Natural Products Expo West: a whirlwind of innovation, flavor, and the latest trends in natural products. For a buyer, this is an important show to cover as much ground as possible to find new exciting natural products. For a food influencer, it’s a paradise, but navigating the sea of booths and samples requires a strategic approach. Here’s your essential guide to conquering Expo West while maintaining your sanity (and your stomach).
Dress for Success (and Comfort):
- Comfort is King (or Queen): You’ll be on your feet for hours, so prioritize comfortable shoes. Think supportive sneakers or stylish flats. I typically clock at least 8 miles for the day. Leave the heels at home!
- Layers are Your Friend: The temperature can fluctuate within the convention center. Dress in layers to adapt to changing conditions. E Hall downstairs is notorious for being warm, so be prepared to shed a few layers, but it can be cooler upstairs in the main hall. I’ve been at Expo with 80 degree weather, and conversely I’ve been there in pouring cold rain!
- Practical Pockets: Opt for clothing with ample pockets to hold your phone, business cards, and small samples.
- Small Backpack: I bring a small backpack to carry phone accessories and a backup battery. I also throw my water bottle in there.
Your Expo West Arsenal:
- The Expo West App: The App this year is called NPEW 2025. Play Store | App Store This is your lifeline. Utilize the interactive map to navigate, mark favorite booths, and get alerts.
- Hydration Hero: Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when sampling various foods and drinks.
- Antacid Allies: Let’s be real, sampling a plethora of new products can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Pack antacids or digestive aids to combat potential discomfort.
- Business Cards: Networking is key! Have plenty of business cards readily available. Most booths will scan your badge, but some like to collect cards or they offer a contest for dropping one off.
- Phone and Portable Charger: Capture those delicious moments and stay connected. A portable charger ensures you won’t miss a beat.
- Camera or Phone with Good Camera: As an influencer, you will be taking tons of photos.
- Small Notebook and Pen: For quick notes, booth numbers, and contact information.
Sample Savvy:
- Pace Yourself: It’s tempting to try everything, but overindulgence leads to an upset stomach. Sample mindfully and prioritize products that align with your niche.
- The One-Bag Rule: Remember the daily one-sample-bag limit. Choose wisely! Focus on unique or promising products.
- Shipping Solutions: If you encounter heavy or fragile samples (glass bottles, large items), inquire about shipping options. Some marketing teams are able to ship out samples which will save you the burden of lugging them around.
- Skip the Noise: Focus on booths and sections relevant to your audience and business. Don’t waste time on irrelevant products.
- Ask Before You Take: Always ask for permission before taking a sample, especially if it’s a large or valuable item.
Influencer Etiquette:
- Be Respectful: Remember, exhibitors are there to make sales. Be polite, patient, and avoid monopolizing their time, especially during busy periods.
- Engage, Don’t Interrogate: Ask relevant questions, but avoid overwhelming exhibitors with endless inquiries. If they are busy, move on, you can always come back.
- Capture the Moment: Take high-quality photos and videos of interesting products and booths. Share your experiences on social media.
- Network Strategically: Connect with brands and fellow influencers. Build relationships that can lead to future collaborations.
- Be Authentic: Share your genuine opinions and experiences with your audience.
Expo West is an incredible opportunity to discover new products, connect with industry leaders, and create engaging content. By following these tips, you’ll navigate the expo like a pro and leave with a wealth of knowledge (and a happy stomach).
