According to Carlotta Mast, an executive director of content at New Hope Network, "What’s old is new again in natural and organic product launches. Ancient wisdom, a notion of back-to-basics nutrition, remains a driving force in packaged food and beverage innovation, fueled by demand for simpler labels."

This is great news for our customers who already know that Parkway Plastics's simplistic styling and BPA Free, Phthalate Free, FDA Approved, Reusable, Recyclable plastic jars are all  you need to get your products noticed. That and a killer label or design of course! Whatever artwork speaks to you and whatever you are packaging, our back to basics shapes and sizes are as beautiful as they are utilitarian. Whether you are looking for a small jar, a large jar or something in between, you are sure to find a plastic jar that fits your application perfectly!

Read all about 

Packaging ideas for All Natural or Organic Products Click Here

L

"What classes will you be attending?! We want to know!! Meet our West Coast Sales Rep Lian Price there and talk Fitness, Plastic Jars and Nutrition!"

Natural Products Business School

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:8:30 am - 6:00 pm
• Room: Marriott, Marquis Ballroom S/C

Description

Natural Products Business School is a full-day of learning and networking designed to provide entrepreneurs with targeted, in-depth solutions to common business challenges, and an opportunity to connect with the ecosystem of service providers who can partner with you toward success.
Agenda

Tackle the intricacies of raising capital while maintaining a strong mission.

8:30am - 9:15am Registration and Networking Light Breakfast
9:15am - 9:25am Welcome

Jane Miller, JaneKnows

9:25am - 9:30am Sponsor Spotlight
9:30am - 10:00am Keynote Kickoff: A Conversation with Sheryl O'Loughlin, CEO of REBBL
Sheryl O'Loughlin is a serial entrepreneur and author ofKilling It: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Keeping Your Head Without Losing Your Heart. Sheryl is passionate about sharing advice from both the highs and the lows of her experiences as the CEO of Clif Bar, cofounder and CEO of Plum Organics, and her current adventure as CEO of REBBL super herb beverages.

Sheryl O'Loughlin, REBBL

Jane Miller, JaneKnows

10:00am - 10:40am Passion and Purpose as Accelerators [Workshop]
Anyone ever tell you to “follow your heart?” Sue thinks its irresponsible to give advice without acknowledging that (a) you may not know what your heart wants and (b) you need to have food and shelter. In this session, Sue will challenge you to consider what you heart wants, imagine how you could pursue that and still live in the real world, and discover one way that you are keeping yourself from reaching that full potential. Grounded in reality, this short session promises to be transformative. Really.

Sue Heilbronner, MergeLane

10:40am - 11:10am On a Mission: Creating a Brand Story that Resonates [Workshop]
Brand authencity begins with effective storytelling. In this session, you'll learn how to understand your audience more deeply, build consistency across your brand and know exactly what it is you want to say before you say it.

Emma Andrews & Lynsey Walker, Pineapple Collective

11:10am - 11:25am Entrepreneur Q&A: Mission Possible, Moderator: Jane Miller
For Pat Crowley, eating insects has been a profitable way to better the planet. In this conversation, Pat will highlight lessons learned in embracing purpose, pioneering change and scaling your mission-based business.

Pat Crowley, Chapul

11:25am - 11:30am Sponsor Spotlight

11:30am - 12:30pm Gathering with Purpose: Meet the Experts Luncheon

12:30pm - 1:30pm Friend, Not Foe: Getting Cozy with Financials [Workshop],Moderator: Jane MillerIn this workshop, we'll explore different elements of financials so that you can leave feeling confident and fearless. You'll create an actual P&L based on a fictitious company, hear from industry experts and leave with tangible educational materials to help you cozy up to one of the most mysterious aspects of entreprenuership.

P&L Statements

COGS,Pricing, & Margins

Distribution Strategy

Managing Trade Spend

Preparing for Success

Featured Panelists:

Kirsten Anderberg, Fantasy Cookie Co.

Chris Fenster, Propeller Industries

Wayne Wu, VMG Partners

Bob Burke, Natural Products Consulting

Bentley Hall, Good Eggs

1:30pm - 1:45pm Cash is King
One key job of an entrepreneur is to never run out of cash. Looking at your P&L in isolation will not help: your P&L is not your cash flow. Michael Burgmaier and Nick McCoy from Whipstitch Capital will run you through a quick exercise to help you understand how to plan and run your business to ensure you don’t run out.

