Education and Networking
PHOENIX – Virgo Publishing’s Focus on the Future Trends & Strategy Forum drew professionals from supply, manufacturing and retail channels to the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Ariz., last week for networking, educational sessions and industry discussion.
“Focus on the Future has been very educational, timely and well presented. I have met wonderful, extraordinary people. It has been a great networking opportunity.”
--Carol May, senior executive vice president, Sweet Leaf Sweetener
“The information I’ve received is extremely useful in terms of learning trends and what the consumers are thinking. For ingredient suppliers like myself, it’s important to know what consumers are thinking to help determine what direction we should take. Focus on the Future has also been a good networking opportunity for us.”
--Luis Echeverria, business development manager, Pharmacenter
Golfers hit the greens at the Gainey Ranch Golf Club for the annual golf outing, on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Later that evening, participants attended a Welcome Reception, sponsored by National Enzyme Company, held outside on the Palm Grove court at the Hyatt. Following the reception, attendees enjoyed dinner and Focus on the Future Awards presentation, sponsored by Capsugel. The Humanitarian Award was presented to The Vitamin Shoppe for donating more than $300,000 to Vitamin Angels last year and supporting the non-profit with in-store activities and personal involvement in an effort to provide vital nutrition to countries, communities and individuals. The Vanguard Award which recognizes leadership was presented to Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED), for defining and self-regulating the omega-3 category and demonstrating how a collaborative effort among competitors can strengthen and grow a category. After dinner, attendees participated in an evening of casino-style games, sponsored by Innophos Inc., which included blackjack, roulette, craps and a chance to win cash prizes.
The two day education program co-sponsored by Lesaffre Human Care and Proprietary Nutritionals, addressed market research, sales, sustainability, consumer trends data, the future of the dietary supplement, healthy food/beverage industries and much more. Differentiating views were debated during the session, “Safe Supplements and Athletic Performance,” from Travis T. Tygart, chief executive officer, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA); Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, Natural Products Association (NPA); and Marc Ullman, Esq., partner, Ullman, Shapiro & Ullman LLP. Tygart praised the proposed Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2010, introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.); saying legitimate companies are already following the requirements listed in the bill. However, Fabricant said the new bill is unnecessary, as the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) already provides FDA with the power to regulate the industry. He encouraged everyone in the dietary supplement supply chain to get involved in this issue. Ullman added it is already illegal for anyone in the supply chain to put adulterated or misbranding supplements on the market, so this proposed law will not offer any future deterrence to those who are selling illegal drugs masquerading as supplements. Additionally, professionals from The Sustainability Consortium, The Hartman Group Inc., Packaged Facts, The Clorox Company, Mintel International Group, Euromonitor International, Natural Marketing Institute, HealthFocus International, Datamonitor and Colman Brohan Davis Inc. presented during the program.
During the conference, attendees participated in a variety of daily networking events. Continental breakfasts were sponsored by HerbaKraft Inc. and Jiaherb Inc. and a session break was sponsored by Albion Human Nutrition. Evening happy hours were sponsored by Roxlor International and Cepham Inc., which included beverages and snacks. Wednesday's lunch was sponsored by Lonza Inc., while Thursday's lunch was sponsored by Sabinsa Corporation. On Thursday evening, participants attended a reverse happy hour at the Scottsdale W Resort Shade Lounge, where drinks and appetizers were served in an exclusive VIP area. The four day conference concluded with a breakfast on Friday morning.
“Focus on the Future once again delivered great educational content and fantastic networking opportunities. I’ve received many compliments from both first time attendees and veterans of the event. The format and venue were excellent and the sunshine in the middle of February was outstanding.”
--Peggy Jackson, vice president health & nutrition division, Virgo Publishing
For information on upcoming Virgo Publishing events, including SupplySide East, SupplySide West and Focus on the Future, call (800) 454-5760 or visit SupplySideShow.com.
Virgo Publishing produces the SupplySide Trade Shows and Conferences, the Focus on the Future Executive Conference and Retreat, Nutrilearn.com and InsideCosmeceuticals.com; and publishes Natural Products INSIDER, Natural Products Marketplace and Food Product Design magazines. Virgo Publishing also publishes CULINOLOGY for the Research Chefs Association.
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