by Coral Darby

Just back from the Expo West Natural Products trade show (attending with Darby Comm client PROBAR) and can’t help but feel elated about what transpired last week out in Anaheim, CA! The trade show was incredible fun! Surprisingly my enthusiasm is not derived from the rush of securing an editorial piece in an influential publication such as Natural Food Merchandiser or from the gratitude (and relief) of executing a well attended and meaningful press junket - but from the people I meet and the friendships I forged at the show.

Like Outdoor Retailer (a trade show I have been frequenting since 1994), I love the Natural Products industry’s massive biannual event. Expo is a gathering of like minded, progressive individuals determined to help the world in one way or another. Responsibility and high moral standards are a common thread at this show as the majority of exhibitors deliver a product that showcases sustainability in an eco-friendly package – whether it is vegan food, pure skin care products free of dangerous additives, non-toxic cleaning supplies, organic libations, etc. These companies, lead by caring individuals with a driving force to do right, don’t solely measure success in the volume of units turned and the revenue streams created, but by the ever-expanding constituency of conscientious people working towards something far greater than any one part could ever accomplish.

On March 5th, PROBAR hosted an evening of rejuvenation, a way to feel whole and sustained prior to the madness of the trade show. The event was attended by leading industry publications such as Body & Soul, Delicious Living, Natural Foods Merchandiser, VegNews, Vegetarian Times, Better Nutrition, Ode, and many more. 

As we all came together for beach side yoga and vegan fare eloquently prepared by the renowned PROBAR founder Art Eggertsen, we felt complete in our individual tasks, our joint purposes and overwhelmingly exhilarated by our new connections.

Here are pictures from the magical evening.   Darby Communications Expo West

Enjoy & Namaste.

Coral