Mike Burgmaier & Nick McCoy, Whipstitch Capital

1:45pm – 2:00pm Networking Break

2:00pm - 2:10pm Raising Angel Capital: Lessons from the Street
Olomomo started with $12,000 on a credit card grew from farmers markets to distribution in over 2700 retail locations and 400,000 units sold in 2016 in three years. Justin will share some insights and strategy learned from “running the angel gauntlet” to raise $2M of angel capital from 55 Angel Investors - while still maintaining a full time day job.

• Justin Perkins, Olomomo Nut Company

2:10pm - 3:05pm Demystifying the F Word: Navigating the Funding Roadmap,Moderator: Bill Shen, Encore Consumer Capital

We will hear from entrepreneurs, investors, and lenders, who will tackle questions like:

Should I finance my growth with debt or equity?

What’s the difference between Venture Capital and Private Equity?

What is slow money (and does that mean there is fast money)?

What are the pros and cons of crowdfunding?

Featured Panelists:

Arno Hesse, Slow Money Institute

Shari Wynne Ressler, SKU

Jordan Gaspar, Accel Foods

Keeley Tilotson, Wild Friends Foods

3:05pm - 3:50pm Finding the Right Financial Partnership for your Mission-Driven Business, Moderator: Nancy Rosenzweig, Big Path Capital
A company's mission is most vulnerable at the point at which it is selling ownership to outside parties. Learn lessons in preserving your mission from two successful CEOs and their values aligned investors.

Featured Panelists:

Blair Kellison, Traditional Medicinals

Tripp Baird, The Builders Fund

Tim Joseph, Maple Hill Creamery

Caroline MacGill, Armonia

3:50pm - 4:10pm Closing Keynote: Walk Before You Run
In this segment, you will hear 17 year old Shark Tank entrepreneur Benjamin Stern, describing his experience growing his innovative natural personal care company, Nohbo, while balancing school and handling investors. He will describe the steps required to scale a company and his preferred growth strategy to building a successful brand in the natural products space.

Benjamin Stern, Nohbo

4:10pm - 4:40pm The Secrets of Perfect Pitch: Tips from a Master Pitch Coach
In this session you’ll learn the secrets of “perfect pitch.” How do you craft a pitch that stands out from the rest? What makes a pitch killer versus boring and forgettable? Andi will teach you step-by-step the tips and tricks to creating a compelling, memorable pitch that creates excitement and buzz among investors (and wins pitch competitions!)

Andi O'Conor, SpeakCoach

4:50pm - 4:53pm Closing Remarks: Jane Miller

4:53pm - 4:55pm Sponsor Spotlight

5:00pm - 6:00pmPitch Slam Semi-Finals

Pitch-Slam Applications are no longer being accepted!

Semi-Finalists to be invited to pitch at Expo West will be announced February 15, 2017

If you have any questions, please contact Jasmine@NewHope.com.

Climate 101: Understanding Greenhouse Gas Emissions & How to Reduce Impacts

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:9:30 am - 11:30 am
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon F

Description

Climate change poses a significant risk to the food industry. But as a business, do you know how you contribute to climate change—and how can you help reverse it?

Climate 101 provides a strong foundational understanding of the greenhouse gas emissions that our world-and businesses- produce, so that you can implement emissions management at your company. Critical discussions will address the difference between Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and bring the concept of climate reduction initiatives to life through the lens of climate action areas.

Through interactive exercises, attendees will begin to identify the areas in which they can make the most impact on reducing emissions. Case studies from Annie’s, Inc. and Nature’s Path Foods, Inc. will highlight how they have prioritized and shaped their carbon management programs, and how they have multiplied the impacts of climate change programs with employee engagement. A roundtable segment will provide opportunity for the speakers to speak to lessons learned and audience questions. After this workshop, your company will be ready to begin tackling its biggest opportunities to help reduce- and reverse- climate change.

Climate Day

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:9:30 am - 8:00 pm
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon F
• Session Number: EW01

Description

Join Industry leaders for the first ever Climate Day at Expo West!

Hosted by New Hope Network and the Climate Collaborative, an initiative of leading organizations, brands, and retailers to raise our game in addressing climate change, Climate Day will include Ted style talks, inspirational keynotes, music, an executive roundtable, the National Co+op Grocers Climate Awards, networking, a reception and more!

