Virgo Publishing Announces Increase in Sessions, Sponsors for Focus on the Future

PHOENIX Virgo Publishing announced details of the sixth annual Focus on the Future Executive Conference and Retreat, set for Jan. 22-25, 2008, in Scottsdale, Ariz., at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch. The event draws executives from the dietary supplement and healthy food industry for concurrent high-level seminars and exclusive networking events and receptions.

This year we are offering more market, sales and consumer trends presentations than ever before, said Peggy Jackson, director of publishing at Virgo Publishing. "This education focus gives executives the intelligence they need to plan for the future. Focus on the Future is the only conference where participants can find this amount of research and data in one location."

A golf outing at the private Gainey Ranch Golf Club, sponsored by Deerland Enzymes, kicks off the conference on Tuesday, Jan. 22. After the Welcome Reception, sponsored by National Enzyme Company, participants will attend dinner and the first-ever Focus on the Future Vanguard and Humanitarian Awards Presentation, which is co-sponsored by i.BioCeuticals and Shanghai Freemen Americas.

The education program, co-sponsored by Lesaffre Group and Unigen Pharmaceuticals, runs Jan. 23 and 24 from 8:30am to 4pm. Compared to the 2007 event, eight more sessions have been added to the agenda. Sessions will address the future of the dietary supplement and healthy food industries in several key areas. Education highlights include:

- Howard Moskowitz will impart development and marketing strategies for position and profit growth

- Tufts Universitys Eileen Kennedy, Ph.D., to evaluate adding dietary supplements to the food pyramid

- Kate Peringer from The Hartman Group will present consumer research on sustainability issues

- ConsumerLab.coms Tod Cooperman, M.D., will discuss consumers perceptions on supplement quality

- NextCare Urgent Cares CEO, John Shufeldt, M.D., JD, MBA, FACEP, to present An Outside Perspective on Food & Supplements as They Relate to Health

- Herbalifes John Venardos to examine the regulatory climate for dietary supplements

- Functional beverage sales, product and consumer trends will be covered by Packaged Facts David Sprinkle

- Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicines president, Paul Mittman, N.D., will discuss collaboration between the health provider community and industry

- Datamonitors Tom Vierhile to examine moderation and avoidance trends in food and drinks

- Challenges in developing organic dietary supplements to be reviewed by Choice Research Enterprises Henry Choi, Ph.D.

- The Natural Marketing Institutes Steve French discussing NMIs market and consumer data

- Lynn Dornblaser from Mintel will unveil new product trends in the better-for-you food and beverage arena

- National Cancer Institutes Cindy Davis, Ph.D., to present Bioactive Dietary Ingredients for Cancer Prevention

- Jim Tonkin of Tonkin Consulting will moderate the session Functional Food Success Stories

In addition to the education program, many networking opportunities give participants a chance to continue conversations and discussions. The registration package includes: continental breakfasts on Jan. 23, sponsored by Paragon Laboratories, and Jan. 24; a luncheon on Jan. 23 and another on Jan. 24, co-sponsored by Lonza and Sabinsa; and happy hours with Roundtable Discussions on Jan. 23, sponsored by The E.T. Horn Company, and Jan. 24, sponsored by HerbaKraft. All-day water and coffee is sponsored by Kyowa Hakko.

New in 2008, a casino night on Jan. 23, sponsored by ZMC-USA, offers participants an evening of blackjack, craps, roulette and networking. Completing the events are the Dessert and Karaoke Reception on the evening of Jan. 24 and the champagne brunch on Jan. 25.

Professionals from Wyeth Consumer Healthcare, Natural Alternatives International, Nestle, Kraft, Coca Cola, Herbalife, Natrol, NOW Foods, GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, XanGo, Sprouts Farmer's Market, Jones Soda attended in 2007.

Average temperatures in Scottsdale in January are in the 70s and winter is the peak tourist season, drawing people for golfing, hiking, shopping, spas and special events. Participants are encouraged to bring their spouses.

More information about Focus on the Future 2008 is available at www.focusonthefuture.net, or by calling Virgo Publishing at (480) 990-1101 ext. 1108. Nominations for the Humanitarian and Vanguard Awards will be accepted through Dec. 15 at www.focusonthefuture.net.

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

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