HBA Global Expo Heats Up in June

New dates bring new excitement to the biggest product development show in the industry.

Written by Jamie Matusow, Editor

More than 16,000 attendees are expected to flow through New York City’s Jacob Javits Convention Center June 28-30 as HBA Global Expo turns up the heat with a roster of leading industry suppliers and a schedule of educational sessions all designed to help take a brand or product line to the next level.

HBA Global Expo & Conference is regarded as the leading product development source—from concept to market—for the cosmetics, personal care, skin care, fragrance and wellness industries, featuring more than 600 educational and exhibitor partners.Exhibitors include international suppliers of raw materials and ingredients, packaging materials and components, dispensing systems, private label and contract manufacturers and testing equipment. The three-day conference program is renowned for providing cutting-edge information on the latest industry trends, new product developments, marketing and branding know-how, as well as the latest in organics, package design, global distribution, and technical advancements.

Keynote Address

This year’s event will open with a thought-provoking keynote address on Tuesday, June 28, at 9am in the Special Events Hall of Javits, given by one of the industry’s most respected champions and brand builders, Dan Brestle, chairman of the board of directors for the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC). Brestle retired from The Estée Lauder Companies in 2009 after more than 30 years in top leadership positions and presiding over its well-known portfolio of brands.

In his speech, Brestle will pay tribute to the industry’s diverse founding icons, and will provide keen insight on the similarities between them and the challenges they faced and overcame. He will also provide a high-level view of the opportunities that exist today and the issues that brands may confront including government regulation and the complexities in global business and digital communications.

“Brand building and globalization are on the minds of many in the industry and we are delighted to have someone with such deep roots in the business give such an important talk. Brestle’s keynote will provide inspiration and food for thought as attendees kick off their HBA experience,” says Jill Birkett, brand director, beauty & wellness, HBA.

During his distinguished tenure at The Estée Lauder Companies, Brestle held numerous positions including chief operating officer, in which he was responsible for the company’s global operations and research and development, and presided over several iconic brands including Estée Lauder, Clinique and Prescriptives.

Since 2002, Brestle has served on the board of the PCPC, the leading national trade association representing the global cosmetic and personal care products industry.

In the Classroom

In addition to the keynote presentation, HBA Global will feature an extensive educational program addressing a wide range of marketing, product development, international business, skin care and sustainability topics. Programming and event highlights include the three-day Marketing & Technical Tracks, the two-day International and Green Tracks and the new Skin Care Track with the latest on anti-aging and skin health developments.

On the Show Floor

Complementing the educational agenda is an exhibit floor showcasing a full spectrum of products and services, including private label, contract manufacturing, prestige and mass market packaging components, delivery systems, raw material and ingredient suppliers—including natural and organic, analytical and testing devices, biotechnology processes, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

There will also be International Pavilions and the RSVP Pavilion, a private suite area for beauty and personal care suppliers to meet with top customers and prospects. Access to the RSVP Pavilion will be limited to invitation holders only.

A new destination spot on the show floor will be the Trend Zone, featuring the HBA New Products Innovation Showcase with the latest from exhibitors. Mintel brings its Innovating Trends Showcase presentation on “Down to Earth” to the zone. This interactive area on the show floor will focus on unique cosmetic products from Europe, Latin America, Asia, Canada and the U.S.

Also part of The Trend Zone will be the Trend Spot theater featuring daily makeup demonstrations by celebrity makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur, Eve Pearl, and trend reports on color, fashion and more from forecasters such as Pantone and The Doneger Group.

HBA will also have some of the top beauty bloggers on hand for a special meet-and-greet session.

For the first time, international buyers will be able to use the services of an International Business Center, set up by the U.S. Department of Commerce. HBA Global is a select show that is part of the agency’s International Buyers Program, which facilitates foreign delegation buying trips to industry events with high export potential.

The International Package Design Awards Showcase (IPDA) will also be a destination area for anyone looking to spark new ideas and inspire new creativity. Finalists and winners of this year’s most outstanding packaging design in cosmetics, fragrance, personal care, skin care, sustainability, sampling, and tools of the trade will be exhibited and celebrated. (For more on the IPDAs and a rundown on this year’s finalists, please see page 58 in this issue.)

Completing the 360-degree product development experience, all HBA attendees will again have free access to the co-located two-day Spa & Resort/Medical Aesthetics Expo.