Whether you’ve been meaning to learn more about what your company can do to reduce your carbon footprint (or even how to calculate a footprint), or are an experienced climate leader, Climate Day is a chance for you to learn how growing consumer concern for climate can translate into a great opportunity for you and the industry- and a better future for all. Attend a morning climate intensive if you're just starting out or want a refresher on how businesses can address climate change. Then, stick around for afternoon programming because it will be loaded with inspirational visionaries and educators who are leading the way on solutions to the climate crisis.

While global warming represents one of the greatest challenges facing our world, it also presents one of the greatest opportunities for innovation and leadership. The Natural Products Industry has lead on animal welfare, non-GMO, organic and fair trade. Now it’s time to lead on climate. Whether you are a manufacturer, retailer, supplier, broker or just a concerned individual, join Climate Day for solutions-focused inspiration and ideas for what you can do!

Climate Day events are free with your exhibit hall pass.

Climate Day Agenda

9:30am Climate 101: Understanding Greenhouse Gas Emissions & How to Reduce Impacts

• Manuel Gorrin, Nature's Path
• Shauna Sadowski, Annie's
• Tobias Schultz, SCS Global Services
• Lisa Spicka, Sustainable Food Trade Association (SFTA)

11:30am Lunch Break (on your own)

12:00pm Climate Day Information Fair

12:30pm Climate Day Welcome

• Carlotta Mast, New Hope Network
• Lara Dickinson, Climate Collaborative & OSC2

12:40pm Introduction

• Joel Makower, GreenBiz Group

12:45pm Why Climate Matters, The Consumer Perspective

• Eric Pierce, NEXT Data & Insights, New Hope Network

1:00pm Why Climate Matters, Retailer Roundtable

• Sheila Ongie, National Co+op Grocers (NCG)
• Corinne Shindelar, Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA)
• Jennifer Silberman, Target

1:45pm Short Film: Lotus Foods

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1:50pm The Climate Opportunity, Agriculture Roundtable

• Birgit Cameron, Patagonia Provisions
• Dave Alexander, Global Organics
• Jonathan Reinbold, Organic Valley
• Tracy Misiewicz, The Organic Center

2:30pm Break

2:45pm Short Film: Alter Eco

2:50pm Company Commitments

2:55pm Executive Roundtable

• Seth Goldman, Honest Tea
• Jessica Rolph, Happy Family
• Chris Mann, Guayaki
• Robynn Shrader, National Co+op Grocers (NCG)
• Gary Hirshberg, Stonyfield

3:40pm Short Film: Happy Family

3:45pm A Climate Policy Discussion with Kirsten James & Joseph Majkut

• Kirsten James, Ceres
• Joseph Majkut, Niskanen Center

4:05pm Break

4:15pm Short Film: Organic Valley

4:20pm Company Commitments

4:25pm Climate Collaborative: A Call to Action

• Nancy Hirshberg, Climate Collaborative & Hirshberg Strategic

4:35pm Climate Day Keynote

• Paul Hawken, Project Drawdown

5:30pm Climate Day Reception & NCG Climate Collaborative Awards

• Sponsored by: LaCroix

6:30pm Film Screening & Panel Discussion: Kiss The Ground

• Sponsored by: Dr. Bronner's

Join us for a sneak preview of select scenes from the upcoming documentary, Kiss The Ground. This film is scheduled to hit theaters in 2018 and is the first of its kind to provide a clear solution to climate change through food choices. Based on a forthcoming book with the same title, Kiss the Ground, this film will focus on Regenerative Agriculture and the heroes on the front lines of this new agricultural and food revolution.

6:35pm Welcome

• Carlotta Mast, New Hope Network
• Finian Makepeace, Kiss the Ground

6:40pm Film Screening: Kiss the Ground

7:10pm A Word from the Producers

• Josh Tickell, Kiss the Ground
• Rebecca Tickell, Kiss the Ground

7:15pm Panel Discussion

• Finian Makepeace, Kiss the Ground
• Rose Marcario, Patagonia
• Ray Archuleta, USDA National Resources Conservation Service
• Kristin Ohlson, Author of The Soil Will Save Us
• John Roulac, Nutiva
• David Vetter, Grain Place Foods
• David Bronner, Dr. Bronner's
• Timothy LaSalle, California State University, Chico

7:55pm Closing

• Lauren Tucker, Kiss the Ground
• Finian Makepeace, Kiss the Ground

The Changing Chinese Consumer: Opportunities for Supplement Growth Abroad

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:10:00 am - 11:15 am
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon G
• Session Number: EW04

Description

While many markets, such as that of the U.S., have a large presence of supplements brands, there are still many virtually untapped markets with enormous potential for new consumers. Shirley Huang, Founder & CEO of Vision Avenue Consulting, will present how the supplements industry is changing and expanding within China, and with these changes, how it can tap into a new customer market: the Chinese consumer.

