Natural Products Expo West Scores Record Attendance, Exhibitors
March 10, 2013
The natural and organic products industry continues to boom, as evidenced by Penton Media’s record-breaking show, Natural Products Expo West, held March 7-10 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
More than 63,000 attendees were able to check out the latest natural and organic products ranging from veggie burgers to lip balm being offered by 2,428 exhibitors spread out on a 393,000 net square foot showfloor.
Last year’s show drew approximately 60,000 attendees and 2,000 exhibitors.
“You truly had to be present at this year’s event to experience the energy felt on the show floor and throughout Anaheim,” said Adam Andersen, show director for Natural Products Expo West.
He added of the newly opened Grand Plaza at the Anaheim CC, “The Grand Plaza at the convention center became the natural products community’s living room for four days and is where we celebrated the industry’s continued success.”
The show was collocated with Engredea and Nutracon, an event for the ingredient and supply chain.
Big news at this year’s show was natural and organic products supermarket chain, Whole Foods Market, commitment to full genetically-modified organism (GMO) transparency by 2018.
“This compelling news is an important next step for the industry, possible legislation and ultimately consumers,” said Fred Linder, president of New Hope Natural Media.
Entrepreneurs also had the ability to show off what they had to offer with the new NEXT Natural Products Industry Accelerator program.
“The NEXT Accelerator provides the information, tools, community and connections needed to cultivate the next generation of natural products entrepreneurs,” Andersen added.
There were several overall trends that continued to grow at this year’s show, including gluten- and allergen-free products, sprouted foods, healthy snacks, non-dairy alternatives, vegan and paleo offerings and healthier, cleaner kids’ products.
“The natural and organic market is at the center of many of the most important and positive changes happening in food, nutrition and wellness,” said Carlotta Mast, senior director of Content and Insights for New Hope Natural Media and editor-in-chief, Natural Foods Merchandiser, newhope360.com.
She added, “We face significant lifestyle-related health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and mood disorders, and many of the solutions to these problems were on display at Natural Products Expo West.”
Natural Products Expo West is produced through Penton’s New Hope Natural Media division.
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites.
Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation.
Reinvented Luxury Experiences
The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes.
New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May.
Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.
A “New Wave for Mandalay Bay
A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay.
Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options.
From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.
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