The 11th Annual Internation Shea Butter Convention

Being the social media consultant for the American Shea Butter Institute, I come to inform you about the 11^th Annual International Shea Butter Convention (ISBC), held by the American Shea Butter Insititute (ASBI). It took place October 24^th-26^th, it and it indeed explosive! This three-day event attracted people globally to know what to further explain the shea technology and commerce, which consisted of workshops, raffle ticket contests, and goodie bag giveaways.

International guests included business partners from the motherland of Africa, which were greeted on Saturday and thanked for their contribution to shea butter research. Also other invited guests were only people that were invited to come and enjoy Saturday’s festivities and conclusion of the ISBC convention.

The convention was held at the Westin Hotel at the Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA, which accommodated guests who traveled to the country for the workshops that were provided. And Saturday’s event took place in one of the hotel’s grand ballrooms.

I was able to speak with only one of the ISBC presenters, Dr. Terasita Hariston, consultative panel member and partner of the ASBI. I asked her what was the significance of attending this convention and what she hoped guests would attain after the conclusion of the event, Dr. Hairston explained, “I’ve been a part of this event for a while now, and little does the world know how the product of shea is a life-changing natural resource from the lands of Africa. We’ve spread knowledge on our projects advancing the technology and commerce of shea, and how it is so beneficial for us. Of course the last day is a fun event for everyone to enjoy, where you can bring family and friends for our final day’s festivities.”

Saturday’s event consisted of a mini fashion show of African outfits, and also a dance performance from a few amateur models from Atlanta, GA. The event also had a raffle ticket drawing that gave guests chances to win prizes such as a gift basket from one of the vendors that produced and sold shea products, such as shea soap, shea butter, hair oils, and samples of other natural products that they also sell. Vendors were set up around the ballroom showcasing their products, some of which were unrelated to the shea product.

This event is one that happens every year, which distributes knowledge of working with other scientists in the continent of Africa, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle, with healthy and natural products. I was glad to be in attendance once again.