Frequently Asked Questions

Below are Frequently Asked Questions specific to our Standards program and the Natural Products Expo Application Review Process.

For more details about Expo Exhibitor Registration, please consult the Exhibitor Resources available on our Expo sites:

Standards Background

How are Standards developed and do they ever change?

The Standards are developed by our New Hope Network Standards Team in collaboration with a wide assortment of natural products industry experts. We constantly monitor trends and engage expert resources to evolve these Standards as technologies develop and/or new data and insights emerge. Occasionally, we seek the assistance of a select group of industry experts and consultants who will more formally collaborate with us to keep our Standards and Guidelines current within this rapidly changing environment.

Are Standards only about ingredients?

No. In addition to our Ingredient Standards, we also have Exhibitor and Advertiser Standards that cover topics that include health benefit claims, nutrient content claims, and third party certification logos/claims. For more information, see our Resources.

How are Expo/Advertising Standards enforced?

All Natural Products Expo exhibitor and advertising* contracts include a clause requiring compliance with the New Hope Standards as a condition for exhibiting/advertising with us. See Exhibit Space Contract Additional Terms and Conditions under the Expo Exhibitor Resources pages for more details. You may also refer to Our Process which briefly describes the types of Standards reviews.

*Advertising includes print/digital ads as well as any online and event sponsored content/marketing programs.

Exhibitor Application Process

How do I know if I need to submit an exhibitor application for a Natural Products Expo?

You will need to complete an application:

If you company has never exhibited at a Natural Products Expo Event before.
If your company is a returning exhibitor, but you have not exhibited within the last 12 months.
If your company/brand/product was previously exhibited by a brand manager, agency, or distributor and you now want to exhibit independently.

For more information, see the Our Process page or you can start the application process here.

What is the deadline to submit an application/get approved?

Applications can be submitted at any time and are good for up to one year (365 days) from the date of application. There is no application deadline per se but remember you cannot register as an exhibitor until you have successfully completed the application and review process.

I want to exhibit at multiple events. Do I need to submit an application for each event?

No. Your application will cover any Expo event (Natural Products Expo East, including Harvest Festival; and Natural Products Expo West, including the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace; and Spark Change and Natural Products Expo Virtual events) and will be active for one year from the date it was submitted. After the one year a new application will be required unless you become an active exhibitor during that year.

What information will I need to submit an application?

You will need to upload product information including packaging/labels, marketing materials, and any third-party certification documentation.

I paid the $95 fee—when can I get a booth?

Paying the fee does not guarantee a booth at Natural Products Expo (NPE). Your application must be approved before you can proceed with the registration process and reserve a booth (or to be added to a waitlist).

I am a current exhibitor and have new products I want to exhibit. Do I need to submit a new application to add new products to my exhibit?

If you are a current exhibitor, you do not need to submit an application to add additional products to your exhibit; but you do need to contact the Standards team ([email protected]) and submit any new product labeling.

I am having trouble submitting my exhibitor application. Who can I contact for help?

Please contact [email protected]

Standards Review Process

(FOR NEW EXHIBITORS) What happens to my application if the product information I submitted is not compliant with the Expo Standards?

If your product information is found to be non-compliant, our Standards Team will provide you an explanation of the issue and some suggestions/resources to help guide you in resolving the issue. Your account will be placed on a Standards HOLD (see below for more information). You may not reserve a booth until your product information is determined to be compliant and your exhibitor application is approved.

How are returning exhibitors’ products reviewed for compliance?

At every Natural Products Expo our Standards team visits in-person and virtual booths of returning exhibitors to collect and/or review product packaging, and marketing materials for compliance with the Exhibitor Standards.

(FOR RETURNING EXHIBITORS) What happens if my product information is not compliant?

If the New Hope Standards team has reviewed your product information and found any non-compliance issues, your account will be placed on a Standards HOLD (see next question). You may be required to revise the product information you intend to present at the next in-person Expo event. We may remove/revise the product information that appears in a virtual booth.

What is a Standards HOLD?

A Standards HOLD is a flag on your account that directs our Sales and Accounting teams to stop the contract and billing process until you can resolve outstanding non-compliance issues with our Standards Department.

How do I know if my company’s account is on a Standards HOLD?

The Standards Department sends out review messages regarding non-compliance issues as soon as possible after Expo West and Expo East in-person events, and as soon as found for virtual events. Your account with us will remain on HOLD and you will not be able to arrange for a booth move, book a future event, or add sponsorship/marketing support until any outstanding non-compliance issues have been resolved.