Premium Education Program

This year's SupplySide MarketPlace offers 22 top-notch education sessions covering the hottest topics organized into four areas of focus. For 2012, we are pleased to offer a variety of packages to fit your budget needs:

MarketPlace +1 Package
Includes access to the MarketPlace Mixer reception, MarketPlace Exhibit Hall, Drinks on Us reception, and all VendorBrief Presentations plus access to 1 Premium Education Program session on May 9 or 10.

MarketPlace +2 Package
Includes access to the MarketPlace Mixer reception, MarketPlace Exhibit Hall, Drinks on Us reception, and all VendorBrief Presentations plus access to 2 Premium Education Program sessions on May 9 or 10.

MarketPlace +3 Package
Includes access to the MarketPlace Mixer reception, MarketPlace Exhibit Hall, Drinks on Us reception, and all VendorBrief Presentations plus access to 3 Premium Education Program sessions on May 9 or 10.

MarketPlace Premium Package
The best registration value for SupplySide MarketPlace! Includes unlimited access to all Premium Education Program sessions on May 9 and 10, plus the MarketPlace Mixer reception, MarketPlace Exhibit Hall, Cocktails on Us reception, and all VendorBrief Presentations.

Click on the area of focus below to learn more about the sessions offered:

R&D, Product Development & Science: Best Practices

R&D, Product Development & Science: Health Conditions

Government & Regulatory Affairs

Market Intelligence & Business Strategy

R&D, Product Development & Science: Best Practices

Wednesday, May 9

9 a.m. - Noon

Best Practices in Pre-Clinical and Clinical Research: CROs, Regulatory Compliance, Study Design and ROI

Solid research forms the foundation for product development, safety, claims substantiation, regulatory compliance, and ultimately the go-to-market plan all the way through to the end user. Research can also be expensive and potentially fail to accomplish its intended purpose. Today’s companies must have a clear understanding and strategic approach to their research programs. What type of study should be done? How should it be designed? Who should conduct it? And how does it fit into the larger company strategy and business plan? This session addresses these key areas to help you make the right decisions and get the return on the investment you make in research.

SPEAKERS

Malkanthi Evans, Ph.D., scientific director, KGK Synergize Inc.
Jay Udani, M.D., C.P.I., assistant clinical professor, UCLA School of Medicine; CEO and medical director, Medicus Research LLC; medical director, Northridge Hospital Integrative Medicine Program

1 - 4 p.m.

Product Concept and Development

In this session we will explore an innovative approach to developing concepts for products through use of in-depth data and tools that capture and define consumer emotions, ideas and desires. These techniques have been used by the world’s leading brands and companies to identify market opportunities and develop products to capture them well in advance of competitors. For those looking to lead with innovation and develop market successes, this is a perspective and process not to be missed.

SPEAKERS

Howard R. Moskowitz, Ph.D., CEO, i-Novation Inc.; president, Moskowitz Jacobs Inc.
Kantha Shelke, Ph.D., principal, Corvus Blue LLC

Thursday, May 10

9 a.m. - Noon

Best Practices in Quality Assurance and Control: Monitoring Supply and Detecting Adulteration / Contamination

From accidental contamination to intentional economic adulteration, maintaining control over your supply chain and detecting any problems is more important than ever. What would happen if you suddenly learned your product contained an adulterated ingredient? Companies continue to face recalls, risk of lawsuits, damage to their brands, and all of the related costs when such problems occur. In this session, learn how to make sure your company is not the next one to deal with this.

SPEAKER

Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director, American Botanical Council
George M. Pontiakos, president and CEO, BI Nutraceuticals / Zuellig Group N.A.

1 - 4 p.m.

Best Practices in Safety: Researching Product Safety for GRAS Affirmation and NDI Notification

From basic identification to toxicology research to the development of support for GRAS affirmation or NDI notification, safety is the very foundation of doing business in the supplement, food and cosmetic industries. In this session, we will explore the best practices in this area to help you ensure your ingredients and products are both safe and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

SPEAKER

TBD

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R&D, Product Development & Science: Health Conditions

Wednesday, May 9

9 - 11a.m.

