I’m like a kid before Christmas morning! I’m sooooo excited to be invited as a member of the press to Natural Products Expo West (commonly called #ExpoWest by the cool kids) – which is a trade show and not open to the general public. Expo West is all about the natural food industry – organic, non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan – you name it and it’s going to be there.

Here’s a little bit about the conference:

“Our goal each and every year is to enable businesses of any size to gain access 
to more decision-makers and strengthen their competitive position in the 
marketplace, by creating the industry’s essential platform that connects retail 
buyers and exhibiting brands” said Show Director Adam Andersen.

Here are some of the things that I’m most excited about the expo:

GLUTEN FREE BRANDS

The list goes on and on: Udi’s, Rudi’s, Glutino, Bakery on Main, KIND Snacks, 123 Gluten Free, Attune Foods, The Gluten Free Bar, and a ton more. Yeah, I’m going to a million gluten-free expos this year – but it NEVER GETS OLD! I promise you, during my LAST expo this year, I will still be running up and down the aisles with a giant smile on my face. GLUTEN-FREE FOOD ROCKS!

FREE FOOD

Udi’s, Earth Balance, and Glutino – some of my favorite gluten-free brands are hosting a free breakfast! YAY! Of course, on top of free breakfast, I can’t wait to sample all the new gluten-free products that are about to hit the shelves!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! You’re invited to enjoy a complimentary buffet featuring the newest items from Glutino, Earth Balance and Udi’s. Sponsored by: Earth Balance, Glutino and Udi’s

WHAT’S NEXT IN NATURAL FOODS

If you’re like me, I can’t wait to see what’s next in the natural product industry. I want to get a sneak-peek at what is going to hit my shelves in the upcoming year. I’m most interested in gluten-free frozen items (like healthy lunches) and gluten-free cosmetic/body care lines.

The NEXT pavilion will debut this year, specifically to serve the growing demand
from new innovative brands entering the market. The main show floor halls have
sold out in record time, and over 2,200 companies across natural and specialty
foods, organic, supplements, health and beauty, natural living and pet products
will exhibit this year.

THE SPECIALTY DIET FORUM 

There is an entire section of the conference devoted to SPECIAL diets. Yes, that’s me. I’m gluten-free and I’m special! I can’t wait to see what they say about how to successfully retail GF products!

According to the website the Specialty Diets Forum (new this year) is all about exploring successful retailing of speciality products (including gluten-free foods). 

GOOD FRIENDS

It turns out that I’ll have a few good friends there – and that just makes these events all the better. I’ll be rocking my Celiac and the Beast shirts and hoodies and trying to make even more friends in the GF world.

Make sure you follow along with my Instagram as I live-blog whatever I can from the expo. I’m sure I’ll write a post after I come back! 🙂