Focus on the Future Attracts Record Numbers

Executives from the supply, manufacturing and retail channels of the dietary supplement and healthy food industries met in Scottsdale, AZ, at Virgo Publishing's 5th-annual Focus on the Future Executive Conference & Retreat for four days of networking, educational sessions and industry discussion. More than 200 participants attended, a 30% increase over 2006, including representatives from Wyeth Consumer Healthcare, Coca Cola, Jones Soda, Now Foods, XanGo, The Vitamin Shoppe, Kraft, Natrol, Nestlé, Herbalife International and many other organizations. The event was held for a second year at the Caleo Resort & Spa, Scottsdale.

"Focus on the Future has grown to be a very important industry event, due to the influence of the participants, the caliber of the education program and the value of the networking," says Jon Benninger, director of business development, Virgo Publishing, Phoenix. “The industry’s leading minds come together at this unique event to discuss the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities.”

The education program, co-sponsored by InterHealth Nutraceuticals and Lesaffre Group, featured two days and two tracks of interactive and high-level sessions. Food-focused sessions discussed consumer attitudes toward food and health; energy drinks and functional beverages; the diabetes epidemic; formulation strategies for health-conscious consumers; financial performance of the functional food category; and consumer trends. The educational track addressing dietary supplement issues examined current regulatory and legislative challenges; a plan for self-regulation; sales and consumer trends; supplements and their role in the health-care crisis; handling negative media coverage; and an open and frank discussion between participants and speakers. The Orthodox Union gave a special presentation on how kosher certification can open new markets and increase sales. Vitamin Angel’s president, Howard Shiffer, provided an update on an industry-supported program to eliminate vitamin A-deficiency blindness around the world.

Here’s what attendees had to say:

“The event provided an open setting where participants felt very much a part of the process of dialogue. Too often, conferences provide a plethora of material, but little time to allow for vital interaction between participants and speakers. This conference provides a good balance of substance and dialogue, and improves communication across a variety of disciplines.” -- Mark A. LeDoux, founder, CEO and chairman, Natural Alternatives International, Inc.

“The two nutritional and food education tracks provided additional networking opportunities for those of us engaged in crossover business. The welcome speaker helped establish the mind set that we were all there to accomplish something.” -- Howard Simon, president, American Ingredients

“The presentations were well-prepared and I found a lot of value in them. My most valuable business discussions with industry movers and shakers occurred during the networking events and in between sessions. I had a great experience overall and am planning on attending next year.” -- Peter Zambetti, manager, global business division, Capsugel

The education program featured the following speakers:
--Todd Abraham, vice president, global research and technology strategy, Kraft
--Steve Allen, vice president, new ventures, Nestlé
--Elliott Balbert, founder & executive chairman, Natrol, Inc.
--Judy Blatman, vice president, communications, Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)
--Jeffrey Blumberg, Ph.D., FACN, CNS, director, antioxidants research laboratory, Jean --Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, and professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University
--Laurie Demeritt, president and chief operating officer, The Hartman Group
--Rabbi Moshe Elefant, Chief Operating Officer, Orthodox Union
--Steve French, Managing Partner, The Natural Marketing Institute (NMI)
--Brad Holmes, CEO, Aloe Splash
--Loren D. Israelsen, Executive Director, United Natural Products Alliance
--David A. Jenkins, president and CEO, Next Proteins, and 3-time Olympian and Olympic silver medalist
--Barbara Katz, president, HealthFocus® International
--Mark A. LeDoux, founder, CEO and chairman, Natural Alternatives International, Inc.
--Virginia Lee, senior research analyst, Euromonitor International
--Michael Lelah, Ph.D., technical director, NOW Foods
--Morgan Ley, principal, Canaccord Adams Investment Banking Group
--Edward Long, Ph.D., senior vice president for Congressional relations, Capitol Associates, Inc.
--Michael E. Mangelson, Esq., partner, Stoel Rives, LLP
--Jack W. Martin, partner, Walker, Martin & Hatch, LLC
--Kirk Neal, vice president of operations, Arizona Nutritional Supplements (ANS)
--Glen Putnam, executive director of quality systems, USANA Health Sciences, Inc.
--Howard B. Schiffer, founder, Vitamin Angel Alliance
--Cynthia Thomson, Ph.D., R.D., director, nutrition research, University of Arizona
--James S. Tonkin, principal, TonkinConsulting
--Peter van Stolk, president and CEO, Jones Soda
--John Venardos, vice president, worldwide regulatory and government affairs, Herbalife International of America, Inc.
--Anthony L. Young, Esq., partner, Kleinfeld, Kaplan and Becker, LLP

Participants enjoyed myriad networking events during the four days of the conference. Golfers took to the greens for the Annual Golf Outing, sponsored by Deerland Enzymes, on Tuesday, Jan. 30; more than 30 golfers played at the award-winning Phoenician Resort. That evening, all participants attended a Welcome Reception, sponsored by National Enzyme Company. Following the reception, participants headed to an entertaining and interactive Welcome Presentation, sponsored by Embria Health Sciences, featuring author and successful business owner James Malinchak. After Malinchak’s humorous presentation, attendees enjoyed a Southwestern-themed dinner, sponsored by KGK Synergize. Continental breakfasts were sponsored by Unigen Pharmaceuticals and WILD Flavors, while Watson Foods and Beijing Gingko Group sponsored session breaks. Evening happy hours were sponsored by Blue California and Lonza; each event included hosted beverages and snacks. Wednesday's lunch was sponsored by SourceOne Global Partners, while Thursday's lunch was sponsored by Kyowa Hakko. That evening brought participants back together for a lively dessert reception and karaoke, sponsored by AIDP, Inc.

On Friday, participants ventured to Scottsdale’s FBR Open, the Professional Golf Association’s largest tournament. A catered lunch, snacks and an open bar were provided in a private tent on the 18th hole. The FBR event was co-sponsored by E.T. Horn Co., HerbaKraft, Life Sciences Research Office and Santa Cruz Nutritionals.

For information on upcoming Virgo Publishing events, including SupplySide East, SupplySide West and Focus on the Future, call 800/454-5760, or visit www.supplysideshow.com.

Virgo Publishing produces the SupplySide Trade Shows and Conferences, the Focus on the Future Executive Conference and Retreat, and the online training website nutrilearn.com; and publishes Natural Products INSIDER, Food Product Design and Natural Products Marketplace magazines.