This session will delve into the specifics of Chinese consumer segments, purchasing habits and preferences, and the current channels of distribution for supplements within China. Shirley will also provide insight into trends and give specific tips on how to break into and navigate the complex Chinese supplements market. If you’re looking to expand your brand to new international markets, customers, and distribution channels, this session is for you!

Relevant New Hope Content
Exporting health: Can the U.S. lead the world to better nutrition?

An Introduction to Modern Food Safety & Quality Management

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:10:30 am - 11:45 am
• Room: Marriott, Elite 1
• Session Number: EW13

Description

With the increase of food industry recalls constantly flooding our inboxes, we must ask ourselves: what can we do, as food manufacturers, to aid in the increased improvement of food safety techniques to help keep our consumers safe? In this session, you’ll have the opportunity to hear first hand, from a Certified Food Scientist and consulting agency owner, some of the most utilized modern approaches to maintaining the utmost sustainable and effective food safety management strategies.

This session will cover an introduction to these techniques, explain some current challenges of managing food safety within the industry and share some best practices to overcome these. It will leave you feeling informed, educated and empowered to apply these learnings upon returning back home from Expo West.

Relevant New Hope Content
The rising demands of producing safe food products

Innovations in Clean Label Formulations

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:11:45 am - 1:00 pm
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon G
• Session Number: EW05

Description

There is a sea change occurring in our industry as consumers begin to pay closer attention to product labels. As the demand for clean label products floods the food and beverage market, this desire is also impacting supplements and nutrition products.

To help understand and prepare for changing consumer demand for clean label formulations in dietary supplements, this panel of experts will explore the forces currently influencing consumer demand for clean label products. It will also dive into examples of how brands and suppliers are responding to changing demands, and what challenges they are facing as they develop new formulations and product ingredients.

Relevant New Hope Content
"The challenges and opportunities of the clean-label movement"

Plastic Containers for All Natural & USDA Certified Organic Nuts & Berries - Plastic Jars & Packaging for Trail Mixes, Dried Fruits & Nuts Click Here to Read More

Climate Day Information Fair

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon F

Description

Network and visit with experts to learn how you and your company can take action on Climate Change. The Climate Day Information Fair will open at 12:00pm with additional opportunities available to connect throughout the day's programming.

Experts in attendance will include:

• The Climate Collaborative
• Sustainable Food Trade Association (SFTA)
• One Step Closer to an Organic Sustainable Community (OSC2)
• Cool Farm Alliance
• The Organic Center
• Demeter USA
• The Rodale Institute
• The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC)
• Pur Project
• California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN)
• The Plant Based Foods Association
• SCS Global Services
• Ceres/BICEP

FSMA: How Sweeping Reform of Food Safety Laws Will Impact Your Business

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
• Room: Marriott, Elite 1
• Session Number: EW14

Description

This session explores the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) – its background, structure, and goals. We’ll cover topics that will help you achieve compliance and we'll also discuss what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has told us about how food, beverage and dietary ingredient companies should implement FSMA.

While FSMA itself is relatively straightforward, its regulatory requirements are not – so we’ll review some of the more challenging areas and pitfalls that companies experience with FSMA.

Finally, we’ll also draw lessons from the FDA’s enforcement activities so far and we'll make some educated guesses about how they could be affected by the current administration.

Relevant New Hope Content
Industry prepares for FSMA

Consumers First: How Shifting Values are Driving a New Supplement Marketplace

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon G
• Session Number: EW06

Description

Rapidly evolving consumer demands are pulling innovation up through the value chain, and finished goods manufacturers are scrambling to catch up. This highly evolved marketplace for “cleaner” dietary supplements and value-added ingredients brings with it great opportunities and also great challenges. Today’s consumer wants a clear window into the source, the process and the mission. And they won’t take no for an answer.

