HBA Global Expo Recap

Attendance at the 17th Annual HBA Global Expo (Sept. 15–17, 2009) was up almost 5%, according to show organizers, with a strong increase in buyer attendees for the exhibits and for the first time crossover registration with the Spa & Resort/Medical & Aesthetics Expo.

Audience and event highlights included:

• 21% of the 16,266 HBA audience were buying teams from major brand manufacturers
• 23% were first time attendees
• 25% of the HBA audience visits no other industry event
• 75% can approve purchases of products and services sourced at HBA
• 55% have more than $500,000 to spend on products and services

Working closely with a wide-range of global entities including leading associations, analysts groups, media and advisory board members, HBA increased its promotional outreach and added several new show features. The exclusive invitation-only VIP Buyer Program and Lounge drew 300 top tier executives from companies as varied as Unilever, Kao Brands, Elizabeth Arden. L'Oréal, NARS, Zotos, CVS, Vitamin Shoppe, Johnson & Johnson, Shiseido, Estée Lauder, MAC Cosmetics, Coty, Avon, Benefits Cosmetics, Procter & Gamble, Limited Brands, Mally Beauty and Colgate Palmolive.

HBA started off on a high note with its largest keynote audience since Leonard Lauder in 2002. Horst Rechelbacher, CEO of Intelligent Nutrients and founder of Aveda, spoke passionately about the naturals and organic market. He urged attendees to be authentic in their product development and bring truth to the consumer customer base.

Following his address, Lisa Price, founder of Carol's Daughter, presented the first annual HBA Positively Beautiful Award to nine-Grammy Award winner and actress, Mary J. Blige. Upon accepting the award, Blige thanked Price for making her feel beautiful from the inside out and said, "I'm so honored to be receiving this award from HBA. Beauty is not about the physical; it's about the light that you'll reflect from within."

As a first time activity during HBA, the Networking Roundtables were well-received. They were held on the show floor and hosted by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC). A lively crowd of suppliers, brand manufacturers, media and designers celebrated the announcement of the HBA International Package Design Awards (IPDA) on Tuesday, September 15 on the HBA exhibit floor with the Lancôme Lotus receiving the Grand Award. And the nearby Material Connexion Innovation Lounge attracted a wider group of designers in 2009, whose constituency continues to grow at HBA.The New Products Showcase and Beauty Innovations Lounge presented by Mintel drew attendees for the analyst-led presentations and daily exotic beauty food samplings.

"In a marketplace craving innovation and seeking information from across the globe, HBA Global Expo did not disappoint. For three days in New York, the entire product development community came together to collaborate, communicate and do business," said Jill Birkett, event director, HBA Global Expo. "HBA offered unparalleled education, networking and professional growth opportunities as well as international suppliers from formula to finish, making it again a must attend event for the entire beauty and personal care product development community."

In 2010, HBA Global Expo will take place September 28–30 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. In addition, HBA plans to host several educational webinars, association-sponsored events, and other activities for the beauty and personal care industry throughout the year.