Here is a collection of some of the panels and talks providing insights into the emerging consumer trends, the latest ingredient research and some of the bigger picture elements at play.
On Oct. 28, education sessions kick off with a “GLP-1 and the health and nutrition industry: What now?” session that brings together experts from Tigermaxx, Nestle Health Science, Glanbia Nutritionals, Nutraland, Tate & Lyle and Puris to discuss what product developers, marketers and regulatory professionals need to know to take advantage of opportunities to manage side effects and nutritional needs in this space. Also on the agenda: what companies should and should not put on a label (Oct. 28, 9 to 11 a.m., Islander Ballroom C, Lower Level).
“Living longer and better: Research data for healthspan ingredients” will examine key research findings in the fast growing category of health aging, exploring ingredients that can help mitigate or lessen the biomarkers for aging, with panelists from Novonesis, Nutrition Business Journal, BeyondBrands and the Council for Responsible Nutrition (Oct. 28, 9 to 11 a.m., Islander Ballroom H, Lower Level).
In the afternoon, “Trump, tariffs and turmoil: Navigating the regulatory reset” will try to unpack the rapid regulatory shifts, tariff disruption, the reshaping of Food and Drug Administration priorities under the new MAHA mandate and the advent of increasingly aggressive state legislation to outline key risks and opportunities for a strategic industry response. Participants include Katie Bond of Keller & Heckman, Steven Shapiro of Rivkin Radler, Loren Israelsen of the United Natural Products Alliance, Graham Rigby or the American Herbal Products Association and Duffy MacKay of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (Oct. 28, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Islander Ballroom H, Lower Level).
The next morning, industry sponsored breakfast briefs include “Biohacking longevity: Epigenetic targets and formulation strategies with proven nutraceuticals” (Nutraland, Oct. 29, 9 to 10 a.m., South Pacific Ballroom B, Lower Level), “Menopause, microbes, and the mind: The neurobiology of hormonal change” (Verb Biotics, Oct. 29, 9 to 10 a.m., South Pacific Ballroom C, Lower Level), “Cracking the menopause and libido code: Personalized next-gen botanical innovation” (Waleria, Oct. 29, 9 to 10:00 a.m., South Pacific Ballroom D, Lower Level) and “Strengthening supply chains with U.S.-made botanical innovation (BioVivo, Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., South Pacific Ballroom A, Lower Level).
During that same time slot, “The gut to win: Microbiome Innovations” will cover personalized nutrition based on microbiome testing and current research into microbiome-targeted therapies in conversation with the International Probiotics Association, National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Division of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. (Oct. 29, 9 to 10 a.m., Islander Ballroom H, Lower Level).
“Trial by fire: Reinventing clinicals for next-gen product launches” will explore the innovations transforming trial design—from AI-powered recruitment tools to real-time data capture and decentralized designs—as well as the legal pitfalls and how smart clinical strategy fuels product development and marketing (Oct. 29, 9 to 10 a.m, South Pacific Ballroom F, Lower Level).
For lunch, industry-sponsored briefs invite attendees to learn more about “The role of the mitochondria for broad health benefits and new product opportunities (Kaneka, Oct. 29, 12 to 1 p.m., South Pacific Ballroom B, Lower Level), “The science of snack satisfaction: Building better protein and cereal bars” (Gelita, Oct. 29, 12 to 1 p.m., South Pacific Ballroom C, Lower Level), “Unlock the power of NAD+ with boosting precursors: Recent studies and developments on NAD+ featuring NMN and reduced NMN (NMNH)” (Effepharm, Oct. 29, 12 to 1 p.m., South Pacific Ballroom A, Lower Level).
On Oct. 30, that “Beyond the box: Driving sustainability through smarter packaging” session kicks off the morning with learning on the pros and cons of sustainable packaging—from compostable and biodegradable options to recyclable alternatives—and how to avoid greenwashing (Oct. 30, 9 to 10 a.m., South Pacific Ballroom F, Lower Level).
“Optimizing mental wellness: The brain-body-biome connection” will explore the connection between the brain, body and microbiome in supporting mental wellness—delving into the growing role of prebiotics, probiotics and psychobiotics, as well as how omega-3s, adaptogens and nootropics promote mood stability, stress management and cognitive performance (Oct. 30, 9 to 10 a.m., Islander Ballroom E, Lower Level).
Lunch briefs that day include "Navigating wellness across a lifetime: From omega-3 solutions to stage-specific body chemistry" (Bonerge, Oct. 30, 12 to 1 p.m., South Pacific Ballroom B, Lower Level) and “The creatine market shift: Fueling product innovation beyond performance” (Creavitalis, Oct. 30, 12 to 1 p.m., South Pacific Ballroom A, Lower Level).
Sessions are either open to general pass holders, available for an additional charge or by invitation only. Additional sessions will be also held at the various stages and theaters just off the show floor.