Smart manufacturers and suppliers are gearing up for tremendous growth, provided they can tap into new consumer (B2C) and customer (B2B) demand with cleaner and more sustainable innovation, manufacturing, and marketing language that has relevance and offers credible features and benefits. Join us to learn more about the #newsupplementmarketplace.

Relevant New Hope Content
Natural shoppers put their money where their trust is

Allergen Control: The Business Case & Best Practices to Support Your Company

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:2:00 pm - 3:15 pm
• Room: Marriott, Elite 1
• Session Number: EW15

Description

Dairy-free? Soy-free? Wheat-free? If you make any allergen-free claims on your product's packaging, or cater to the allergen-free audience, this session is for you. Here, learn expert advice on best manufacturing practices to ensure safety and control for allergen-free consumers, whether it's worth it to make allergen-free call-outs at all and insights into the allergen-free consumer.

Relevant New Hope Content
Free-from foods rise to the occasion

Trends in Supplement Ingredients: Now, New & NEXTY

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon G
• Session Number: EW07

Description

The foundation of innovation is functional ingredients. New science on old ingredients and exciting new compounds make dietary supplements a never-a-dull-moment category of healthy lifestyles.

New Hope Network ingredients and supplements editor Todd Runestad will reveal to you the hottest ingredients, the coolest supplements, and the most fascinating bioavailability-enhancing technologies to help shoppers attain optimal health. You’ll come away psyched to hit the show floor and visit the top-shelf ingredient suppliers and supplement makers. Let’s go trend-spotting so you can be a savvier show floor ninja!

Relevant New Hope Content
12 ingredient and supplement trends to look out for in 2017

Browse by Volume

Supplier's Night Expo

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:3:30 pm - 8:00 pm
• Room: Disneyland Hotel Exhibition Hall

Description

The Southern California Institute of Food Technologists invites you to participate in the 2017 SCiftS Supplier`s Night Expo. This event brings together leading ingredient suppliers, food technologists & manufacturers.www.scifts.net/supplier.html

NDIs & the New Political Reality: What to Expect in the Post-Regulatory Age

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:3:45 pm - 5:00 pm
• Room: Marriott, Elite 1
• Session Number: EW16

Description

Six months ago, the supplement industry was up in arms about the FDA’s New Dietary Ingredient final draft guidance. It could be a costly and crush innovation. It could crush small companies and stop large companies in their tracks. But on January 20, the picture changed. The Trump administration has come out against regulations and promised to cut budgets that could hamstring enforcement. NBJ Editor Rick Polito will lead a discussion on what the change in course means, with Larisa Pavlick, a former FDA investigator now working with the United Natural Products Alliance, supplements lawyer Ashish Talati and Scott Steinford, an industry veteran with a keen view on the historical perspective.

Relevant New Hope Content
Trades unite in opposition to FDA's NDI guidance document

Climate Day Film Screening: Kiss the Ground

• Wednesday, 03/08/2017:6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon F

Description

Join us for a sneak preview of select scenes from the upcoming documentary, Kiss The Ground. This film is scheduled to hit theaters in 2018 and is the first of its kind to provide a clear solution to climate change through food choices. Based on a forthcoming book with the same title,Kiss the Ground, this film will focus on Regenerative Agriculture and the heroes on the front lines of this new agricultural and food revolution.

A panel discussion and Q&A, featuring voices from the documentary and industry leaders, will immediately follow the screening.

Browse by Diameter

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Can't decide what size opening you need? Need a low-profile or a round bottom jar? Check out our Regular Wall and Thick Wall category pages to find your desired shape and size.

Regular Wall Jars	Thick Wall Jars

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A Mindful Life: The Shift from Surviving to Thriving

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:8:30 am - 9:45 am
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon G
• Session Number: EW17

Description

If juggling your personal life and career life have left you feeling stretched as thin as a piece of taffy after a tug of war, then you are not alone. Today, people in the workplace are inundated by numerous stressors and the constant pressure to outperform the previous quarter. While we can’t change the demands of our around-the-clock culture, what we can change is how our brains respond to the stress that modern life presents.

Drawing on cutting edge neuroscience research and simple mindfulness practices, Dr. Kristen Race’s humorous and engaging talk Surviving to Thriving provides practical solutions to get your work and home life reconnected, recharged and back on track.