Cardiovascular Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about every minute someone will die from having a coronary event. According to the American Heart Association, one in three adults have one or more types of cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke and coronary heart disease. The chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking the appropriate steps to prevent and control factors that put people at great risk. Attend this session to learn how dietary supplements and healthy eating habits can work together to reduce the risk of a coronary event.

SPEAKERS

Craig Dingwall, Attorney, Technology Law Group
Neil S. Ende, Managing Partner, Technology Law Group
Eric P. Evans, Senior Managing Director, Evans Hagen and Company
Brad Miehl, President and CEO, MicroCorp Inc.

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Joint Health

Joint health ranks high among the top concerns of aging baby boomers. Joint discomfort is arguably the most common of all physical complaints, and affects millions of Americans by making the simplest daily activities difficult to manage. Attend this session to learn how a combination of diet, exercise and consuming the right dietary supplements is crucial to joint health.

SPEAKERS

Barry W. Ritz, Ph.D., vice president, scientific affairs, Atrium Innovations
A. Elizabeth Sloan, Ph.D., president, Sloan Trends & Solutions Inc.

2 – 4 p.m.

Weight and Body Mass Composition

It is estimated more than 1 billion people in the world are overweight and over 300 million of them are obese. The cornerstone of therapy for eliminating obesity is diet and exercise. A wealth of research is being conducted worldwide to help identify the causes of obesity, as well as programs to assist in better managing the progression of obesity. It is well known that body mass composition is a marker of the disease risk. Attend this session to hear Dr. Udani discuss the correlation between weight and body mass composition. Walton will discuss shopper motivations, beliefs, proclivity to act and ability to change and control behaviors. His analysis will provide insights that will lead to a better understanding of the WHO with regards to weight management, the WHY and the tools that can more effectively be used to impact the HOW.

SPEAKERS

Jay Udani, M.D., C.P.I., assistant clinical professor, UCLA School of Medicine; CEO and medical director, Medicus Research LLC; medical director, Northridge Hospital Integrative Medicine Program
Steven Walton, general manager, HealthFocus Intl.

Thursday, May 10

9 - 11a.m.

Immune System

The immune system is a highly complex combination of organs and specialized cells that act in concert to protect the body against invading organisms. What problems occur when the immune system doesn’t work properly? More importantly, what role do dietary supplements play in modulating the immune system? Attend this session for an examination of clinical evidence for dietary supplements that modulate the immune system and for specific recommendations for testing methodologies that can be used to support immune health claims.

SPEAKER

Steven French, managing partner, Natural Marketing Institute

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Digestive Health

Once upon a time it was considered taboo amongst consumers to openly discuss digestive health. That is no longer the case, as consumer acceptance of digestive health products have skyrocketed globally. Digestive health is critical to total-body wellness, and conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis can seriously compromise gut health. Join Dr. Udani as he discusses the variety of dietary supplements and nutraceutical ingredients available to prevent gastric malfunctions. Dornblaser will discuss findings from Mintel’s consumer/market report on fiber and digestive health that’s scheduled for a March release.

SPEAKERS

Lynn Dornblaser, director, CPG trend insight, Mintel Intl. Group
Jay Udani, M.D., C.P.I., assistant clinical professor, UCLA School of Medicine; CEO and medical director, Medicus Research LLC; medical director, Northridge Hospital Integrative Medicine Program

2 – 4 p.m.

Expert Predictions for the Blood Sugar Health Market

Attend this session for a vivid discussion on diabetic supplements and what needs to be done to take advantage of this large disease state. Although daily exercise, healthy eating and stress management are important in treating and preventing diabetes, alternative medical therapies such as dietary supplements have proven helpful as well. Join Stephens as he provides perspective and market data on the size of the disease and current dietary supplement products that have proven successful. Dr. Bucci will discuss the challenges of developing and launching products into the space from a manufacturer’s perspective, and Dr. MacKay will provide the regulatory landscape as well as the challenges of marketing a dietary supplement for a disease state.

