Nearly 14,000 people—an increase of 9 percent from 2014—attended SupplySide West 2015, held Oct. 5-9 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Attendees representing numerous markets, including food and packaging, came from 50 states, eight Canadian provinces and 66 countries to check out products and services offered by more than 1,200 exhibitors.

“It is always fantastic to set new records of audience and show floor expansion at SupplySide West,” says John Siefert, president of the global health and nutrition network at Informa Exhibitions, which hosts the annual trade show. “However, this year was extra special, as we ushered in a new global era alongside our colleagues at Vitafoods—and we are just getting started.”

SupplySide West’s education programming was sponsored by BASF and included 16 short sessions and eight in-depth panel discussions. Speakers addressed issues ranging from sports nutrition ingredients and laboratory and analytical testing to healthy weight management and clean labeling.

“The education program once again lived up to its reputation as the go-to gathering point where science and strategy intersect,” says Anne van Gastel, business director, BASF Human Nutrition, North America. “It is a privilege to support Informa in presenting these dynamic sessions. Attendees continue to tell us how the content helps them drive product development and market opportunities throughout the supply chain to the store shelf. Now, the challenge is to leverage this valuable information as we all strive to create quality products that resonate with consumers.”

Attendees could also seek learning and networking opportunities in the expo hall at the SupplySide Central. Offering a variety of interactive, quick-paced programs designed to delve into some of the hot topics facing the industry, SupplySide Central featured topics from the Ingredient Launchpad, where exhibitors highlighted their new products, to the 4th Annual CPG Editor’s Choice Awards, where SupplySide West recognized the most innovative product launches in supplements and food & beverage. This year's winner of the CPG Editor's Choice Award in the Bars category was Urban Raccoon Snack Bars, Cleveland, for its Coconut Grainless Paleo Snack Bar. Wholesome Goodness, Long Grove, IL, took top honors in the Snacks category for its Sweet Chili & Omega Tortilla Chips.

SupplySide West 2016 will be held Oct. 4-8 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.supplysideshow.com.