MARKETPLACE '98

MARKETPLACE '98
EMPHASIS ON EDUCATION

Much of the success of MarketPlace '98 can be attributed to the exchange of information on the showroom floor and in educational seminars. But with sponsored events such as the Industry Block Party and the Herb Walk, the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA) offers a broad spectrum of informational opportunities that successfully combine education with entertainment.

Those who prefer interactive learning will appreciate a stroll through the American Botanical Council's new education and research center featuring a 2.5-acre medicinal herb garden. Housed in the historic 140-year-old Case Mill Homestead in Austin, The Medicinal Herb Education and Research Center features a public-access library, lecture hall, conference room and laboratory space.

Following the guided tour by some of the nation's leading herbalists, visitors will be treated to lunch in the garden under the shade of live oak trees. Allow plenty of time for this activity, however, as the bus ride is approximately 1.5 hours each way. Buses will leave Tuesday, July 14 at 12:30 p.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required and space is limited so be sure to look for the registration form found in the NNFA's registration kit, or call the NNFA.

Yet another guided bus tour is scheduled for Tuesday evening. At 6 p.m., 23 pre-registered attendees will board a tour bus bound for three Sun Harvest Farms' retail stores. Sponsored by Bluebonnet Nutrition, this local tour will be hosted by Sun Harvest Farm's owner and former San Antonio mayor, Nelson Wolff. The journey begins at Sun Harvest's 15,000-square-foot Nacogdoches store, followed by the 18,000-square-foot Blanco Store. Finally, Wolff will open the doors to his newest 30,000-square-foot store in Callahan for a private tour and dinner at the in-store restaurant. Participants will be returned to the Marriott at approximately 9:30 p.m. with souvenirs provided by Bluebonnet.

Yet another variation on the education theme is networking. In addition to six hours of show floor time each day, the NNFA has helped to coordinate several receptions and parties that feature a relaxing and casual atmosphere. The International Reception, for example, offers a casual forum for international and domestic guests to meet and discuss global issues as they pertain to the industry. Sponsored by Capsugel, the International Reception is Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. and will feature a variety of refreshments.

Attendees to Thursday night's President's Reception and Old-Fashioned Industry Block Party will enjoy an even more casual atmosphere as the NNFA encourages guests to don their boots and Stetsons for a night fit for a Texan.

Events begin at 5:30 p.m. with the President's Reception, which is sponsored by Laci Le Beau Corp. Designed to honor NNFA President Joe Bassett and the new President-Elect, the event will feature some of San Antonio's finest cuisine and offer the perfect opportunity to meet new industry members and catch up with former acquaintances. At 7 p.m., guests will be led down the street via a Flamenco parade to the Old-Fashioned Industry Party. Set in the secluded "La Villita" or "little town" this private block party will feature a Tex-Mex buffet set to the tunes of the Sandy Wyatt Band. Take part in the Jalapeno Eat 'N Holler contest, Best Cowboy Yell, Most Authentic Yodel and more. The event is sponsored in part by Tree of Life, Triarco Industries, Nature's Life, PharmaNutrients, Aubrey Organics, Futurebiotics, Diamond Herpanacine, Liddell Homeopathic Formulae and U.S. Mills.

With featured entertainers such as flamenco dancers and strolling mariachis scheduled for the industry party, the NNFA recognizes the importance of visuals. This explains the high-profile positioning of this year's New Products Showcase. Sponsored by New Hope Natural Media, Weider Nutrition and QBI (Quality Botanical Ingredients Inc.), the showcase provides a quick overview of all the new products available on the show floor this year.

Still, there is much to be said for auditory learning. Listen to Jean Carper, this year's MarketPlace keynote speaker, as she shares her views on nature's "miracle cures." The author of Miracle Cures: Dramatic New Scientific Discoveries Revealing the Healing Powers of Herbs, Vitamins and Other Natural Remedies, Carper is well-versed on the renowned effects of natural remedies. She will discuss how increasing scientific research about the medicinal aspects of natural substances is propelling us into a new era of acceptance and use. Carper's appearance, co-sponsored by Nature's Way Inc. and Henkel Corp., is scheduled for 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. and will be immediately followed by the MarketPlace '98 ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The NNFA doesn't just talk about good health, however, the organization practices it--as is evident by the 6:30 a.m. walk and fun run. Hosted by Mic-Ellen Associates and sponsored by Great Life magazine, this year's Goody Two Shoes 5K Run & 2.5K Walk will be held in the Alamodome, home to the San Antonio Spurs. Six different category winners will receive either $75 or $50 cash prizes and every participant will receive a free "Goody Bag" filled with natural products, as well as a Goody Two Shoes color T-shirt. Participants can register through the NNFA's registration booklet, at booth #190 or just prior to the event. Cost for competing is $7.

