HBA 2002 Sets New Attendance Record

HBA Global Expo-now known as Health & Beauty America–recently concluded its 10th annual event with a record-breaking number of conference attendees and re-signs for 2003. The largest industry-specific event for the cosmetics, personal care, and fragrance industries-HBA-had 20% more conference attendees than 2001 and a total of 16,390 attendees over the 3-day event that took place October 14-16, 2002 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.

In addition, with most expositions experiencing a contraction in exhibit space and attendance, HBA also boasted a strong re-sign for the 2003 event, with more than 90% of the exhibitors contracted to return to next year’s event. HBA is again scheduled take place in October at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.

“This has been a challenging time for many businesses and the economy in general, and we are pleased that we were able to bring together a highly qualified audience of marketing and R&D professionals with more than 500 exhibitors encompassing everything from formula to finish,” said Jack Gonzalez, director of HBA. “Over the three day event, enthusiastic attendees gave a strong indication that the outlook for the health and beauty industry is positive. They also affirmed that HBA is their source for solutions, suppliers and expert advice…establishing the event as the place where new products and new ideas are born.”

Many exhibitors agreed that HBA was one of the year’s most successful marketing events. “HBA attracted a qualified audience with a positive outlook despite the current economy. The show was very encouraging for us and the audience was looking toward innovation, new and interesting components and formulations, along with a high interest in turnkey manufacturing,” said Sandra Scott, President of Cosmetica Labs. John Samman, National Account Manager for Marietta Corp, also thought the traffic was excellent, “Attendees were extremely qualified…no one was wasting our time. HBA has continually evolved over the past five years in a very positive way.”