ABC, AHPA, NNFA Endorse SupplySide Asia 2002

PHOENIX--Virgo Publishing announced the SupplySide Asia 2002 trade show and conference is endorsed by the American Botanical Council (ABC), American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) and the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA). SupplySide Asia is scheduled for Sept. 4 to 6, 2002, at the Pacifico Convention Center in Yokohama, Japan.

"The endorsement by these organizations will add to the broad support that SupplySide Asia is experiencing in both the United States and Japan," said Jon Benninger, group publisher at Virgo Publishing. "We anticipate similar support from organizations in Japan and Asia."

In addition to offering their support, each of the endorsing organizations will assist with development of the SupplySide Asia seminar program. Confirmed speakers include NNFA Executive Director David Seckman, AHPA Executive Director Michael McGuffin and ABC Chief Administrative Officer Wayne Silverman, Ph.D.

"This is a good opportunity for the herbal products industry to meet in the growing Asian market during an important point in its development," McGuffin said. "AHPA and its members will benefit by participating."

Silverman concurred with the assessment. "Virgo has consistently shown leadership by providing venues and experiences that meet the needs of the those in the natural products movement," he said. "ABC, an independent educational organization, is pleased to join with industry associations in sponsoring and supporting this first SupplySide Asia."

Seckman also supported the endeavor. "NNFA has been instrumental in the establishment of a more favorable regulatory climate for dietary supplements in Japan," Seckman said. "In fact, NNFA-Japan, which was established in 1998, is the only foreign offshoot of the U.S. NNFA. SupplySide Asia offers an opportunity for further industry exposure and expansion in Japan and underscores these efforts. A strategic alliance with Virgo Publishing in support of SupplySide Asia is a logical extension of our long-term commitment to facilitating trade with Japan on behalf of our members and the industry."

SupplySide Asia is organized by U.S.-based Virgo Publishing Inc. and Tokyo-based International Nutraceutical Network Inc. Virgo Publishing produces leading business magazines for the health food and nutrition industry in the United States, as well as the popular SupplySide East and SupplySide West trade shows. INNI works with top U.S. and Japanese companies to assist with international business development. SupplySide Asia is co-organized by Kenkosanyoriutsu Shinbun, a leading industry journal in Japan.

SupplySide Asia will bring together leading manufacturers, suppliers and distributors from the health and nutrition industry to explore international business opportunities. The event includes an international exhibit hall, a complete seminar program and networking receptions all designed to bring together top companies from the United States, Europe, Asia and South America.

Additional services include simultaneous translation of all seminars, pre-set meetings for exhibitors, pre-event training in Japanese business customs, and assistance with follow-up.

"We intend to provide our exhibitors and attendees with service and assistance that is unprecedented," Benninger said. "Our goal is to ensure that each and every participant finds success and opportunity at this event."

Information about exhibiting, sponsoring or speaking is available by contacting Todd Willis at (480) 990-1101, ext. 1171 or at [email protected].