Natural Products Association announces D.C. fly-in day May 22

During "Fly-In Day" on May 22, NPA and its members plan to discuss several key issues with U.S. lawmakers and their staff, including expanding access to dietary supplement products.

Jon Benninger

March 6, 2024

2 Min Read
In 2023, NPA Fly-In Day attendees Carlos Lopez, Michelle Jerred, Courtney Anaya and Doug Reader stop for a quick selfie in front of the U.S. Capitol.Photo by Drake Sorey

At a Glance

  • "Engagement matters" and Fly-In Day is "a must-attend event," NPA CEO said.
  • NPA and its members will lobby Congress in May, coinciding with the same year DSHEA turns 30 years old.
  • NPA members can participate in Fly-In Day at no cost, other than travel and accommodation.

The Natural Products Association (NPA) announced its annual Fly-In Day in Washington, D.C., will be held May 22. The event gathers natural products industry representatives to meet with members of Congress and advocate for issues important to the natural products industry and the millions of U.S. consumers who rely on dietary supplements. 

The day begins with training and education from NPA experts about what it means to advocate and lobby at the Capitol, including information about NPA’s 2024 legislative priorities, followed by pre-set meetings with participants and their members of Congress or staff. 

“Engagement matters; I cannot stress enough how important 2024 is for this industry,” Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., president and CEO of NPA, said in a press release announcing Fly-In Day. “If you want a bright future for the natural products industry, this is a must-attend event. With razor-thin margins in the House and Senate, an important election this November, and monumental issues for the industry such as FDA’s reorganization, it is of the utmost importance that industry stakeholders attend this Fly-In.” 

NPA and its members intend to discuss “FDA overreach on ingredients” like CBD and NMN, the need for clarity regarding so-called drug preclusion, and FDA’s reorganization (proposal for a Unified Human Foods program and new model for the Office of Regulatory Affairs), Fabricant told Natural Products Insider. Other issues to be highlighted during Fly-In Day include “FTC overreach” and expanding consumer access to dietary supplements through FSA (flexible spending account)/HSA (health savings account) legislation, he added. 

2024 marks the 30th-year anniversary of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which President Bill Clinton signed on Oct. 25, 1994. Fabricant said industry could do a better job lobbying on Capitol Hill. 

“Thousands of people go to a trade show. There should be thousands in DC telling Congress how important the industry is,” he remarked. 

There is no cost to participate in NPA’s Fly-In Day, other than travel and accommodation. Participants must be members of NPA. Additional details and the registration form are available here. Registration closes May 1. The official hotel for the event is the Hilton Washington DC, and participants can reserve their room here

Questions can be addressed to Kyle Turk, NPA Director of Government Affairs, at [email protected]

 

About the Author

Jon Benninger

Informa

Jon Benninger is vice president and market leader at Informa Markets. He focuses on the strategic direction and growth of the SupplySide portfolio, which includes SupplySide West, SupplySide East, Natural Products Insider and Food & Beverage Insider. He coordinates with leaders of the other Informa health and nutrition events and brands, including Natural Products Expo West, Vitafoods, Food ingredients, Nutrition Capital Network, Nutrition Business Journal and MarketReady Insights.

Benninger joined the company in 1995 as the founding editor of the company’s first trade magazine for the nutrition industry. In his free time, Jon loves to cook for family and friends; if you are ever in Phoenix and want to enjoy a meal, all you must do is choose a country, region, or city, and Jon will cook it for you.

Jon Benninger

VP & Market Leader – SupplySide

Summary

  • Helped launch the SupplySide business in 1995.

  • Active in industry associations and initiatives and leads strategic partnerships for SupplySide.

  • Cares deeply about supply chain, quality, and innovation issues that drive industry growth and success.

Awards

  • ABC Mark Blumenthal Community Builder Award, 2018

  • Vitamin Angels Grateful Acknowledgement for Supporting Global Children’s Health, 2018

  • AHPA Visionary Award, 2014

  • NPA Industry Champion Award, 2014

  • CRN Crystal Apple Award for Industry Leadership, 2010

Current Volunteer Positions

  • Board Chair and Board Trustee, Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine)

  • Founder and Board Representative, Nutrition Advisory Council, Sonoran University of Health Sciences

  • Director’s Circle, American Botanical Council (ABC)

  • Communications Committee, American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)

  • Communications & Media Outreach Committee, Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)

  • Company Council, International Association of Dietary Supplement Associations (IADSA)

  • Mentor, Women In Nutraceuticals

Past Volunteer Positions

  • President, Dietary Supplement Education Alliance, 2006 – 2008

  • Board of Directors, Dietary Supplement Education Alliance, 2001 – 2006

  • Board of Directors, Citizens for Health, 1999 – 2001

Speaker Credentials

  • "Trends in the US Market for Healthy and Functional Foods and Ingredients, Hi-Japan, Tokyo, 2019

  • “Trends Overview for Japanese Delegation to Natural Products Expo West” Anaheim, CA, 2019

  • “China: Impossible to Ignore” UNPA Member Retreat, Charleston SC, 2019

  • “Trends Overview for Japanese Delegation to Natural Products Expo West” Anaheim, CA, 2018

  • “Nutrition Industry Overview” US-China Business Exchange Dinner, Anaheim CA, 2018

  • “Industry Outlook: Market & Key Factors” National Enzyme Annual Meeting, Branson, MO, 2017

  • “State of the Human Dietary Supplement Industry” NASC Annual Conference, Austin, TX, 2016

  • “Consumer Concerns of Safety & Efficacy in Supplements” UNPA Member Retreat, Hawaii, 2016

  • “Nutrition, Health and Wellness Trends” Cactus IFT Meeting, Phoenix AZ, 2013

  • “Key Industry Events & Media in the US Market” World Ayurveda Congress, Bangalore, India, 2010

  • “Trends in the Dietary Supplement Industry” Pacific Technology Exchange, Los Angeles, 2010

  • “Succeeding in the US Market for Healthy Products” 4th Nutraceutical Summit, Mumbai, India, 2008

  • “Selling to the US Health Food Industry” Keynote Address, ANIPRON, Mexico City, 2007

  • 1997 – present: moderator/host at SupplySide events

  • 1997 – present: Frequent host/moderator of industry conference sessions, panel discussions & town halls

Resides in

  • Phoenix, AZ

Education

  • Arizona State University, B.A Journalism, 1991

Contact

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