It was business as usual at the recent Natural Products Expo Asia 2008 in Hong Kong, even
though attendance was affected by the visit of Typhoon Fengshen. The quiet show floor,
however, was hardly a liability, as discovered by Jennee Grace U Rubrico.

With 500 exhibitors, 12,000 visitors and 7,700sqm of exhibit space, the 2008 Natural Products Expo Asia hardly qualifies as a trade show of grand proportions.

Although turnout was respectable, the expo, which was held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre from June 26-28, was on the quiet side and did not bring in the usual crowds
who pack the halls of a bigger show.

Undeniably, show attendance was affected by the visit of Typhoon Fengshen, which diverted to the special administrative region on its way to Taiwan after wreaking havoc in the Philippines,
prompting Hong Kong authorities to hoist Typhoon Signal #8, the highest possible storm warning in the territory.