It's hard to describe how amazing the universe can be or how beautiful the world of connections really is. What started as a cheeky Facebook conversation led to us agreeing to meet during Expo West and after some hotel cancellations and rebookings, L and I ended up rooming together for half of my trip.
For those of you who know me, you'll know that I lead a pretty solitary life and that I tend to keep company with males (not intentionally) by virtue of the fact that I am quite masculine in thinking and am the atypical girl.
After a quick meet and greet along the corridor with her luggage, we ended up pouring into the motel room and seconds later, feasting on raw snacks and raw chocolates.
I wasn't kidding!
Coffee and some sunshine later, we both knew we're gonna get along superbly.
Click.
Fast forward 2 days and now we're standing in the throng of happy, excited health foodies.
Couldn't miss it even if you tried. Couldn't forget where you're at either.
Everyone's grabbing a free ThinkThin bar from their bright pink tents as well as the 1st of many extra-large shopping bags.
Eye-catching. This ended being L and my meeting point. Hahah!
Oh and yes, that is my Instagram. Feel free to follow me (@anythingbutsalads) for the latest updates on Anything But Salads and the adventures in our kitchen.
Salted Caramel & Peanut Butter Lean Protein Bar from ThinkThin - a.k.a my breakfast for the days of the Expo
Me & the ThinkThin Bar - it was delicious and filling (high protein bar!) but not altogether THAT healthy.... Unfortunately
Technically, it isn't quite 'shopping' since nothing is paid for except that one entry ticket (approx. US$60 for me, as a retailer - cheaper if you were an early bird). No one is allowed to sell products. Give-aways though, are the norm.
A health and natural product freebie market? I remember thinking the universe is kind and the world is f*ing perfect.
Ok, maybe I exaggerate. But I was truly astounded by the magnitude of this trade show (FYI, my very first international trade show too). There were more brands that I could count - and a perusal of the expo brochure revealed tiny ant-like letters listing the numerous brand names.
If there was one thing I learnt, getting the best out of this expo involved strategic planning. Ideally, it'll be good to have some companions or partners - we can split up: one attends talks, some visit different sections etc etc. You want
Breadth and Depth.
Example of a conference. NOTE: Special entry fee is required to attend these.
Seeing as this was my virgin experience, I was unprepared upon arriving at Anaheim. I knew there was nothing I could do to change that, but there was something I could do to change the future. I scanned the online exhibitors' list and opted for depth. I noted brands I was interested in, checked out their website and wrote down their booth number. I went on the Expo West website, looked at the available activities, downloaded the mobile app and opted to attend the Organic Farming Research Foundation Luncheon. It was advertised as a luncheon of industry pioneers and newcomers. Since I didn't know the industry or the market in USA, I figured it'd be as good a place to start as any.
Food, glorious food. Credits to Dennis Weaver.
I wasn't wrong. I met a lovely couple - Mr & Mrs V - who were extremely gracious in their welcome and their warmth made me feel like family almost instantly. Such warmth is rarely present in Asia.
In my opinion, Mr and Mrs V are the best people I've had the pleasure of meeting on this trip.
As we got to the buffet spread (all organic of course), I had the great pleasure of meeting Dennis Weaver - an online blogger. He took a picture of me and got chatting about where I was from, what I did and why I do what I do. He was such a lovely man. For the blogpost, click here. =)
After lunch, Mr V took me around the trade show grounds - introducing me to some really cool entrepreneurs - people I never thought I'd have the honour of meeting. In a short 30mins, I met Brad and his team from Brad's Kale Chips, the exciting and enthusiastic team of Essential Living Foods, Teatulia and so on and so forth. I even met a man who called himself the Medicine Man! Fancy that! I loved it. Such colourful personalities all under one tent.
Said tent. The tip of a HUGE iceberg. This was NOTHING.
The night took an even more interesting turn - cocktail parties and meeting the leaders of USA's natural product industry. I learnt LOTS. I remember standing in the room, suddenly aware of the legacy of greatness I had the privilege of experiencing (albeit from a 3rd party's perspective), speaking to and learning from my seniors and successful businesses. Post-cocktail party, I remember arriving at my motel at 2am, knees shaking, hands shaking, the adrenaline pouring out of my system, catching my breath. I couldn't believe who I had met and how much I learnt - all in ONE day! I remember giving thanks - to Mr & Mrs V, to Spirit, to my history (for making me the person I am today) and to all who have touched my life in one way or another. I remember calling M (who was stuck in China at the time) and telling him all about it. I remember shaking. I remember stuttering. But somehow, through my chattering teeth, he got what happened and all he said was,
"Go for it babe. Be yourself and rock it!"
And so I did.
Hey these are just superb details. I am pleased to find these details here. At some local San Francisco event venues we also attended an expo where we got to know about a lot of natural beauty products. I was just so impressed to know that there are amazing options that are useful for our skin.
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