will offer an overview of 2019 sales and growth by product category and sales channel, plus explore the macro forces and trends fueling growth and shaping the future of the industry. Marriott, Marquis Ballroom Central, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
How to Support Organic from Farm to Shelf will cover a range of topics—including certification; merchandising and educating on organic at retail; helping farmers transition acreage to organic; and more. (Included with SuperPass/Day Pass Upgrade.) Marriott, Grand Ballroom F, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
BBQ on the Plaza sponsored by Applegate Natural & Organic Meats features lunch and live music with fellow attendees. Grand Plaza Stage, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Gluten-Free Label Transparency: How To Stop Confusing Consumers is presented by Gluten Intolerance Group. Marriott, Orange County Ballroom 1, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Herb Walk Tour with the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) takes attendees on a guided stroll through the Fullerton Arboretum, a 26-acre botanical garden on the campus of California State University. (Separate registration required.) 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Moving Toward a Transparent Supply Chain with experts from Cargill and Innova Market Insights will explore how ingredient suppliers and food brands are working together to create a more transparent and sustainable future for food. Marriott, Orange County Ballroom 1, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Supplement Champions: Stewarding a Sustainable and Transparent Industry focuses on key issues impacting the industry. Marriott, Orange County Ballroom 3, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Two happy hours featuring live music, appetizers, and drinks: Arena Plaza Happy Hour Sponsored by PathWater, and Sheraton Park Happy Hour Sponsored by CV Sciences. Both 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Natural Products Expo West Pitch Slam Finals & Party is called a “networking nirvana” of investors, successful brands and service providers. And after the pitch, there’s a celebration to recognize industry innovators. Marriott Grand Ballroom F, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Opening Night Celebration at Expo West is an opportunity to join Vitamin Angels at this annual event to network with industry leaders and see the impact that the natural products industry has had on the health of women and children around the world. (Separate registration required. For more information, visit vitaminangels.org/events/be-our-guest.) Disney California Adventure Park, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Organic Center’s 17th Annual Benefit Dinner brings together organic visionaries, activists and businesses to enjoy an organic feast and spotlight the latest science on the environmental and health benefits of organic food and farming. (Separate registration required. To learn more, visit ota.com.) 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Thursday, March 5
Early Morning Yoga sponsored by Honest Tea. Grand Plaza Stage, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Community Breakfast lets you connect with peers and clients as you fuel up—and it’s open to all attendees and exhibitors. Marriott, Big White Tent, 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Morning Meditations sponsored by PathWater. ACC, Arena Plaza Stage, 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
The Changing Retail Landscape: How to Succeed in Today’s Consumer Market explores trends and opportunities in retail, including creating unique in-store experiences, and developing a dynamic trade spend strategy. (Included with SuperPass/Day Pass Upgrade.) Marriott, Grand Ballroom G, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
BBQ on the Plaza sponsored by Applegate Natural & Organic Meats. Grand Plaza Stage, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thursday Keynote with Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO of TerraCycle, a global leader in collection and repurposing of complex waste streams. Marriott, Marquis Ballroom Central, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hemp and Wild Oregano: Latest Research and Historical Uses with Dr. Cass Ingram educates on the history, research, and health benefits of Hemp and Oregano on the human body. Sheraton, Park D, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
How to Market Your Brand, Increase Sales & Authentically Connect with Consumers offers tips, strategies and exercises to help grow a brand. (Included with SuperPass/Day Pass Upgrade.) Marriott, Orange County Ballroom 1, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Two happy hours: Arena Plaza Happy Hour Sponsored by PathWater, and Sheraton Park Happy Hour Sponsored by CV Sciences; both 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hall of Legends and Community Awards honors the trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the industry—plus, the NEXTY Gold winners will be revealed. Marquis South/Central Ballrooms, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 06
Early Morning Yoga sponsored by Super Coffee. Grand Plaza Stage, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.Morning Meditations sponsored by PathWater. ACC, Arena Plaza Stage, 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Science and the Microbiome: The Future of Probiotics hosted by KyoDophilus. Marriott, Marquis Northeast, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Friday Keynote Panel: How to Lead a Change-the-World Business features Angela McElwee, President & CEO, Gaia Herbs; Robert Craven, CEO, Findaway Adventures; Richa Gupta, President, Good Food For Good; and Sara Young, General Manager, MorningStar Farms, Kellogg Company. Marriott, Marquis Ballroom Central, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Top 10 Things to Know About Selling CBD in 2020 presented by Barlean’s. Sheraton, Park D, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Understanding the Nutrition Science Driving Consumer Wellness & Product Trends is an exploration of the latest on science-backed dietary recommendations, consumer nutrition trends and opportunities for using science-driven innovation to stay ahead of an evolving and informed marketplace. (Included with SuperPass/Day Pass Upgrade.) Marriott, Grand Ballroom F, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
BBQ on the Plaza sponsored by Applegate Natural & Organic Meats. Grand Plaza Stage, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Friday Keynote with Kimbal Musk of The Kitchen Restaurant Group, Big Green & Square Roots. Marriott, Marquis Ballroom Central, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
CBD - Does This Sh*t Even Work? The State of the Evidence for Safety, Benefits, and Clinical Applications presented by CV Sciences. Sheraton, Park D, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Truth About Fermentation: Hype or Help? presented by Natural Factors with Kate Rhéaume, ND. Marriott, Marquis Ballroom Northwest, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
How to Create a Regenerative Food System: Ideas & Investments for Change explores the ways stakeholders can interact, partner, and collaborate to create a more regenerative and inclusive food system. (Included with SuperPass/Day Pass Upgrade.) Marriott, Orange County Ballroom 1, 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Two happy hours featuring live music, appetizers, and drinks: Arena Plaza Happy Hour Sponsored by PathWater and Sheraton Park Happy Hour Sponsored by CV Sciences; both 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Diversity in Naturals Networking Event aims to bring the community together to recognize and celebrate individual differences. Hilton, Sunset Deck on Level 5, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 7
Early Morning Yoga sponsored by Light & Fit. Grand Plaza Stage, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.BBQ on the Plaza sponsored by Applegate Natural & Organic Meats. Grand Plaza Stage, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
And more!
Many booths will also be hosting events and celebrations. A few to check out:
Sovereign Silver’s 20th anniversary celebration takes place at their booth #4165, Friday 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. And ask about Silver Patrol: Retailers can grab a Sovereign Silver t-shirt to wear around the show. Be seen by the “Silver Patrol” to score a prize.
Artemis celebrates its 25th anniversary at the show. Attendees are invited to their booth #3482 on Friday at 4:00 p.m to meet the company’s master Austrian Elderberry grower and head of its Elderberry Co-Op.
Visit Naturade at booth #3653 to sample some of the company's newest innovations. (And for the latest Naturade news, go here.)
Visit Childife at booth #4249 to get your #edibleselfie.
Essential Formulas is celebrating 20 years. Visit them at booth #4457.