Although most MarketPlace '98 activities are designed to offer antendees information, the 5th Annual People's Choice Awards is designed to glean information. Once exhibits open at 11:30 a.m., attendees are encouraged to visit as many natural food product booths as possible so they can fairly judge the winners of the 5th Annual People's Choice Awards. This blind taste-test competition is co-sponsored by Better Nutrition magazine.

Finally, the NNFA tests members' financial acumen with its MarketVault competition. NNFA members can win up to $25,000 in cash by opening the vault with their membership number. If the vault is opened, that NNFA member's number is entered into a drawing to be held Friday, July 17 at 3 p.m.. Winners will then select a winning bag that contains either: a $25,000 cash prize (one winner), $5,000 in products (one winner), $1,000 product displays (multiple winners) or $500 in product displays (multiple winners). Winners need not be present for the drawing.

Events Schedule

MarketPlace Accommodations

This year, the NNFA has partnered with a housing bureau in securing a variety of accommodations near the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. As of April 8, 1998 the Hilton Palacio Del Rio, the Hyatt Regency San Antonio and the Marriott Riverwalk were sold out. Limited space remains at the following hotels. Official housing request forms can be obtained from the NNFA at (714) 622-6272 or online at http://www.signupcenter.com/nnfa. 

• Marriot Rivercenter (headquarters)
  Location: One block from the convention center
  Rates: $135-Single or Double
  $150-Triple
  $165-Quad
• Plaza San Antonio
  Location: Two blocks away
  Rates: $135-Single or Double
  $145-Triple
  $155-Quad
• The Menger
  Location: Two blocks away
  Rates: $105-Double
  $115-Triple
  n/a-Quad
• La Quinta Convention Center
  Location: Two blocks away
  Rates: $112-Single-Quad
• Ramada Inn Emily Morgan
  Location: One block away
  Rates: $115-Single
  $125-Double
  n/a-Triple or Quad
• Hampton Inn Convention Center
  Location: Four and one-half blocks away
  Rates: $106-Double or Triple
  n/a-Quad
• Crowne Plaza St. Anthony
  Location: Six blocks away
  Rates: $120-Single
  $135-Double
  n/a-Triple or Quad
• Homewood Suites
  Location: Two blocks away
  Rates: $129-Single or Double
  n/a-Triple or Quad

The Flavor of San Antonio

Since many attendees' schedules don't open up until the sun goes down, the Riverwalk is the ideal location for continuing a meeting or catching up with past acquaintances. Following is a guide to restaurants and night clubs that line the infamous Riverwalk.

Boudro's
421 E. Commerce
(210) 224-8484
Voted one of the best new restuaurants in the United States by Esquire magazine, Boudro's offers a sampling of seafood, prime rib, veal, lam chops and mesquite-grilled quail.
Hours: Sun - Th 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. F - Sat 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Price: $12.50-$24.50 for entrees

Casa Rio
430 E. Commerce
(210) 225-6718
San Antonio's oldest and largest Mexican restaurant, Casa Rio offers boat dinners by reservation, as well as some of the most authentic Mexican food this side of the border.
Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Price: $4.95-$9.95

Durty Nelly's Irish Pub
(Part of Hilton Palacio Del Rio)
200 S. Alamo St.
(210) 222-1400
A tribute to the Irish pub featuring pints of Guinness and plenty of barstools.
Hours: M - Sat 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. (Not open Sunday)

Fig Tree Restaurant
733 River Walk
(210) 224-1976
Continental cuisine presented in a quiet, luxurious dining room.
Hours: Open daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $18.25 - $29.75

Little Rhein Steak House
231 S. Alamo St.
(210) 225-2111
Traditional steak house offering a vast selection of prime Texas-grade sirloins, T-bones and porterhouse steaks.
Hours: Open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $19.95-$48.50

Pieca d'Italia
502 River Walk
(210) 227-5511
A quaint Italian bistro featuring traditional Italian fare. Ravioli, spaghetti and fettucini abound.
Hours: Sun - Th 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Fri - Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Price: $6.95-$19.95

Jim Cullum's Landing
123 Losoya
(210) 272-4770
Enjoy lunch or dinner alongside original jazz accompaniment
Hours: M - F 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sat - Sun 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Price: $8.95-$28.95

Howl at the Moon Saloon
111 W. Crockett
(210) 272-4770
Located next to Hard Rock Cafe on the Riverwalk, this high-energy night club features a nightly showcase of dueling pianos.
Hours: Sun - Thur 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fri - Sat 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Tequila Mockingbird
245 E. Commerce
(210) 472-2265
The specialty of the house is the largest selection of Tequila in Texas. Live music nightly.
Hours: Sun -Th 5:30 p.m.-12 a.m. Fri & Sat: 5 p.m.-2 a.m.