Network, Learn, Be Inspired: Must-attend events at Natural Products Expo WestNetwork, Learn, Be Inspired: Must-attend events at Natural Products Expo West

Natural Products Expo West, happening March 12-16 in Anaheim, California, is the largest trade show in the natural products industry. Check out these must-attend events to get better connected. 

NAFFS West Coast Flavor Industry Roundtable 

When: 8am-2pm March 12 

Where: Delta Hotels by Marriott, 12021 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove 

What: Food and beverage companies, ingredient and flavor suppliers, and others in the field gather annually at this event for breakfast, roundtable discussions on industry topics, and lunch. Registration is $135 for members and $185 for non-members. 

Southern California IFT Supplier Night 

When: 3:30-8:30pm March 12 

Where: Hyatt Regency Orange County, 11999 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove 

What: Hundreds of ingredient suppliers exhibit at this annual table-top event offering food, beverage and dietary supplement companies the chance to explore the latest innovations and meet face to face with experts in the field. It is free to attend with pre-registration, which is available at Suppliers Night Expo – SCIFTS. 

AHPA Annual Member Meeting 

When: 8am-noon March 13 (breakfast available at 7:30am) 

Where: Hilton Anaheim, Pacific Ballroom B, 777 W. Convention Way, Anaheim 

What: This annual meeting of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) brings together members of the global herb industry for breakfast, industry updates, the AHPA Board of Trustees election, presentation of the 2024 AHPA Awards and networking. AHPA members may attend free, and non-members can attend for $99. Virtual attendance is also available.  

Related:Floral, ‘fantasy’ flavors among top 2024 flavor trends

AHPA Herb Walk 

When: 1-5pm March 13 

Where: Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Rd., Fullerton (round trip bus transportation departing from the Anaheim Hilton is provided) 

What: Participants get a guided tour of the 26-acre Fullerton Arboretum botanical garden located on the California State University and will learn about culinary and medicinal herbs and their uses from a faculty of renowned herbalists. The experts include Feather Jones of Sedona Tea Blends, Erin Smith of Banyan Botanicals and Roy Upton of American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. The arboretum features a permanent collection of more than 4,000 plant species from around the world. Registration is $75 and space is limited. 

Naturally Network Expo West Kick-Off Party 

When: 7-10pm March 13 

Where: Hilton Anaheim, 777 W. Convention Way, Anaheim 

What: A networking reception with drinks and light appetizers where guests may connect with early-stage brands and new products not yet exhibiting on the Expo show floor. Attendance is capped at 1,000 people, and the event was sold out in 2023 with more than 400 people on the waiting list. All are welcome to attend, and registration is $75. Naturally Network partners and members receive 50% off. The event is presented by SPINS in partnership with New Hope Network and Moss Adams. 

Related:2 studies report positive health outcomes from mango consumption

LGBTQ+ Allies Networking Reception 

When: 6-7:30pm March 14 

Where: Hilton Avalon Ballroom 

What: A networking reception for LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies highlighting the non-profit Naturally Proud Network and a local non-profit that advocates, supports and uplifts the LGBTQ+ community. All are welcome to attend, and there is no registration required.