DISCUSSION POINTS:
• Why stress is so prevalent and highly contagious
• How to become more resilient to stressors at work and at home
• Good stress vs. bad stress
• How having a mindfulness practice makes you a happier, healthier, more efficient worker
• 5 simple mindfulness practices to shift you from merely surviving to thriving

Relevant New Hope Content
Health is not enough for today's natural foods shopper

Local Community Retail Summit

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Room: Marriott, Elite 1
• Session Number: EW08

• Super Tracks:
• Retail

Description

If you're a local community retailer, we invite you to join us for three hours of action-packed, retail-specific education at Expo West! By attending the Local Community Retail Summit, you'll learn a lot in a short amount of time while also developing new relationships with your peers.

So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and prepare to engage! We've packed this Retail Summit with a fast-paced agenda that includes presentations, networking, an inspiring keynote, and an executive roundtable.

Agenda

9:00 - 9:10am Welcome

9:10 - 10:10am Presentations

Pricing:For decades the natural products industry focused on the features, benefits and quality of what it sold. While those are still our hallmarks, more and more conversations are about price. We can’t ignore the economic reality of many current and potential customers, but our independent retail stores have tremendous disadvantages when the focus turns to price. We will visit what is driving this focus on price and realistic moves that can be taken in light of it.

• Bill Crawford, Crawford Solutions

Minimum Wage: Payroll is a tricky subject. On the surface, the idea of paying less to increase profits makes sense. But if you desire more productive, customer-service oriented, long-term employees, then being pro-active about wage issues can be of great value. The minimum wage issue is "out there" in a big way in the media, so here are some thoughts on the issue, and ideas for how to strategically think about voluntary or mandatory wage changes in a way that positively impacts your retail business and staff.

• Michael Kanter, Cambridge Naturals

Local: Local is becoming more and more important in the food world. Is it because local can be easier for customers to understand? We have found supporting local gives us a unique advantage over the big chain stores. Your commitment to local provides several benefits to your customers and your community plus it keeps the dollars in your neighborhood. For us supporting local meets two of our core principles, supporting our community and being stewards of our planet. Be transparent and tell a true story about why you support local products and how you define them.

• Bart Yablonsky, Dawson's Market

Gluten Free: Are you making your gluten free and food allergy customers sick? Of course natural products retailers are expected to seek out and sell the best new products for their customers, but explicitly or implicitly, you’re also expected to adequately vet the products offered on your shelves. Recent changes in food labeling, independent certifications, and use of monikers like “natural” are being complicated further by the rapid influx of so many new products in the free from and specialty diet marketplace. When your customers believe you’re shopping on their behalf, many don’t do their own homework in selecting products off of the shelf for their families. We’ll cover the surprisingly questionable safety of products many assume are reliable staples for their gluten free and food allergy customers, and we’ll discuss ways to protect these customers, educate them and endear them to your business.

• Jules Shepard, gfjules

10:10 - 10:30am Networking & Coffee Break

10:30 - 11:15am Keynote: What Are We So Afraid Of?

• Michelle Poler, Hello Fears

11:15 - 12:00pm Executive Roundtable: How to Differentiate in a Competitive Retail Market

• Christine Kapperman,Natural Foods Merchandiser
• Danielle Vogel, Glen's Garden Market
• Steven Petusevsky, The Culinary Institute of America
• Matt Ryan, Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA)

As a natural products retailer, you are a changemaker and one of the many leaders driving increased consumer access to education and better-for-you healthy products. The education presented during this Summit will help you to continue driving industry change by showcasing retail best-practices and it will help you to uncover new ways to excel, differentiate, and innovate at your store.

Relevant New Hope Content
Natural retail channel remains core to natural products industry

Following Your Heart in the Real World: Marrying Work & Purpose

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:10:15 am - 11:30 am
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon G
• Session Number: EW18

Description

Anyone ever tell you to “follow your heart?” Sue thinks its irresponsible to give advice without acknowledging that (a) you may not know what your heart wants and (b) you need to have food and shelter. In this session, Sue will challenge you to consider what you heart wants, imagine how you could pursue that and still live in the real world, and discover one way that you are keeping yourself from reaching that full potential. Grounded in reality, this session promises to be transformative. Really.

Relevant New Hope Content
Passion and purpose: An afternoon with Sue Heilbronner

The Case for Supplementation & Why It's Important Today

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:10:15 am - 11:30 am
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon F
• Session Number: EW10

Description

The case for adopting supplementation into your lifestyle grows stronger by the day as more and more studies come out that teach us how nutrients (and their lack of) affect our health. One of the more common reasons for forgoing supplementation is the notion that “I want to get all of my nutrients from food.” While it is a noble and pure goal to have, several factors make accomplishing that very difficult and potentially impossible.

