New Hope Network announced on Friday that it will no longer be attempting to reschedule Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim this year, due to the developing circumstances around the COVID-19 Virus.
 
“We are shifting our focus and resources toward making Natural Products Expo East 2020 (Philadephia, Sept. 23-26) this year’s world-class innovation showcase and community gathering needed by the natural & organic products industry,” New Hope Network wrote in a statement.
 
“2020 will be the first time in 40 years that we will not host an annual natural & organic products show in Anaheim,” New Hope Network continued. “We’re disappointed, and we know many of you will be as well. So, what are we doing about it? We are directing our attention to Philadelphia and are excited about the opportunities we can provide the industry via our increased exhibition and gathering spaces within the Pennsylvania Convention Center and the plans we have for showcasing the industry’s emerging brands, new product innovations and sustainability efforts in unique ways,” 
 
New Hope network said that it will work closely with Expo West partners, exhibitors, and attendees to find the bets solutions for them in Philadelphia or through New Hope’s other products and platforms.

New Hope Network urged those interested to visit their FAQ page in regard to the cancellation.
 
Additionally, New Hope announced the board members who will oversee distribution of a $5 million fund designated to those most significantly affected by the Expo West 2020 cancellation.
 
“An independent advisory council has now been formed to help us establish criteria for how we best manage and most fairly disperse our $5 million fund,” New Hope said. “In addition, this council will be advising how to ensure we make Expo East 2020 the most valuable innovation and community event possible for retailers/buyers and brands large and small and will provide input and ideas for how we best serve the industry in Philadelphia and beyond.”
 
The board will be led by John Grubb, a former managing partner of Sterling-Rice Group and the current board president of Naturally Boulder. The group is comprised of leaders from across the natural and organic products community. It includes:
– John Foraker, Co-Founder & CEO, Once Upon a Farm 
– Jane Miller, CEO, Lily’s Sweets 
– Julie Smolyansky, CEO, Lifeway Foods 
– Katlin Smith, Founder & CEO, Simple Mills 
– Vincent Kitirattragarn, Co-Founder & CEO, Dang Foods 
– Angela McElwee, President & CEO, Gaia Herbs 
– Blair Kellison, CEO, Traditional Medicinals 
– Lisa Curtis, Founder & CEO, Kuli Kuli 
– Lara Dickinson, Executive Director, OSC2 
– Terry DeBlasio, Buyer, PCC Markets 
– Wayne Wu, General Partner, VMG 
– Andy Whitman, Managing Partner, 2X Partners 
– Tony Olson, Owner & CEO, SPINS 
– Brandon Barnholt, President & CEO, KeHE 
– Eric Schnell, Co-Founder, Beyond Brands 
– Bob Burke, Principal, Natural Products Consulting 
– Jim Slama, Founder & CEO, Good Food Accelerator and FamilyFarmed
 
The advisory council will convene on March 16, and aims to reach guidance decisions by the week of April 6.

New Hope said that account managers will be in contact with all Expo West exhibitors to discuss their best options for Expo East and beyond. The company will also contact all Expo West attendees regarding refunds for all 2020 registrations. New hope has been in discussions with the 60 hotel partners from the event, as well as other vendors in Anaheim. They will provide updates on their FAQ page in relation to deposits and charges related to the show.