9th Annual Focus on the Future Drew Leading Supplement and Food Execs for Education, Industry Discussion
PHOENIX – Virgo’s 9th Annual Focus on the Future Trends & Strategy Forum, with title sponsor Albion, drew professionals from supply, manufacturing and retail channels to the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Ariz., last week for networking, educational sessions and industry discussion.
“Virgo continues to put on professional and informative meetings and events,” said Mark Sysler, vice president of sales, Bio-Botanica. “Focus on the Future presented very relevant topics for our industry, and the quality of speakers was excellent. In particular, the ’Politics, Legislation and Regulation’ and ’Social Media’ sessions were dead on, and really kept all the attendees energized, thinking and talking. Accolades to Virgo for a well-run event. I’ll be back!”
To kick-start the event, participants attended a Welcome Reception, 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 Vitamin Angels for reaching over 24 million children in 43 countries with vital nutrients they need as a foundation for good health. The Vanguard Award, which recognizes leadership, was presented to United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) for achieving financial success while expanding efforts in sustainability and social responsibility. Examples of UNFI’s leadership include its commitment to LEED® certification and sustainable operations, charitable efforts such as Vitamin Angels, Feeding America and the company’s work in Haiti, its use of solar power and other sustainable energy sources, and a hybrid vehicle program for employees. After dinner, attendees tested their luck in an evening of casino-style games, sponsored by Sabinsa Corp., which included blackjack, roulette, craps and a chance to win prizes.
The two-day education program, co-sponsored by Lesaffre Human Care and Proprietary Nutritionals, addressed how innovation and leadership are changing, how the economy has affected business, critical supply chain issues, the impact of technology and social media, evolving consumer attitudes and behaviors and much more. Differentiating views were debated during the session, “Consumers, Advocates and Industry,” presented by Travis T. Tygart, CEO, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), and Bruce Silverglade, former director of legal aAffairs, Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Additionally, professionals from PCGInvestors, Colman Brohan Davis, Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), Natural Alternatives Int’l Inc. (NAI), Thunderbird School of Global Management, Ullman, Shapiro & Ullman LLP, Herbalife, International Alliance of Dietary Supplement Association (IADSA) and Virgo presented during the program.
During the conference, attendees participated in a variety of networking events including session breaks and continental breakfasts sponsored by Bio-Botanica and DSM Nutritional Products Inc. Evening happy hours were sponsored by Roxlor International and ZMC-USA, which included beverages and snacks. Wednesday's lunch was sponsored by Lonza Inc., while Thursday's lunch was sponsored by AIDP Inc. 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 which was sponsored by Watson Inc. Additional sponsors of the event included Cepham, Inc. and National Enzyme Company.
“This year’s event featured a top-notch lineup of speakers and panelists that addressed the most pressing issues affecting our industry,” said Peggy Jackson, executive vice president, Health & Nutrition Network, Virgo. “Focus on the Future is more than simply great information and ideas, it is also a forum that allows and encourages one-to-one interaction and networking. The format and venue was outstanding and the sunny weather in the middle of February was enjoyable.”
If you are looking for more information on other upcoming VIRGO events, including SupplySide Marketplace and SupplySide West, call (800) 454-5760 or visit www.supplysideshow.com.
About Virgo:
Virgo produces the SupplySide Trade Shows and Conferences, the Focus on the Future Trends & Strategy Forum and InsideCosmeceuticals.com; and publishes Natural Products INSIDER, Natural Products Marketplace and Food Product Design magazines.
Title Sponsor
Official Show Media
