As summer winds down, we are gearing up for a flurry of industry events. We would love to connect with you, learn more about what you are offering, and help spread the word on the latest and greatest innovations—as well as the most pressing industry news and initiatives—for those who won’t be hitting the trade show circuit.

Next up for team WholeFoods Magazine: Newtopia Now. Taking place in Denver, CO, August 20-22, this Expo East replacement is dubbed as “A New Event in Conscious CPG.” Keynotes include Forever Strong: The Keys to Health and Longevity with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and Connection Over Perfection: The New Rules of Rising Strong with Jenn DeWall. Another highlight: Plants with Purpose, in partnership with the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). And come see us! We will be on the show floor in booth 830.

After Denver, SOHO EXPO, which has been produced since 1971 by SENPA (a non-profit Trade Association with proceeds from the show staying within the industry) is back at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, FL, from September 4-7. Come see us at booth 508, and check out this stellar lineup of speakers: SOHO Expo 2025 Speaker Lineup. After the 2024 event, Stacey Lett, SOHO Events Director, outlined why the show is such a hit with independents: “SOHO Expo facilitates the essential face-to-face networking that independent retailers and the suppliers both crave…By providing retailer education and interaction with suppliers, the return on investment for all involved is second to none.”

And there’s more in store from SENPA: SOHO Northeast, taking place October 4-5 at DoubleTree Newark Airport in Newark, NJ. “This expansion reflects our commitment to growing access, education, and opportunity across the health and wellness space. We can’t wait to welcome even more attendees, partners, and innovators to join us as we continue to elevate this important work, strengthening the voice of the independent retailer and the brands that support them,” said Jeff Shackelford President of SENPA and Vice President of Purchasing, The Healthy Edge Group, in the event announcement. 

SOHO Northeast is right down the highway from me, so I’m especially jazzed. You may find me at some of my Newark favorites before and after the event. A few of my recommendations: The fabulous Sihana Cafe in the Ironbound, Blueprint Cafe, Brick City Vegan, and Burke’s Tavern.

Staying even closer to home, the next big event on our agenda is our own Naturally Informed conference on September 24-25. This one is virtual so I get to cohost from my home office. Our Supply Chain, Delivery Systems and Emerging Technology event will focus on how brands can innovate and stay ahead by adopting new technologies, optimizing delivery systems, and building supply chains that are not only efficient, but transparent from end to end. We will explore the latest tools, tech, and strategies designed to future-proof your business and meet the evolving expectations of today’s consumers while capturing the loyalty of tomorrow’s high-value customers. Registration is free thanks to our fabulous sponsors. Learn more at NaturallyInformed.net.

There’s a little breather before the next big event that the WholeFoods Magazine team will be attending: The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) CONVERGENCE ‘25 with Science in Session, WellComms, and Innovation Exchange event. From October 8-10 at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, CRN will host its annual event featuring inspiring and informative speakers looking to educate guests through industry-advancing discussions. This year’s show will allow guests to choose between Science in Session or WellComms, and honestly I’m torn because I want to attend both. Heather Wainer and I did rock-paper-scissors to sort it out—she gets WellComms while I will be soaking up all the science. 

This is all leading us up to the big one: SupplySide Global in Las Vegas from October 27-30. If your company is exhibiting, you can email me at maggiejaqua@wfcinc.com with a 50 word (max) blurb including your company name, booth number, and key focus at the show (submission deadline: September 4, 2025) We will be sharing these in a pre-show roundup on WholeFoodsMagazine.com, to help our readers plan out their event. And do add us to your must-visit list: We will be at booth 5042. 

Phew! That sums up the bulk of it. Hope to see you this fall!