PHILADELPHIA — Emerging brands will have new opportunities to connect with retail buyers and accelerate growth at Natural Products Expo East, taking place Sept. 20-23 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

Based on exhibitor and attendee feedback, Informa Markets’ New Hope Network, which produces the Natural Products Expos, is launching an improved version of its product discovery platform, a brand-to-buyer matchmaking program, show floor tours and other new features at this year’s show, which is set to attract more than 800 exhibitors and more than 18,000 registered attendees.

The four-day event commences with Natural Products Business School, tapping into the insights of entrepreneurs and experts on funding, scaling and entering retail. Additionally, New Hope Network has partnered with Naturally Network to host the Expo East Pitch Slam competition on Sept. 20, representing a showdown among regional Naturally Network Pitch Slam winners vying for a complementary booth at Expo East next year and more than $30,000 in services.

The Beacon Discovery platform, which was introduced at Natural Products Expo West in March, will have added functionality that includes enhanced product discovery and show floor navigation options.

“Beginning in July, retailers and other buyers will have the first opportunity to use the tool to browse brands and products as they prepare for a productive event,” said Carlotta Mast, senior vice president and market leader at New Hope Network.

NaturalProductsXchange, launching in partnership with VerticalXchange, is a matchmaking program designed to pair exhibiting brands with buyers for one-on-one meetings.

“These meetings will take place onsite Wednesday, the day prior to the show floor opening, with additional opportunities throughout the week,” Ms. Mast said. “In addition, many of our retail partners will be hosting their own events during Expo East, giving exhibitors many more ways to connect with buyers on and off the show floor.”

New Hope Network also is unveiling the New Hope Innovation Experience at Expo East, a one-day event on Sept. 22 with education sessions, keynote talks, demonstrations and exhibitor booths. Participants will gain a greater understanding of new technologies, business models and philosophies.

“Food technologies, artificial intelligence, nutrition science and alternative business models are creating a new landscape for suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and investors,” said Jessica Rubino, vice president, content at New Hope Network. “These innovations are here — and to help steward CPG toward a healthier, more regenerative and equitable future, we must seek to understand them and engage in conversations about how to use innovation as a force for good.”

Expo East Show Floor Tours will be hosted Sept. 21-23, offering a curated experience and introductions to innovators across various product categories. A show floor pavilion and conference education will tap into the growing non-alcoholic beverage category through a partnership with the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association. Diversity and equity in the natural products industry will be a prominent theme at Expo East, too, with dedicated exhibition areas for (included) and Founders Heritage groups and a panel discussion.

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