BOULDER, COLO. – New Hope Network, a business unit of Informa Markets, has canceled Natural Products Expo East that was scheduled to take place Sept. 23-26 in Philadelphia. The cancellation was due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), according to the company.

“A potential lack of buyer participation, along with the show changes we would need to make to ensure the health and safety of the Expo East community, would have prevented us from delivering the quality experience and return on investment our exhibitors, sponsors and the broader community deserve and that we strive to provide,” the company said.

The cancellation comes three months after New Hope had to cancel Natural Products Expo West, which was scheduled to take place in early March in Anaheim, Calif. The company is planning to hold both events in 2021.

Under the Spark Change brand, New Hope will begin a series of digital events in August as a substitute for the canceled shows. The events will focus on education and connection.

MEAT+POULTRY continues to track trade shows, conferences and seminars for cancellations and postponements, as well as those sticking to their original schedule.