As a fragrance collector and lover, I love going in to find something new, to find new things to collect, and love meeting other people that love what I love. Fragrance-related events and expos are the place to be when you want all things perfume, essential oils, and more. As a collector, these events offer you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of fragrance and broaden your collection, as well.
A fragrance fair or expo is a must for those who have a true love for fragrances and essential oils. In this blog, we’re going to cover the best perfume events and expos for collectors including what makes these so special and what you need to do to make the most out of these events.
Why Fragrance Events Are Essential for Collectors
If you’re just getting your perfume feet wet or are seasoned in this industry, you can never know enough about what goes on behind the scenes making your favorite fragrances, or where to purchase these essential oils. Around these events, there are collector opportunities abound — from buying exclusive, limited-edition scents, to attending workshops and demonstrations.
Attendance at these events is not all about products but rather gives me a chance to interact with other participants of the scent community and learn something new about the art of fragrance creation. Fragrance events offer a place where people of all heritages and all levels of understanding of the scent come together in the incarnation of a shared love for all things aromatic.
Must-Visit Fragrance Events for Collectors
1. Fragrance Foundation Awards (New York)
The Fragrance Foundation Awards, which is held annually in New York, is sometimes called the fragrance industry’s ‘Oscars’. This is the one day of the year when everyone worth their salt in the perfume world gets together to celebrate the best of the best taken from fragrance releases, to inventive fragrance marketing campaigns. It’s an exciting opportunity for collectors to explore the world of scent all over again and meet the masters of the products they love.
The neat part about this event is that you get to join in exclusive parties and networking. You would love to learn from the best names in the fragrance industry, smack in the middle of the organic fragrance conversation, from the best essential oils to the latest in perfume innovation.
2. Esxence – The Art Perfumery Event (Milan)
Any lover of fragrances should also pay a visit to Milan’s Esxence. Esxence is an event known as the ‘art of perfumery,’ with niche fragrance brands and essential oils selling things that are rarely seen in department stores. It’s a rare opportunity for collectors to find limited-edition releases, meet the perfumers, and expand their knowledge of how the art of fragrances is created.
You’ll be able to attend masterclasses where you’ll find out more about the equally intricate process of blending perfumes and essential oils. It’s also a good place to find out more about the growing trend of natural and organic fragrances, whether you’re a bit of a naturalist or a frugalista who wants to get in the habit of purchasing organic and ‘natural’.
3. Pitti Fragranze (Florence)
Pitti Fragranze is a great event, held in the lovely town of Florence, for deep collectors who are truly keen on expanding an assortment of blended smells and concentration. The world’s most prestigious niche perfume houses, and the best essential oils producers are here, so attendees are able to see what goes into perfecting the world’s finest fragrances.
Pitti Fragranze is full of exciting perfume collector opportunities, such as fragrance exhibitions and perfumers’ demonstrations along with panels discussing perfumers and experts. That said, those who want to expand their essential oils collection or want to try new favorites will find something at Pitti Fragranze.
4. The Fragrance Show (London)
The Fragrance Show in London is undoubtedly one of the best places to seek different types of scents and essential oils for fragrance lovers in the UK. The event usually comprises more than 50 brands, including a blend of the old and new guard, with the brands and new perfumes they are showing.
This is a great opportunity for collectors to discover new collections to add to their collection, meet fragrance creators, and meet other collectors who share your love for the fragrance. Additionally, you can also attend (and possibly learn) the art of blending essential oils which is a great way, to expand your own personal fragrance collection.
5.ScentXplore (New York)
Fragrance collectors can’t miss out on the fun of Scent Xplore, which takes place annually in New York. One of the unique parts about the site is that it’s a mecca for niche fragrance brands, it’s a paradise for collectors who fancy digging up new and new-to-them brands. The perfume events are in addition to essential oils workshops where you can learn the basics of creating your custom fragrance.
In addition to exclusive meet and greets with perfumers, you can learn more about the creative process that drives some of the most innovative fragrances. ScentXplore is a must-see for any fragrance fair passionates.
The Importance of Networking at Fragrance Events
Fragrance expos and fairs are also great collector chances to broaden your collection and to connect with fellow enthusiasts. And the scent community is overflowing with people that are really into scent sharing, and talking about scents and ideas and what’s going on in terms of trends. If you’re going to a fragrance fair for the first time, or you’re a regular at industry events, you never know who you might meet when you’re making connections.
These events not only provide you to gain knowledge but the networking that goes with these events may also introduce you to exciting collaborations and even future fragrance discoveries. It is possible to get to know your passion for essential oils and perfumes even better, by sharing with other people.
How to Make the Most of Fragrance Events
There’s a lot at a fragrance expo or perfume event, but if you go in unprepared, it can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
- Plan: If you’re going before you attend, do some research on the brands and events that you’re most interested in. If you’re on the hunt for a certain essential oil, create a list of suppliers and workshops to visit.
- Bring samples: The latest fragrances are sampled at many expos so while you roam, come prepared with your favorite empty vials or sample containers to take home some new scents.
- Connect with experts: Networking at fragrance events is one of the most rewarding things in the world to be a part of— whether you’re into perfumers, fragrance creators, and so on. So go ahead and make small talk!
- Take notes: There are so many fragrances to experience so it’s easy to forget which ones you liked. Always take note or photograph the scents that stick, so you can revisit them later.
Conclusion: Discovering New Scents with HBNO
The best way to both expand your collection and expand your knowledge of fragrances, and essential oils, is to attend fragrance events and expos where you’ll find countless new fragrances to try and new fragrances to learn about, and new suppliers, new people who want to share with you what they love that could become your new obsession that you never knew existed. But whatever the case, ScentXplore or destination Pitti Fragranze, whatever you visit these events deliver a treasure trove for discovery through scent.
If you are trying out these awesome fragrance fairs, HBNO also has an assortment of essential oils and fragrances featured for you. A wide variety of amazing scents such as invigorating eucalyptus and peppermint oils, and warm and comforting frankincense, will help you discover a unique scent that will make your fragrance experience even more exciting. Happy collecting!
