HBA: Product to Promotion

Posted: October 4, 2006

There were nearly 18,152 attendees and 650 exhibitors at this years HBA (Health & Beauty America). During the three-day exhibition and educational conference, industry professionals learned about what was new in the industry. Eduardo Ceballos Zuleta of Gerente Industrial, enjoyed the event, commenting, “We have seen new trends in ingredients, raw materials and packaging and found many new suppliers for our product development needs. The educational program was also very good and covered all aspects of the industry. I particularly liked the naturals, and sourcing from the Far East panels as well as the marketing certificate program.

Conferences:
The educational conference was one of the events most extensive to date with more than 220 speakers, 60 sessions and more than 2,000 registered conference attendees. Some new sessions were “Antiaging,” “Boomers: A Booming Business,” Integrated Marketing,” “Bath and Body,” and “Smart Packaging.”

New data released on the effects of lutein, applied topically or ingested, was a hot topic of discussion during Ellen Kamhi’s (Bio-Botanica) presentation about cutting-edge fruit ingredients at the Health and Beauty America (HBA) conference and exhibition, held Sept. 12–14, 2006, in New York. According to Kamhi, “Fruit extracts are where we [as an industry] are going.” Several speeches were presented on topics ranging from natural ingredients, packaging and marketing, to product development, regulatory affairs and toxicology.

The keynote presentation by Coty Beauty’s president, Eric Thoreux, opened the conference with more than 700 attendees and highlighted innovative approaches to brand development. A special antiaging panel, led by renown expert Albert Kligman, PhD, kicked off the afternoon sessions and looked to the future of antiaging. In addition, for the first time, a full-day conference was held Sept. 13 on regulatory affairs. Attendees had the opportunity to address a panel of experts on issues related to animal testing alternatives, colorants, nanotechnology, sunscreens and the European REACH program.

Regulatory Session:
During the regulatory session, Elizabeth H. Anderson, Esq, and John Bailey, PhD, of the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) described the association’s consumer commitment code and the importance of communication within the industry to make self-regulation work. Also, George A. Kimbrell, Esq, discussed nanomaterials in personal care products and FDA regulation.