Focus on the Future 2011

Welcome Reception
This event kick starts the conference with drinks and appetizers on the Palm Grove. The Hyatt's 10-pool waterscape sets a lovely backdrop for networking.

Location: Palm Grove

Casino Night
Play a hand, roll the dice, and test your luck in a high-stakes evening of casino-style games. Top winners will receive prizes and bragging rights!

Location: South Foyer/Garden

Continental Breakfast
Fuel up for a day of sessions and networking with coffee, pastries, juice & more.

Location: South Foyer/Garden

FutureFocus: Innovation and Leadership
It seems every company stresses these valued traits, but what do they really mean? Does innovation mean creating yet another flavor for an existing product? Or a “greener” package? And how is innovation changing? Similar questions can be asked about leadership, both as a company and as an individual. What makes a leader in today’s or tomorrow’s world? In this opening session we look at how innovation and leadership are changing and what this means for the future.

Location: Arizona Ballroom IV

FutureFocus: Economy, Trends and Forecasts
The volatile economy of recent years has had profound effects on how we do business. These are the days of efficiency, accountability and ROI, and not just for businesses. Investors and consumers are focused on value too. How has the economy affected the way we do business? How is it affecting industry trends, sales and behavior? What sectors are still strong and growing? And where is the opportunity when the economy improves?

Location: Arizona Ballroom IV

FutureFocus: Consumers, Advocates and Industry
Speakers: Bruce Silverglade, director of legal affairs, Center for Science in the Public Interest; Travis T. Tygart, CEO, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency
Organizations such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) have taken strong positions on issues that affect the food and supplement industries. From CSPI pressuring or suing food and beverage companies on behalf of consumers, to USADA campaigning for changes to the way supplements are regulated, these advocacy groups are influencing industry, media, consumers and government. What should industry do? Hear from the leaders of these groups first hand and get the chance to participate in the dialogue.

Location: Arizona Ballroom IV

Continental Breakfast
Gear up for the second day of sessions with fresh brewed coffee, delectable pastries, juice and more!

Location: South Foyer/Garden

FutureFocus: Politics, Legislation and Regulation
Speakers: Edward Long, Ph.D., vice president, Van Scoyoc Associates Inc.; Jack W. Martin, partner, Walker, Martin & Hatch LLC
As the first industry conference following the contentious election, an in-depth analysis of the political landscape could not be timelier. What will the new makeup of Congress mean for food and supplement regulation? Are there areas of threat or opportunity? What can we expect from FDA, FTC and other agencies during the next couple of years? From food safety to more aggressive regulatory enforcement to calls for new laws and requirements for foods and supplements, this is an important time for industry. Join Washington insiders Jack W. Martin and Edward Long as we discuss the current situation and what to watch for.

Location: Arizona Ballroom IV

FutureFocus: Supply Chain, Quality and Sustainability
Speakers: Mark A. LeDoux, J.D., founder, CEO and chairman, Natural Alternatives Int’l Inc.; John Venardos, vice president, worldwide regulatory and government affairs, Herbalife
From country of origin labeling to quality issues to regulatory compliance, all eyes are on supply chain issues. Numerous recalls and product safety issues have called the status quo into question and created an environment of eroding consumer confidence. Manufacturers, marketers and retailers are paying more attention to their supply chains, and so are regulators, consumers and the press. Join industry leaders for this panel examining the most critical supply chain issues and what companies and industry should be doing about them.

Location: Arizona Ballroom IV

FutureFocus: Technology, Social Media and Business
Speakers: Lori Colman, founding partner and CEO, Colman Brohan Davis; John Siefert, CEO, Virgo Publishing LLC
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, mobile devices, e-readers, virtual events and the non-stop avalanche of new apps and devices continue to both inspire and puzzle. Odds are your brand and your products are being discussed and affected whether you are aware of it or not. Consider the websites and apps that allow a consumer to scan your UPC code and gather detailed information about your product, its competitors, its pricing, and what others think. Join John Siefert, the new CEO of Virgo Publishing LLC and a veteran of the business technology world, along with marketing and strategy expert Lori Colman for this detailed look at what you need to know, what you need to consider, and what you need to do to benefit from technology.

Location: Arizona Ballroom IV

Breakfast
Join your peers in the restaurant or coffee bar at your leisure.

Location: Room Service, SWB Restaurant or Canyon Market