LAS VEGAS, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The SupplySide Global, North America's leading dietary supplement event, opened its expo hall on Wednesday in Las Vegas, U.S. state of Nevada.

The event has drawn more than 1,600 exhibitors and over 20,000 participants from around the world, representing dietary supplement, food and beverage, pet health and personal care industries.

The expo brings together global ingredient suppliers, contract manufacturers, packaging experts, lab services and professionals to discover new ingredients, explore innovative technologies and stay ahead of trends shaping the health and wellness industry.

More than 500 Chinese companies are on the show floor at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas -- the largest presence of Chinese exhibitors in the event's history.

A range of educational sessions and workshops are also held during the two-day exposition, where industry experts discuss innovation, sustainability and emerging trends shaping the global health and nutrition sector.