SPEAKERS

Luke R. Bucci, Ph.D., vice president of research, Schiff Nutrition Intl.
Douglas MacKay, N.D., vice president – scientific and regulatory affairs, Council for Responsible Nutrition
Gregory J. Stephens, R.D., president, Windrose Partners

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Government & Regulatory Affairs

Wednesday, May 9

9 - 11a.m.

Claims Substantiation and Compliance

In today’s marketplace, there are a vast number of companies competing for the same consumer dollar. With so much competition, it’s imperative that dietary supplement products and claims are unique, innovative and stand out amongst the competition. Due to heightened regulatory enforcement and a highly competitive marketplace, having appropriate claims substantiation and remaining compliant has become a maze to navigate. Attend this session to receive expert analysis on dietary supplement claims challenges and what made them successful. Learn how to safeguard your claims from intense scrutiny by effectively managing the science behind your claims.

SPEAKERS

Justin J. Prochnow, Esq., shareholder, Greenberg Traurig LLP

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

FSMA Compliance

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is an overarching change affecting all players in the food industry. It has been recognized as the most sweeping reform of our nation’s food safety laws in more than 70 years. The FSMA was enacted as a means of ensuring the U.S. food supply is safe by focusing on preventing contamination rather than primarily responding to contamination. One year after the FSMA was signed into law, FDA has made progress in building a food safety system that focuses on prevention from farm-to-table. This session will provide a thorough understanding of what the law says, what it means for the food industry, and what steps should be taken to fully understand and comply with the regulations.

SPEAKERS

Marc S. Ullman, Esq., partner, Ullman, Shapiro & Ullman LLP

2 – 4 p.m.

Washington Update

With the presidential election less than a year away, an in-depth analysis of the political landscape could not be timelier. What will it mean for the food and dietary supplement industries if a new president is elected? What will a new makeup of Congress mean for food and dietary supplement regulation? What can be expected from FDA, FTC and other governmental agencies leading up to and after the November elections? From aggressive regulatory enforcement to cries for new laws and requirements for foods and supplements, this is an important time for the industry and is a must attend session.

SPEAKERS

TBD

Thursday, May 10

9 - 11a.m.

Global / International Regulatory Update

The world of regulation is vast and always changing. In this session, Capsugel’s Peter Zambetti guides you on a tour of the global regulatory picture, including areas of change and areas of coming opportunity. What regions and markets are getting tougher to do business in? And which ones are looking like the next big market? Find the answers in this session.

SPEAKER

Peter F. Zambetti, director – global business management, Capsugel

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The Cost of Failing to Fully Disclose in Quality Documents or Audit Visits

Increases in regulatory scrutiny and enforcement are only one reason to tighten supply channels. Other costs that can stem from shortcomings in this area include damage to your brand or company, recalls, disruptions in supply channels, and unacceptable risks in liability. In this session, industry thought leader LeDoux will dive into this important discussion, covering both the costs/risks of poor practices, as well as the benefits of ensuring best practices.

SPEAKER

Mark A. LeDoux, J.D., founder, CEO and chairman, Natural Alternatives Intl. Inc.

2 – 4 p.m.

Probiotics, NDIs and Species Identification

The probiotics sector continues to innovate and expand. However, language in the recent FDA Draft Guidance on New Dietary Ingredients has raised concerns about the regulatory status of some ingredients. If a probiotic was not present or used in the food supply in its exact form, is it a dietary ingredient? This session will examine this situation and address identification issues that are unique to these ingredients.

SPEAKER

Christine Farrance, Ph.D., senior application scientist, Accugenix

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Market Intelligence & Business Strategy

Wednesday, May 9

9 - 11a.m.

Strategic Globalization

Opportunities abound for expansion to international markets, but what are the best ways to pursue these opportunities? In this session we will consider a strategy for global expansion that considers the whole picture, including market opportunity, scientific and research needs, regulatory compliance and more.

