Expo West postponed due to coronavirus concerns

Natural Products Expo West, which was to get underway March 3 in Anaheim, California, has been postponed due to concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19).

As of Monday, March 2, dozens of exhibitors had pulled out of the event, which was scheduled to run through March 7.

Natural Produces made the postponement announcement via a released statement.

“As with all our events, it was the intention here at Expo West in Anaheim, to follow official guidance from local authorities and to listen to the voices of the community we serve and support, in order to maximize the health of the industry,” said Fred Linder, Group President of New Hope Network. “Today, it is clear the majority of those voices are saying they want Expo West but not this week. And so we are being guided by that majority in postponing the show.

“We will be working closely with all our customers and partners across the industry to identify a new date for the show later in the year, and providing the service and support to deliver the connections and experience everyone expects from Expo West and the New Hope Network.”

The statement said a new show date would be announced at some point in April, and organizers are currently working on a rebate program.

“Following that clear guidance, we have listened to our community and are making four important announcements:

1. “Natural Products Expo West in March 2020 is officially postponed, with the intention to announce, by mid-April, a new date.
2. “It is our intention to work with all our Exhibitors and Attendees on future credits and support, with particular focus on the many entrepreneurs and small businesses who are the heartbeat of this community, for whom we are going to stand up a rebate fund of $5 million targeted at their specific needs.
3. “It is our intention to deliver a Natural Products Expo West event before the summer to serve the community, either in Anaheim or a suitable alternative location.
4. “We are already working on how we deliver a much-enhanced Expo East in September in Philadelphia, serving and supporting the community with the best show we have ever had on the East Coast.”