Make the Most of CHFA NOW Toronto 2026: 10 Savvy Tips for Retailers
By Nathan Froese
CHFA NOW Toronto 2026 is just weeks away! This exciting and inspiring event brings together the best brands, brokers, distributors, and retailers in the natural, organic, and wellness (NOW) industry. It is also a busy and lively occasion, so you may want to have clear goals and a plan of action so that you don’t miss out on key opportunities. Here are 10 tips from industry experts for a successful tradeshow experience:
Tip #1: Map your journey
Kristina Hus, wellness category manager at Kootenay Co-op, Nelson, BC, suggests that rather than running from one end to the other, use the CHFA floor map to plan your meetings in advance. That way you can navigate the floor without unnecessary backtracking.
Tip #2: Connect strategically
Ryan Labonte, operations manager at Vita Health Fresh Market in Winnipeg, Manitoba, recommends that youuse this opportunity to connect with vendors and reps you tend to only email with or see once a year. It is also the perfect time to meet and create new partnerships.
Tip #3: Be a trendspotter
One of the most important things to experience at CHFA NOW is seeing what categories or items are trending. Gary Hughes, local development specialist at Sobeys, Prairie Region, advises connecting with brands showcasing their innovation and letting them inspire you to think of items and strategies to bring into your stores.
Tip #4: Do your homework
Did you know that there are a lot of pre-show tools available? Scott Sulz, director of business development and member experience at CHFA, suggests checking out the Digital Show Guide and downloading the new CHFA NOW app. They will help you build a list of the brands and sessions you don’t want to miss.
Tip #5: Get the VIP treatment
Scott also recommends leaning into the Retailer VIP program. It allows you to get early access to emerging brands and exclusive opportunities before the doors officially open. Retailer Breakfast is a great way to get a pulse on the trends shaping the industry.
Tip #6: See what’s sprouting in the Greenhouse
Make time for the Greenhouse. Scott says this is one of the newest and most exciting additions to CHFA NOW; it’s a dedicated space showcasing innovative, emerging brands. If you want to see where the industry is headed next, that’s the place to be.
Tip #7: Prepare for launch
He also highly recommends attending the CHFA Launch Pad, an incredible competition where brands pitch their businesses for a prize package designed to help accelerate their growth in the industry.
Tip #8: Be here, NOW
Scott suggests taking advantage of CHFA NOW, as it creates a rare opportunity for everyone to come together in person—retailers, brands, distributors, brokers, and partners—all in one place, sharing ideas and helping each other grow.
Tip #9: Take it in …
This industry is built on relationships and Scott says you can see this happening in real time on the trade show floor. Take it in, as that’s the magic of CHFA NOW.
Tip #10: … And take it home
Lastly, I highly recommend finding a way to bring home the incredible energy of CHFA NOW. Share pictures, videos, stories, and samples with your team—anything that helps you share your experience and show them how meaningful their contributions are. That will motivate them to share with your customers the kind of energy, empathy, and love that is emblematic of the industry.
CHFA NOW Toronto 2026 takes place over three days, with the conference on September 25 and the tradeshow on September 26 and 27, 2026. Can’t wait to see you there!