Since the international situation on COVID-19 started in late January, New Hope, and its sister companies around the world have been guided by local government and health authority advice, as well the views of the local communities, in making decisions about events.
The company says its commitment to serve and support communities has led to the postponement/rescheduling of a number of events elsewhere across our wider group, to a date later in 2020.
In the particular case of New Hope’s Natural Products Expo, the situation has been very different in that the show was in-flight, with production underway, when the views of the community started to diverge.
Over the last 48 hours, the company has worked with the community to try and serve those who want the show by delivering a great experience, and support those who want it, by working on credits and alternatives.
It is now clear, despite continued advice from local government and health authorities that the City of Anaheim remains open, that the majority of the community want the show, but they would prefer it be postponed.
New Hope recently made four announcements:
• Natural Products Expo West in March 2020 is officially postponed, with the intention to announce, by mid-April, a new date.
• It is the company's intention to work with all exhibitors and attendees on future credits and support, with particular focus on the many entrepreneurs and small businesses who are the heartbeat of the community, for whom the company will to stand up a rebate fund of $5 million targeted at their specific needs.
• It is the company's intention to deliver a Natural Products Expo West event before the summer to serve the community, either in Anaheim or a suitable alternative location.
• The company is already working on how it delivers a much-enhanced Expo East in September in Philadelphia, serving and supporting the community with the best show it has ever had on the East Coast.
