The origins of a new-age, alternative-lifestyle, natural-products "Expo," can be traced back to the early 1970s and the days of the Whole Earth Catalog, a widely popular alternative mail order catalog. The Whole Earth Company began the first Whole Earth Expo. By 1975, Whole Earth Expo was an established tradition in the counter culture of the time.

Other shows arose concurrently, with the Whole Earth Expo’s success. In 1982, Alan Goldman began producing shows for the National Health Federation in New York. At the same time, Joseph Cotler had founded the Whole Life Times and worked with Alan to produce an Expo in New York for the Whole Life Times - the first Whole Life Expo.

By 1983, Joseph and Alan were doing shows in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In 1986, Joseph sold the Los Angeles market rights to Paul Andrews. He sold the San Francisco market rights to Ken Kaufman in 1986. Both Ken and Paul proceeded to expand Whole Life Expos into cities across the country, bringing Expo’s new-age ideas to a wider public and helping to establish a nationwide community focused on integrative health and cutting edge ideas.

In 1996, Paul Andrews partnered with the Newfane Group to take the Whole Life Expo public. In 1998, Newfane pulled out.The San Francisco Expos continued to flourish under the direction of Ken Kaufman.

In 1998, Justin Hilton purchased  Whole Life Expo’s nationwide rights from Ken Kaufman. These Expos continued under Justin, and at the end of 1999, he sold the entire company to Ayman Sawaf.

Ayman continued to expand the Expo, producing events around the country with a growing number of staff. He began to shift his shows to more of a mainstream, commercial event. After September 11th 2001, Ayman chose to shut his doors. Some of the expo staff went on to produce Green Fest around the country.

By January 2002, a non-compete agreement between Ken Kaufman and Whole Life had expired. This afforded Ken the opportunity to return to his passion - producing Expos. Ken along with a small, committed staff, brought back its original mix of cutting-edge exhibitors and world-class speakers to create the next New Age Expo. Which took place in April 2002 in San Francisco. The following year, Ken and his tight-knit team went on to produce what has now become known as the New Living Expo. It is now an annual event in San Francisco.

Today,   having produced three increasingly successful Expos since his return four years ago, Ken and his committed organization once again are creating a whole new standard in the world of Expos. This year again, The New Living Expo brings to you ALL workshops, lectures, panels, and exhibts, for one low general admission price of $30 for all three days. Or you may choose to come Friday $10, Saturday $15 or Sunday $15.

After the Expo, Ken is increasing sought after as a consultant for those who are interested in producing events. Today he lives with his wife Corinna, and he is a dedicated parent to his two teenage daughters.

Come be part of our event-making history. Come celebrate and explore with us at the 2007 New Living Expo on April 27th, 28th and 29th at the Concourse 8th and Brannan, S.F.