Expo West guide: How founders can prepare for CPG’s ‘Super Bowl’

·31 min·3 clips

How do you prepare for the food industry's Super Bowl, where tens of thousands descend on Anaheim?

The episode begins with host Ryan Daly framing Expo West as the 'Super Bowl' of the food and beverage industry, emphasizing its scale and importance for CPG brands. He introduces the episode's structure: three perspectives from experienced attendees to help founders maximize their experience. First, Sarah Mix, an engagement director at CBX, discusses networking preparation, recommending homework on exhibitor lists, using the Expo West app and Beacon platform, and leveraging LinkedIn QR codes. She stresses that networking happens everywhere, from planes to bathrooms, and lists events like morning yoga, Nielsen IQ breakfasts, and after-hours gatherings such as the Naturally Network events and Goodles soiree. Second, Jen Susset, CEO of Goodles, shifts focus to standing out, advising brands to 'win something small' like a bag or outfit contest rather than overspending on booths. She reframes Expo as a chance to make 80,000 new fans, not just meet buyers, and shares anecdotes about networking at parties where retailers hide badges. Third, Lauren Bodden, founder of Snoots, shares her first-time experience, including getting a pass by helping at another booth and using Startup CPG for community support. She discusses practical tips like taking photos of badges for follow-ups and planning for growth in subsequent years. Throughout, the host interjects with personal insights, such as his blue hair trademark, and ties in mentions of other industry figures like Benji Fitz from SPINS. The episode wraps with a reminder to follow up after the event and a call to action for listeners to connect at Expo.

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