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First-Time Attendee Information

Before the Show

How to Register to Attend
Registration is FREE before February 8, 2008 to all qualified buyers, distributors and brokers so sign up to attend as soon as possible. Once you decide to attend, there are two ways to register. You can register online or download a printable registration form from the web site.

Visit the Web Site Often
General information about the event's host city and detailed event information, including a schedule will be available for your reference. Information is updated continuously so be sure to visit this site often.

A Complete List of Exhibiting Companies
Click here for a complete list of all the exhibiting companies that you'll see at Natural Products Expo West, SupplyExpo and Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace.

Planning Your Schedule at the Event
Click here to visit the Expo Online Planner and plan your event. Use the search box to find the education you need. Don't forget to add the sessions you want to attend to your personalized Expo Plan!

Important Deadlines

• 10/17/07 – Book your hotel.
• 2/8/08 – Registration is FREE for qualified Buyers, Brokers and Distributors; $25 beginning 2/9/08; $55 beginning 3/1/08. For Manufacturers/Supply/Business Services: $195 on or before 2/8/08; $250 beginning 2/9. Guests from Outside the Industry: $325 on or before 2/8/08; $450 beginning 2/9.
• 2/13/08 – International attendees: last day to register and receive your badge in the mail. After that, pick up onsite at Will-Call.
• 2/20/08 – Last day to register and receive your badge in the mail. After that, pick up onsite

Tips for Attending a Trade Show

Pre-Show Planning

• Avoid the confusion at the show by pre-registering.
• Have a goal of what you want to accomplish, such as which vendors to visit, what items you need to purchase, what seminars to attend and which new product lines you'd like to see.
• Know your inventory needs before the show. More efficient purchasing will save you money by grouping your orders to take advantage of discounts and special offers, as well as keeping you within budget.
• Set appointments with any vendor you'd like to meet with during the show.
• Plan to bring any employees who would greatly benefit from attending the trade show.

Where to Stay

• Check to see if the trade show organizers have reserved rooms at a discount.
• Make reservations for transportation and lodging early.
• Try to book a hotel very close to the trade show. Click here for travel and hotel info.

What to Pack

• Pack comfortable shoes, wear business casual clothing, and remember you are a representative for your business.
• Allow enough room in your suitcase(s) for bringing back more than you take. This includes literature, freebies, and product samples.
• Some exhibitors provide bags, but come prepared by bringing a comfortable carryall for all that literature.

At the Trade Show

• Take some time to review the Buyers' Guide given to you onsite. Take some time to revise your plan if necessary.
• Make sure your badge is in plain sight while browsing trade show booths.
• Have a pen and notebook ready for notes and use business cards to jot down information on the back.
• Take advantage of show specials, discounts and sales where they are truly bargains and needed in your store. Check freight costs and delivery dates.
• Keep track of orders placed so you'll stay within your budget.
• If you are planning to purchase any custom merchandise, bring your artwork and other files on a flash drive. Most vendors are equipped with laptops and can quickly send the data to the appropriate department.
• Take a break after a few hours to refresh, have a snack and get some fresh air.

Networking

• Bring plenty of your own business cards.
• Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to others.
• Attend seminars and workshops if available. These educational presentations are why you came.
• Don't linger too long at each booth and don't stay in a conversation with a company in which you're not interested in doing business.

Before & During the Trade Show

Odds and Ends
Dress Code: The dress code for Natural Products Expo West is business casual. Close to event, check local Internet sites for the host city to find out what the average temperatures are, and pack accordingly. Pack a light sweater or jacket for temperatures that vary in meeting rooms, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Food: Cash food stations will be available in the Anaheim Convention Center; snack and beverage stations will be located at various locations in and around the facility.

Internet Access: All Expo Online Planner computer stations are located throughout the front area of the Convention Center with access to the internet.

Bookstore: Hall E also will host a bookstore where you'll find industry related and new book releases by hosted speakers.

Restaurants and Sightseeing: Restaurant and tourism information will be provided onsite at the Concierge Desk located by the front entrance of the Convention Center to assist with your after conference evening activities.

Your First Stop at the Expo: Registration
Even though you have pre-registered for Natural Products Expo West, you must pick up a badge holder at the Information Booths located throughout the Convention Center. They open at 8:00 am each day of the show. Your badge is required for entrance into the Exposition Halls and should be worn at all times during Natural Products Expo West.

Admission Policy - Required Proof of Business
All persons planning to attend Natural Products Expo West must be registered. Natural Products Expo West is a private trade show open to the trade only, and not open to the public. Individuals who cannot document their direct, professional affiliation to the trade are not qualified to attend the trade show.

Proof of Business must be presented in order for you to be registered for Natural Products Expo. You must present business credentials to qualify your store/company. Accepted forms include a retail tax license, a current Yellow Pages ad, product catalog, web site that directly sells products to an end consumer, business card that has info of retail practices, order forms showing multiple products lines (in the case of Distributors, Importer/Exporters or Brokers) or medical license (in the case of Health/Practitioners).

Check Natural Products Expo West's Web site for Last-Minute Changes
Life is sometimes unpredictable. And, sometimes unexpected changes in our speaker schedules force us to make last-minute changes to educational sessions. Before you leave, be sure to check the Natural Products Expo West web site (www.expowest.com) to check for any last-minute changes to the schedule.

After the Show

Identify if your objectives were met and if the cost of attending the trade show has had a positive long-term effect for you and your business. Evaluate if you had not attended the trade show, what would have been the cost and time to achieve the same amount of business. If you planned your attack, you will be confident in knowing the time you have spent at the show was worthwhile.

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