As a cheerfully dedicated enthusiast of essential oils, I can’t help but get carried away with all things at perfume events around the globe! These are events that pay homage to the art of the fragrance, and give you the unique opportunity to fully embrace the world of scent. Whether you’re a seasoned perfumer, a budding enthusiast, or you’re just fond of a good scent, there’s something wonderful to say about these happenings.
In this blog, I will guide you through some amazing fragrance festivals and industry gatherings around the world. Next, we’ll see what makes each event special and how you can grab the scent and join in the fragrant fun.
1. The Fragrance Foundation Awards – USA
The prestigious Fragrance Foundation Awards kick off our global calendar in New York City. It’s the Oscars of the fragrance world, where the best in scent marketing, design, and formulation are celebrated annually. It’s an event that takes place every June, and if you get lucky to be there, you’ll rub shoulders with both the perfumery and fragrance fanatics as well as the luminaries of this industry.
I remember my first time at this glamorous event. There was excitement in the air and creativity was in the air somewhere. New perfumes, lifetime achievement awards, it all goes on display in the awards ceremony. Another way to say it is that it is a celebration of talent and passion based on which the fragrance community continues to thrive.
At the time, I went around the exhibit booths to look at their latest creations. My one standout was the HBNO display with its eucalyptus oil and uplifting orange oil. I had a delightfully buzzing time with the strong scents from the vibrant and buzzing activity around me.
2. Pitti Fragranze – Florence, Italy
Pitti Fragranze in Florence, Italy is next up, one of Europe’s most important fragrance festivals. This event held every September is a haven for niche perfumers and artisanal brands alike. French by name and Italian by immersion, the festival captures the essence of Italian craftsmanship and elegance offering a unique setting to discover your all-time favorite scents.
It’s the sort of thing I always regret not doing, and I am so lucky I was able to go last year, and still to this day all I remember about the flowers and the beautiful packaging that was being served to the venue. The festival was a sensory delight, offering up everything from sophisticated sandalwood blends to refreshing citrus oils in every corner of its’ complex.
3. Esxence – Milan, Italy
Esxence in Milan is another unmissable event on the fragrance aficionado calendar to continue in Italy. The international version which takes place in March, this exhibition focuses on niche and artisanal perfumery. It’s a vibrant month with a high degree of romance for essential oils and their related fragrances.
The creativity of the exhibitors was something I was blown away with at Esxence. There are loads of workshops and seminars by industry experts that people from other organizations can attend to have a deeper understanding of the world of scent. I found one of my favorite sessions was about sustainable sourcing, where HBNO’s eco-friendly approach spoke to me.
Wandering the stalls I found appealing blends like cherry and frankincense, that bring me back to the never-ending options of creating custom scents. Esxence is one big celebration of artistry and innovation in the world of the fragrance community.
4. World Perfumery Congress – USA
On the more eventful side, there’s the World Perfumery Congress, which takes place in various places every two years and was most recently in Miami. Industry professionals, scholars, and enthusiasts of the science and art of fragrance melting pot this congress.
It brings inspiring talks, networking opportunities, and workshops into the technical aspects of perfumery. As a person interested in this field there are many amazing facts about the research behind the formation of scent, and I found it very interesting to study how new technologies are used to provide the best oils.
One of my faves was during an essential oils session on the benefits of essential oils in wellness practices. The way I felt about this though, was that even if oils like peppermint and chamomile may not seem great in helping one through hard times, they would be super helpful in most days of everyday life, and that’s something I was genuinely interested in using as part of my self-care routines. The community spirit at this event was great and I left feeling inspired to act and in touch with a great group.
5. Scent of the Future – Paris, France
Fashion and beauty run through the central veins of Paris, and this Scent of the Future event abides in his spirit. An annual celebration of the finest in trends for innovation in fragrance and marketing. It is a place for conversation on how fragrance will function in the future; from personal fragrance to issues of environmental stewardship.
I attended this event, and the discussions around the future of scent marketing and sustainability were brilliant. So I learned about what HBNO is doing in the way of eco-friendly options in fragrance as well as how this trend is affecting the whole industry.
We had an opportunity to see exclusive previews of upcoming launches at the event. In particular, I was quite drawn to a new combo of bergamot and a little (very little) bit of cinnamon bark—warmed and refreshing as it was! And it’s these innovative approaches that give the fragrance industry its dynamic, exciting, ever-changing drive.
6. Aroma Congress – International
The Aroma Congress is an international conference where a global systemic point of view on the use of essential oils is sought. Officially known as Global Aromatic Art, this event sees wellness enthusiasts, aromatherapists, and industry professionals in various countries.
I was in London at the congress and met a few people from diverse backgrounds there. The workshops on the therapeutic benefits of oils such as turmeric and patchouli were great and were equally fascinating and informative — something they did was share practical knowledge that I was able to use in my everyday life too.
7. Local Fragrance Fairs – Worldwide
Don’t underestimate the local fragrance festivals! As with any year, these smaller events take place all year long in different places fulfilling their aim to display local artisans and their one-of-a-kind creations. These gatherings oftentimes feature the beauty in small batches, handcrafted scents from farmer’s markets to boutique fairs.
A small fair in my town where local perfumers who specialize in essential oils appear and make their products. I was able to experiment with one-of-a-kind blends such as frankincense and juniper berry, because of the love and care that went into crafting them. The intimate ambiance of these spaces makes for intimate conversation and connection with the makers behind the scents.
Conclusion: Join the Fragrant Adventure
And it is rich as you can see, it’s diverse it’s got something for everybody that loves essential oils on the other side of the world. Whether it’s being on the red carpet for a superstar’s most glamorous of awards ceremonies or visiting an intimate local fair, each event invites us to meet the artistry of fragrance.
In other words, if you’re into scents like I am, I will be encouraging you to go to these events. Whether to learn new things, make new friends, or just enjoy the power of aroma there is an event to suit you. Incorporating your favorite HBNO products into your experience whether that’s eucalyptus for a refreshing boost or sandalwood for grounding moments don’t forget to.
Happy exploring and happy smelling– here’s to the beauty of scent around the world!
