How attending works

*Registration is based on company function and qualification, not job title within the company. Fi North America has the final say in business type qualification.

What does this mean?

Each visitor registration will require business proof showing your specific involvement in the industry. Registration categories are based on company function and qualification, not job title within the company.

Why are we starting to qualify all visitor registrations?

In a continual effort to improve both visitor and exhibitor experiences, as well a global focus on health & security, we want to ensure all visitor badges match their actual role within the industry.

What if I registered under a specific business type in previous years?

Unless you have received a personalized invitation to register for SupplySide West, you will need to submit business qualification(s) showing your position in the industry when you register for the event.

Who can I contact regarding questions about qualification?

Please review below business categories or contact [email protected]

Definition: Manufactures finished products that are ready for an end consumer. OR a third party that produces a finished product for a company (Contract Manufacturer). OR private label company utilizing contract manufacturers.

According to our company classifications, if your company owns the brand name on all products sold on your website, you are classified as a Manufacturer.

Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:

• Website
• Product Catalog
• Letter of Intent (from an attorney or bank on official letterhead stating the intent to start a business – this is acceptable for new businesses only). Letter must indicate company name, company function, and registrant’s name.

Acceptable proof of employment forms include one of the following:

• Company email address (i.e. [email protected])
• Current Paycheck Stub (black out the financial information please)
• We DO NOT accept Business Cards.

Business Types include:

• Food
• Beverage
• Cosmetic/Personal Care
• Natural Living/Home/Textile
• Pet Products/Animal Nutrition
• Vitamin/Mineral/Herb/Supplements
• Pharmaceuticals
• Nutraceuticals
• Contract Manufacturer

Definition: Includes Wholesalers, Distributors, Brokers, Importer and Exporters of finished products. To qualify as a Distributor, you must be a 3rd party distributor of more than one manufacturer's product line or brand in addition to any brands owned by your company.

Distributors sell finished products that are ready to be sold to an end consumer. Suppliers provide "ingredients" for manufacturers to use in finished products.

If you distribute ingredients or other "products" to be used in the manufacturing of finished products, see Supplier/Raw Ingredient Distributor. If you "distribute" plastic containers or packaging for use in a finished good, you are classified as Business Services. If you distribute (or represent) only one manufacturer's brand line, see Manufacturer.

Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:

• Website that sells finished products (from multiple manufacturer’s brand lines) to a, Retailer or Health Practitioner.
• Order forms showing multiple manufacturer’s product/brand lines
• Letter of Intent (from an attorney or bank on official letterhead stating the intent to start a business — this is acceptable for new businesses only). Letter must indicate company name, company function, and registrant’s name.
• Brokerage agreements from multiple manufacturers

Acceptable proof of employment forms include one of the following:

• Company email address (i.e. [email protected])
• Current Paycheck Stub (black out the financial information please)
• We DO NOT accept Business Cards.

Business Types include:

• Wholesaler of Finished Products
• Importer/Exporter of Finished Products
• Broker of Finished Products
• Third Party Distributor of Finished Products/Ingredient Distributor

Definition: Those involved in the field of medicine whether traditional or alternative.

Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:

• Website describing the individual/business’s practice or showing menu of multiple services and costs
• Current Business License showing business function. This must be a copy of the document itself (EIN, tax or sales licenses are not accepted).
• Current & Active Medical License (must be a copy of the document itself)
• Product Catalog or Services Menu

Acceptable proof of employment forms include one of the following:

• Company email address (i.e. [email protected])
• Current Paycheck Stub (black out the financial information please)
• We DO NOT accept Business Cards.

Business Types include:

• Registered Dietitians (RD)
• Registered Dietitians students
• Registered Dietitians Nutritionists (RDN)
• Dietetic Technicians Registered (DTR)
• Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians Registered (NDTR)
• Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP)
• Certified Health Coaches (CHC)
• Certified Holistic Health Counselor (CHHC)
• Certified Personal Trainers (CPT)
• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Registered Nurses (RN)
• Doctors of Medicine (MD)
• Naturopathic Doctors (ND)

Definition: Any business operating in the industry related to preparing, distributing or selling prepared/ready-to-eat foods. Includes restaurants, cafeterias, and catering operations.

Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:

• Business License showing business function (must be a copy of the document itself)
• Current Paycheck Stub
• Culinary Certificate or Degree
• Letter of Intent (from an attorney or bank on official letterhead stating the intent to start a business – this is acceptable for new businesses only). Letter must indicate company name, company function, and registrant’s name.

Acceptable proof of employment forms include one of the following:

• Company email address (i.e. [email protected])
• Current Paycheck Stub (black out the financial information please)
• We DO NOT accept Business Cards.