Compromised soil health due to unsustainable mono crop agriculture practices yields food that contains much less nutrients than 100 years ago. Our modern lifestyles have increased the chronic stress load, and pollution has increased our exposure to harmful chemicals. Less obvious reasons such as how much vitamin D potential from the sun there is where you live can also have a profound impact on your health.

Come learn about the compelling reasons why consumers would benefit from incorporating supplementation into their lifestyle and how they can do so optimally using the measured approach of precision medicine.

Relevant New Hope Content
Younger adults contribute to growing supplement use in 2016

Global Export Series: U.S. Organic Market Briefing

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:11:45 am - 12:45 pm
• Room: Convention Center, Room 204C
• Session Number: GES01

• Tracks:
• Global Export Series

Description

Join the Organic Trade Association for an overview of the U.S. organic market, including industry size, trending consumer categories, resources for international buyers and more. The session will share the latest industry stats and consumer insights and provide tools on how to access more information and connect with suppliers.

Conscious Conversations: Engaging the Differences that Divide Us

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon G
• Session Number: EW19

Description

Any creative enterprise requires diverse perspectives, yet navigating across differences is not always easy. Difference can stimulate creativity and resilience, or it can activate exclusion, defensiveness and aggression. Because our lives and work are interdependent, we cannot afford to let differences divide us. In this session we will explore communication practices that can bring out the best in our teams and organizations and help everyone appreciate and engage difference in new and creative ways.

You will learn to:

• Identify and appreciate differences
• Listen with curiosity and overcome defensiveness
• Use dialogue to cultivate creativity and connection

Relevant New Hope Content
Taking an authentic approach to leadership

Demystifying Microbiome Research: New Opportunities for Health & Business

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon F
• Session Number: EW11

Description

How much do you know about the microbiome? Research opportunities and data on the microbiome are growing everyday, and yet, there is still so much that we have left to discover.

Join Francine Schoenwetter, Matthew Roberts, and Antoine Bily as they dive into the history of the microbiome and what cutting edge research is finding about this fascinating topic.

By attending this session, you'll learn:

• The definition of the microbiome
• The latest advances in microbiome research
• Knowledge about the micbiome and gut-brain axis
• Research on the connection between botanicals and the microbiome

Relevant New Hope Content
Marketing the microbiome

Global Export Series: International E-Commerce Strategies & Resources

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
• Room: Convention Center, Room 204C
• Session Number: GES02

Description

Learn the nine key elements of a successful eCommerce export strategy as outlined by the U.S. Commercial Service's eCommerce Innovation Lab.

These include:

• Identify market opportunities
• Protect your brand
• Optimize your website
• Choose the right channel mix
• Build your brand
• Ship your products
• Get paid
• Price your products
• Manage after-sales services

Together we will discuss basic considerations and identify support resources across these pillars. You will leave the session with a framework for deeper investigation.

UC Davis Education Track

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Room: Marriott, Elite 1
• Session Number: SCIFTS01

Description

The Southern California Institute of Food Technologists, in partnership with UC Davis, presents:

Optimizing Safe Water Use in a Changing World, Ned Spang, Ph.D.

How Do We Make Food and Beverages that Deliver Gut Health, David A. Mills

How Do We Save the Cultures Necessary for Our Health, Kyria L. Boundy-Mills

What Foods Can We Digest, Gail Bornhorst, Ph.D.

Brain Games: The Latest Research & Product Opportunities in Cognitive Health

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:1:45 pm - 3:00 pm
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon F
• Session Number: EW12

Description

Brain health is of profound concern to Americans looking for answers on everything from muffed memory to devastating dementia to peak cognitive performance around the office and better focus while playing sports. Supplements are on the market promoting all these things, yet not without pushback from regulators that marketers are selling more than what is scientifically possible. At this session, learn the current state of the science, and take a look at the broad swath of supplement products looking to help people with cognitive health.

Relevant New Hope Content
Entertain your brain with cognitive health supplements

Co-creating an Industry of Conscious Companies: A Generative Dialogue

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:1:45 pm - 3:45 pm
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon G
• Session Number: EW20

Description

This session is for the BOLD. It’s designed for the leaders, the visionaries, the ones that are committed to using business to make the future better. Come to this session if you are ready to have big-picture conversations with big-picture thinkers.