SPEAKER

TBD

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Healthy Aging – The Newest Cultural Shift in Health and Wellness; Emerging Market Segments in the Supplement and Functional Food Categories

The concept of "healthy aging," once exclusive to baby boomers and matures, has now been embraced across the entire demographic spectrum. From Botox treatments for women in their 20’s to the growth in anti-aging products and services, agelessness has become a cultural preoccupation. And many health issues that were once the domain of older people, such as obesity and diabetes, have reached epidemic proportions among young people and children, which suggests while agelessness may be the cultural ideal, the reality is that healthy aging is getting younger. New research from NMI’s 2012 Healthy Aging Database® – with eight years of trends – will explore how to integrate healthy aging into your business strategy. Hilton will explore the new audiences – beyond the traditional boomer target audience – that’s waiting in the wings to explore natural products. This new audience includes millennials (age 20-32), moms and their pre-teenage children. These emerging audiences think and buy differently than boomers, and they must be approached in a unique and customized way. Learn how to brand your product in a way that is understood by and speaks to your new consumers.

SPEAKERS

Steven French, managing partner, Natural Marketing Institute
Jeff Hilton, co-founder and partner, Integrated Marketing Group

2 – 4 p.m.

Exploring the Global Market of Health-Positioned Food and Beverages; Exploring Future Growth Opportunities

During this session Euromonitor will draw on its latest health and wellness research to explore the global market of health-positioned food and beverages, and generate insights into future growth opportunities in the industry. The presentation will also dive into the health and wellness portfolio of some leading players, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kraft and General Mills, to compare brand strategies among the market leaders and to outline the significance of health and wellness products to the companies’ overall product mix. The second half of the session will look more specifically at natural antioxidants – green tea, ready-to-drink green tea, dark chocolate, superfruit juice, functional waters, fortified/functional juices and supplements (vitamins A, C, E, CoQ10) – identifying the consumer trends shaping demand, prospects for growth in these categories, and pockets of opportunity that exist in this relatively niche space. The session is designed to understand what’s happening in the health and wellness segment and why; but more importantly pinpointing what manufacturers and brand managers need to be aware of in order to expand distribution, build consumer education and foster continued growth.

SPEAKER

Ewa Hudson, head of health and wellness research, Euromonitor Intl.

Thursday, May 10

9 - 11a.m.

Marketing to Today’s Wellness Consumer

Drawing on highlights taken from The Hartman Group’s 2011 national study, “Health and Wellness Deep Dive,” this presentation will profile the attitudes and behavior of consumers in the world of health and wellness, and health and wellness best practices. Health and wellness best practices include key qualitative and quantitative consumer insights regarding product attributes and messaging (e.g., certifications and labeling) and Dr. Prang will provide best practices for executing on key product and brand elements with best in-class examples. Three product categories are explored: foods and beverages, personal care and OTC/supplements. This presentation will also highlight health and wellness best practices at retail, and health and wellness information sources and social media.

SPEAKER

Greg Prang, Ph.D., senior ethnographic analyst, The Hartman Group Inc.

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

How to Use Social Media in Product Development and Go-To-Market Strategy

Attend this session to learn about the growing influence of mobile marketing, custom apps, integrating search and social media, and other important means of real-time connectivity. No longer can companies remain competitive without structuring business models in the context of an online world that demands to stay connected. Whether you embrace it or not, your products are being discussed, dissected, and compared to your competitor’s products via some form of social media. This session will provide insight on how to stay connected to your current customers, and how to reach future prospects via social media tools.

SPEAKERS

Lori Colman, founding partner and CEO, Colman Brohan Davis Inc.
Kantha Shelke, Ph.D., principal, Corvus Blue LLC
John Siefert, CEO, VIRGO

2 – 4 p.m.

Omega-3s

The omega-3 sector is one of the most dynamic in the market, with robust science, innovative product development, and still a great upside. In this session we will give you the knowledge and ideas you need to stay in front of the omega-3 curve.

SPEAKER

TBD

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*Agenda/speakers are subject to change.
The views expressed by speakers are not necessarily those of VIRGO.

Education