For Immediate Release
Jessica Matzuk
New Hope Natural Media
303.998.9354
jmatzuk@newhope.com
Natural Products Association Trade Show Commences 72nd Year
Natural Products Association MarketPlace successfully establishes precedent for upcoming year
Boulder, Colo. (July 11, 2009) — The inaugural year of the partnership between New Hope Natural Media and the Natural Products Association to produce Natural Products Association MarketPlace (www.npamarketplace.com) drew more than 5,000 industry members (3,532 in the buyer categories) to a myriad of meetings, education sessions, and a show floor showcasing innovative natural and healthy lifestyle products. Natural Products Association MarketPlace was held July 9-11, 2009 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center and the Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.
A significant increase in retail attendance, coupled with a decline in exhibit space, created an effective and interactive experience for attendees. "The engaging show floor and the strong, new buying audience, have given us the opportunity to focus on a quality tradeshow experience and build the foundation for growth in 2010," commented Erica Stone, show manager, New Hope Natural Media. The dramatically increased ratio of attendees to exhibits (19:1) inspired numerous business opportunities on the show floor. First-time exhibitors made up more than 45% percent of the show floor, showcasing products new to the predominately independent retail buying audience. "We were busy the entire time and it was great to meet with buyers responsive to our product. Next time we will bring more samples! This is our first time exhibiting at a show and we were very pleased with the number of orders," said first-time exhibitor Melissa Beauchamp, vice president of Mother's Cupboard/Matt's Cookies.
"The ability of New Hope Natural Media to produce the show and deliver the buyers has given the Natural Products Association the opportunity to focus on our core mission of advocacy for the industry," said Pat Sardell, president of the Natural Products Association. "With the continued partnership, we enjoy a renewed ability to support our initiatives and build membership as the strength of the show returns, to surpass expectations. The partnership and this year's show have proved beneficial for our organization as a whole and for our members individually."
Natural Products Association MarketPlace's cutting-edge education program centered on industry trends and how to grow your business in today's challenging environment. SuperSession Speaker Senator Tom Harkin provided inspiration and hard facts took precedence in the State of the Industry, drawing standing-room crowds with relevant information directly applicable to businesses today.
Natural Products Association MarketPlace 2010 will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center June 10-12, 2010 and will be co-located with World Tea Expo and Brilliance of Nature. Registration is open now at www.npamarketplace.com.
New Hope Natural Media (www.newhope360.com), a division of the Penton Media, Inc., is the leading media resource and information provider for the natural, organic and healthy products industry, with print, in-person/event, and e-business products and services.
The Natural Products Association is the nation's largest and oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the natural products industry. The association represents more than 10,000 retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. Association members meet annually each July in Las Vegas at the association's official tradeshow, Natural Products Association MarketPlace(www.npamarketplace.com).
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