LAS VEGAS -More than 6,100 industry executives from dietary supplement, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies gathered Nov. 9 to 11 for the 9th Annual SupplySide West International Trade Show and Conference at the Sands Exposition Center and Venetian Resort Casino. SupplySide West is the world's largest event for nutritional and healthy ingredients; participation was up 13 percent this year to 6,151, while the exhibit hall included 513 companies, a 12 percent growth over 2004, occupying more than 720 booths, a 10 percent increase over 2004.

"The show was good. It's a very efficient show because the exhibitors and attendees are all very specific to our business of manufacturing and raw material supply. At SupplySide, we get to meet face to face with a number of vendors and customers in just a few days. It's an excellent show and definitely worth the time to attend for anyone in our specific industry." -- Eugene Ung, director of marketing, Best Formulations

"I found the show this year quite worthwhile. When attending SupplySide West, I approach the event with several specific vendor or product contact objectives, most of which were accomplished. I have established two post-show meetings with specific new product launch projects in mind." -- Chuck Read, supply chain manager, Jamieson Laboratories

SupplySide West started on Wednesday with the 9th Annual Golf Classic, sponsored by Pharmachem Laboratories. More than 200 golfers participated in the networking event, held on two courses, at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. Trophies were awarded for individual achievement and top scores for each course and the awards luncheon following the tournament.

"The course selection of Pauite, in my opinion, is the best golf complex in the region for multi players since it has three courses for activity--it is very challenging with a very picturesque background. Peggy Jackson, and her entire staff, once again has made SupplySide West the 'standard' for our industry as it is second to none among trade shows. The professionalism put forth here by the exhibitors, attendees and supporting sponsors reflects why this rates as number one. It is absolutely amazing to see the energy and friendliness that is exerted by all who cross the threshold of the exhibition center. A truly magnificent event! We, at Pharmachem and our subsidiary companies, look forward in giving SupplySide West our continued support in the future and wish to thank Virgo for all their fine efforts and support as it is truly appreciated." -- Dick Beitel, president, Pharmachem Laboratories

The exhibit hall opened on Thursday at 11 a.m. with 513 companies occupying more than 720 booths, making it the largest SupplySide exhibit hall to date. Thousands of executives walked the exhibit hall until 5:30 p.m. on Thursday and then again from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

"This was a fantastic show! People were clamoring for information and to talk business. The contacts were high-quality, and we were really pleased with the entire event."
-- Hame Persaud, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Sabinsa

Networking receptions offered attendees additional opportunities to further existing business relationships and connect with new industry peers. More than 500 executives from around the world participated in the International Welcome Reception, sponsored by KGK Synergize, OptiPure/Soft Gel Technologies and SourceOne Global Partners. More than 2,500 people attended the Opening Reception Thursday evening; the event was sponsored by DSM, Natural Health Science, Naturex and Natural Products INSIDER magazine. Lastly, the Appreciation Party closed the event with food and drinks in the exhibit hall on Friday afternoon and was sponsored by BASF, Cortex Scientific Botanicals, DNP, Embria Health Sciences, NSF International and Vesta Ingredients.

For the third year, the three-day Education Program offered scientific research, marketing strategies and regulatory updates. Sponsored by Cognis Nutrition & Health, the seminars featured speakers from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), American Botanical Council (ABC), National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA), Bastyr University, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), Vitamin Shoppe and more.

"As the official sponsor of the Education Program once again, Cognis is proud to work with Virgo in bringing scientific, marketing, and regulatory news to help our industry colleagues succeed during these challenging times. The numbers speak for themselves. Packed education seminars. Heavy booth traffic. Increased attendance. The show was hopping! We were especially delighted by the enthusiastic reception Cognis received from customers, prospects and media to our new products unveiled at SupplySide West. For example, our strategy to launch our expanded line of Vegapure(R) phytosterols at the show has already proven to be a good one based on the leads and positive feedback we've received." --Dave Eckert, Vice President, Cognis Nutrition & Health

The keynote presentation was given by NBC Sports golf commentator and U.S. and British Open winner Johnny Miller. Sponsored by Unigen Pharmaceuticals, Miller shared personal and professional insights with a humorous and touching delivery.

"Every attendee and exhibitor I spoke with commented that this was the best SupplySide ever. With high growth across attendance, booths and exhibitors, I agree." -- Peggy Jackson, director of publishing, Health & Nutrition Division, Virgo Publishing

A three-day VendorWorks program gave participants almost 40 presentations of ingredient science, manufacturing information, formulation know-how and much more to choose from.

New to SupplySide West, Science at SupplySide Poster Presentations brought attendees a convenient means to review new science and research. Sponsored by nutrilearn.com, the posters were displayed for the duration of the show. Presenters were available on Friday afternoon to answer attendee questions.

For more information on SupplySide East 2006, scheduled for May 1 to 3 in Secaucus, N.J., or SupplySide West 2006, which will take place Oct. 18 to 20 in Las Vegas, visit www.supplysideshow.com or call (800) 454-5760.

The following photos are available upon request: Johnny Miller delivering keynote, seminar rooms, networking receptions, golf tournament, exhibit hall and registration area. If you are interested in additional photos, please e-mail your request to asharman@vpico.com.

Virgo Publishing produces the SupplySide Trade Shows and Conferences, the Focus on the Future Executive Conference and Retreat, and the online training Web site nutrilearn.com; and publishes Natural Products INSIDER, HSR: Health Supplement Retailer and Food Product Design magazines.

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Contacts:
Jon Benninger, Director of Business Development
Virgo Publishing
(480) 990-1101 ext. 1108; jonb@vpico.com