Whether you are an expo/trade show newbie or a seasoned veteran, there is little denying that these events can be great for business. When you attend an expo or a trade show you expose yourself to new trends, products and resources in your industry. It can also stimulate new ideas, allow you to learn about your competition and generate leads.
At these events you can participate in educational seminars and networking events which can ultimately help you better support your clients when you utilize all you’ve learned. And, of course, let’s not forget that all that energy generated at an expo can be contagious making it so that you not only have fun but leave motivated and excited to get back to work!
I’ve put together a little list of some of the events in the Natural Foods Industry that you may want to check out. Please feel free to share ones we may have overlooked and let us know your experiences.
Smart Food Expo 2018 (Chicago)
June 25-27, 2018
“From June 25-27, 2018, food industry leaders and innovators converge over three days of education, networking and a product showcase, where the future of fresh, healthy and better-for-you options are on display. With a goal of bringing to market the future of better-for-you products, the focus of SmartFood Expo™ is on food that makes a difference—in your operation, in your brand, and in the mind, body and wellness of your customers.”
Fancy Food Show 2018 – Summer (New York)
June 30-July 2, 2018
https://www.specialtyfood.com/shows-events/summer-fancy-food-show/
It is said to be the “largest food industry trade event in North America, and the premier showcase for industry innovation.” The Education Program has educational seminars and talks by industry experts and the exciting Front Burner: A Foodservice Pitch Competition lets you watch exhibitors show off their products to a judging panel. There is also a Lifetime Achievement Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony, Innovative Product Showcases and much more.
Natural Products ExpoEast 2018 (Baltimore)
Sept 12-15, 2018
http://www.expoeast.com/ee18/public/enter.aspx
While slightly small than it’s sister even ExpoWest, this conference by New Hope Network hosted more than 1,500 brands last year, 451 of those were first time exhibitors and had more than 29,000 community members. It’s always a great event to follow along on social media to see what’s happening, even if you can’t be there in person!
Project Nosh Live
November 29+30, 2018
Project Nosh’s spring show just happened in early June but don’t worry, you can catch many of the speakers on the vidoes that were streamed live during the event and are available for replay. The fall event will be held in Santa Monica, CA. There will again be a conference, networking and pitch slam competition. You can learn more about the event here: https://app.projectnosh.com/event/noshlivewinter18/register
Fancy Food Show 2019 – Winter (San Francisco)
Jan 13-15, 2019
https://www.specialtyfood.com/shows-events/winter-fancy-food-show/
In addition to “80,000+ specialty food and beverages, thousands of new products, industry’s top networking events and 1,400+ exhibitors from around the globe”, you will find educational areas, a “store of tomorrow” and check out all the upcoming food trends.
Upcoming Events to watch
NatchCon (Boulder)
The February 2018 NatchCon was a sold-out event that “put digital and e-commerce to work for the exploding $220 Billion Natural Products industry.” They are currently at work putting together NatchCom’s Fall 2018 event so stay tuned for more details on this one.
Good Food Show (Chicago)
While the 2019 date is still TBD, this is a show to get on your radar especiall if you live in the Midwest and can drive. Celebrating the region’s local food community, the 14th annual expo in March of this year brought together everyone from farmers to food producers, investors to activists, families to policy makers and everyone in between. You can sign up for the newsletter to get the latest updates by clicking here: https://goodfoodexpo.org/get-updates-on-the-2019-good-food-expo/ (please embed the link in “here” vs showing the URL).
ExpoWest 2018 (Anaheim)
https://www.expowest.com/ew18/Public/Enter.aspx
ExpoWest is the premier trade show in the natural products world. In 2018 ther was another record-setting year with more than 85,000 attendees including industry pioneers and the next generation of innovators shaping the future of healthy products. The 2019 ExpoWest will be March 5-9.
Katie has 15+ years of experience in brand management and marketing across a range of popular brands from Fortune 500 consumer package goods companies to local startups. She has degrees in Marketing & Management from the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Business and now, as an independent consultant, she is dedicated to helping local and natural food brands become category leaders in both philosophy and growth.