Back-to-Business Attitude Shared by Manufacturers and Retailers Alike At Industry's Largest Trade Show
　　Anaheim, CA-March 15, 2002- More than 25,300 natural product retailers, manufacturers and journalists visited the 22nd annual Natural Products Expo West 2002 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA., March 8-10, 2002. Over 2,200 exhibits showcased the latest product introductions from manufacturers in 67 countries, ranging from Australia to Malaysia.

"Manufacturers and suppliers indicated to me that they are seeing an increase in sales and, as a result, are looking for strong first quarters," said Fred Linder, president, New Hope Natural Media, producers of the annual event. "Buyers and exhibitors alike were excited about just getting back to business, and we heard comments that this was the best show in the natural products industry they've seen in years."

"We not only increased the caliber of buyer at the show but were able to bring in more new buyers than ever before," according to Brian Henderson, senior v.p. trade shows, New Hope Natural Media. "These qualified buyers made the show a tremendous success." Twinlab's Curt Comba, vp of sales, western division, echoed those sentiments. "We had a very successful show, lots of positive energy and we wrote a lot of orders! This was one of the best shows for us that I can remember in 12 years."

The Expo featured a new "show within a show" format with pavilions showcasing products including supplements; organic; vegetarian and specialty foods; personal care; complementary and alternative medicine; international; natural living; pet products; raw materials; store supplies and equipment and others. Each category area was highlighted by a distinct color scheme, consistent in everything from the carpeting and draperies in each area to the show signage and color-coded map in the show's directory.

The New Hope Natural Media Trade Show Division also produces Natural Products Expo East, which takes place in Washington, DC at the Washington Convention Center Friday, October 4 through Sunday, October 6, 2002. The on-site Educational Conference will begin on Thursday, October 3 and continue through Sunday, October 6. New Hope Natural Media also co-produces Natural Products Expo Asia scheduled for Hong Kong, May 15-18, 2002, and Natural Products Expo Europe, June 11-13, in Amsterdam.

Manufacturers, retailers or media interested in participating in Expo East 2002 should contact the Expo Sales Department at 303/939-8440 or the Registration Department at ExpoReg@NewHope.com.

New Hope Natural Media is a division of Penton Media, Inc. (NYSE: PME). Penton (www.penton.com) a leading global business-to-business media company that produces market-focused magazines, trade shows and conferences, and online media. Penton's integrated media portfolio serves the following industries: natural products; food/retail; Internet/broadband; information technology; manufacturing; electronics; design/engineering; supply chain; aviation; government/compliance; mechanical systems/construction; and leisure/hospitality.

　　From Expowest.com