Do not come prepared to listen to a few select individuals telling you what you should be doing. Come ready to learn and share what you are seeing, thinking and doing to bring forward an industry of conscious companies.

The session is designed to be a dialogue around what a conscious company is (now) and could look like (future) leading to a conscious industry (scaling impact).

In small groups, we will discuss emerging trends in conscious business, what the implications are to your company and, ultimately, co-create an industry of conscious companies.

On top of your personal notes, we will collect and share the key insights from the session with you. You will leave knowing many other leaders in the industry beyond their name and role on a business card. Lastly, you will leave with a more clear sense of how to be a more conscious business leader.

This is an invitation to bring your whole self to this session and together we will co-create an industry of conscious companies.

Relevant New Hope Content
Conscious consumption and the values connection

Global Export Series: Colombia & Singapore - Growing, Successful Markets for U.S. Natural Products

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
• Room: Convention Center, Room 204C
• Session Number: GES03

Description

Learn about both the Singapore and Colombia markets. Commercial Specialists will discuss trends and opportunities that U.S. exporters of nutritional supplements, functional foods and organic products should take note of in both these diverse markets. They will also explain the regulatory framework, advise on any barriers to entry and provide an overview of the business and retail landscape.

• Colombia is a Latin American market that, in the last 4 years, has been driven by health and wellness trends. This growing health consciousness has generated an increased demand for natural and healthy value-added products.
• Singapore is a major trading hub and is considered a launching pad into the ASEAN (Southeast Asian) region. It also also considered a showcase market for the region.

Global Export Series: Best Practices in Export Shipping, Documentation & Compliance

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
• Room: Convention Center, Room 204C
• Session Number: GES05

Description

Learn about various export shipping options, the Incoterms that define the risks and obligations U.S. exporters assume in export transactions, and the common export documents and resources to help you correctly and efficiently complete these documents. Learn what are the basic export compliance requirements of all U.S. exporters and how to comply with these obligations.

Natural Talent Career Fair

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
• Room: Sheraton Park Hotel, Park A & B Ballrooms

Description

Join us for the first Natural Talent Career Fair at Expo West! The natural and organic industry's best are coming together to give job seekers and employers an opportunity to network and learn about opportunities. Job seekers can meet and network with key executives from some of the most exciting, innovation and fastest growing companies in the industry!

Thursday Evening on the Plaza Sponsored by: Black Forest Organic

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• Room: Grand Plaza Main Stage

Description

Maybe you're just arriving in Anaheim, or perhaps you came in early for some stellar education. Either way, what better way to really settle in and get comfortable than to relax with great music, food and drinks!

Musical guest: Kat Myers and the Buzzards
Formed in 2015, Kat Myers and The Buzzards are already earning themselves a reputation as a "bona fide rock 'n' roll band that concocts a soulful blend of solid rhythms as if summoned from the dust on a vinyl crate of classic rock."

League of Angels

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
• Room: Angel Stadium

Description

Join Vitamin Angels in celebrating the power of vitamins and changing lives with essential nutrients. $75 in advance.www.vitaminangels.org

The Organic Center's 14th Annual Benefit Dinner

• Thursday, 03/09/2017:6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
• Room: Marriott, Marquis Ballroom

Description

The Organic Center’s Benefit Puts Science in the Spotlight. NPR’s “The Secret Ingredient” will live-tape a podcast at dinner! Opportunities are still available tosponsor and purchase ticketsto this important event, which helps make the critical work of The Organic Center possible. Participants will have the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones, be inspired and entertained, and enjoy an organic meal—all in support of The Organic Center’s important work to advance organic research and evidence-based science on organic food and farming. For more information on The Organic Center and the science behind organic food and farming, visitwww.organic-center.org.

Organic 101

• Friday, 03/10/2017:8:15 am - 9:30 am
• Room: Marriott, Grand Salon F
• Session Number: EW21

Description

New to the industry? Come here to learn the basics of what the organic label does (and doesn’t) mean, how it is enforced, and why it is the gold standard for food the world around.

Relevant New Hope Content
Global organic growth: The good news story

Go the Natural Products Expo West 2017 website for the Full and Complete Tradeshow Schedule, Speaker List and Exibitor List

http://www.expowest.com/ew17/Public/Enter.aspx