Business Types include:

• Full Service Restaurant
• School/University
• Tea Room/Coffee House
• Hotel/Resort/Airline
• Quick Serve Restaurant
• Caterer/Private Chef
• Corporate Dining
• Clubs; Country/Membership/Health

Definition: Owns or works for a retail store (this includes online stores). Store must sell more than one manufacturer’s product line or brand to consumers. Not applicable if you are only selling your own brand.

You do not qualify as a Retailer if you only sell one product line or brand. According to our company classifications, if your company owns the brand name on all products sold in your store, you are classified as a Manufacturer.

Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:

• Business License showing business function (must be a copy of the document itself)
• Product catalog
• Website that directly sells multiple branded products to an end consumer (not applicable if you only sell one product line or brand; see Manufacturer)
• Current Paycheck Stub
• Letter of Intent (from an attorney or bank on official letterhead stating the intent to start a business – this is acceptable for new businesses only). Letter must indicate company name, company function, and registrant’s name.

Acceptable proof of employment forms include one of the following:

• Enter your Company email address (i.e. [email protected])
• Current Paycheck Stub (black out the financial information please)
• We DO NOT accept Business Cards.

Business Types include:

• E-tailer
• Independent/COOP/Natural Product
• Chain Natural Products Store
• Gourmet/Specialty Products
• Personal Care
• Independent Grocer
• Conventional Supermarket
• Discount/Mass Merchandiser
• Chain Drug Store/Pharmacy
• Gift/Bookstore
• Independent Drug Store/Pharmacy
• Mail Order Catalog
• Home and Textile
• Convenience Store
• Pet Supply Store/Grooming

Definition: Business investors are organizations or a group of people who give capital to start or grow a business and in exchange for this, they gain some control of the business and formulate agreements.

Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:

• Website detailing company function
• Proof of C Corp or LLC standing (must be a copy of the document itself)
• Annual Company Statement
• Business Card

Acceptable proof of employment forms include one of the following:

• Company email address (i.e. [email protected])
• Current Paycheck Stub (black out the
  financial information please)
• We DO NOT accept Business Cards.

Business Types include:

• Private Equity Fund
• Corporate Investor
• Angel/Individual Investor
• Hedge Fund
• Peer-to-Peer/Crowdfunding

Definition: Provides raw materials, ingredients or equipment for manufacturing finished products. This includes farms, suppliers of food materials, raw minerals, and machinery. This includes distributors of “products” listed above, used in the manufacturing of a finished product.

According to our company classifications, Distributors sell finished products that are ready to be sold to an end consumer. Suppliers provide "ingredients" for manufacturers to use in finished products.

Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:

• Website that sells supplies, ingredients and/or equipment
• Product Catalog
• Order Forms
• Letter of Intent (from an attorney or bank on official letterhead stating the intent to start a business — this is acceptable for new businesses only). Letter must indicate company name, company function, and registrant’s name.

Acceptable proof of employment forms include one of the following:

• Company email address (i.e. [email protected])
• Current Paycheck Stub (black out the financial information please)
• We DO NOT accept Business Cards.

Business Types include:

• Raw Ingredient Producer/Supplier
• Ingredient Importer/Exporter
• Equipment Supplier
• Farm/Grower

Definition: Companies who provide support to the business functions of Retailers, Distributors, Health Practitioners, Manufacturers, or Suppliers. Schools and universities, government workers, and those that work for or represent the people and companies in the previous categories in such areas as advertising/public relations, banking, consultants, labs, research firms, transportation/logistics companies, demonstration/sampling companies, packaging, and warehousing.

Acceptable forms of business proof include one of the following:

• Website
• School ID (valid for student category only)
• Brochure or other documentation detailing services offered

Acceptable proof of employment forms include one of the following:

• Company email address (i.e. [email protected])
• Current Paycheck Stub (black out the financial information please)
• We DO NOT accept Business Cards.

Business Types include:

• Consultant
• Advertising/Branding/PR
• Government Agency
• Financial Institution/Investment Bank
• Not for Profit
• Association
• Packaging/Design
• Publisher
• Laboratory/Testing
• School/University Research
• Legal/Regulatory
• Independent Formulators
• Franchise
• Other Within the Industry (must specify)

Food ingredients North America and SupplySide West is a trade show and is not open to the general public. For information on who is eligible and what business proof is acceptable please review the Approved Business Categories above. 

Registration for our 2024 show is not open yet. To register click here to register your interest.

To view driving directions or airline travel discounts, please review our travel & venue page.

2024 Show Dates are Wednesday, October 30-31. Expo Hall dates are Wednesday, October 30, 10am-5:30pm & Thursday, October 31, 10am-5pm.

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119. For directions, and travel tips see the Travel & Venue page.