In today’s business world, there is still no substitute for a smile and a firm handshake. Meeting in person facilitates a trust and loyalty between buyers and sellers that can’t be replaced with phone calls and emails. Natural MarketPlace, the official show of the Natural Products Association, has provided a platform for the personal touch in the natural products business world since 1938. This year’s show, June 10 to 12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will be no different.

Many attendees value the small setting of NMP. Chad Bradford, owner of Sunflower Shoppe in Colleyville, Texas, attended the show in 2009, and says he enjoyed “being able to get more one-on-one time” in the show’s intimate setting. He says he strongly believes that face-to-face meetings at Natural MarketPlace “help mold stronger relationships between suppliers and independent retailers.”

Two evening receptions this year will provide that kind of valuable interaction. Thursday’s Welcome Reception gathers those who have attended the education sessions together with those awaiting the opening of the show floor the next morning. Pat Sardell, president of the NPA, welcomes all show attendees to the President’s Reception on Friday evening for a poolside Mexican fiesta. This event will celebrate the NPA’s advocacy work on behalf of the natural products industry.

In addition to forging and deepening relationships, buyers often reap another benefit at the show: the discounts that many manufacturers offer. “The trip pays for itself by taking advantage of the specials,” says S. Forrest Worthen of HerbMart in Mesquite, Texas.

Join 5,000 industry members in Las Vegas at this year’s NMP. Registration and information are available at naturalmarketplaceshow.com/nfm.

Jessica Matzuk is the marketing manager for Natural MarketPlace.