WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) announced keynote speakers for its 2020 annual conference, reimagined as a unique virtual experience, “NOW, NEW, NEXT,” taking place October. 14–16.

They are:

• On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Steven Tave, director of FDA’s Office of Dietary Supplement Programs, will discuss the agency’s regulatory priorities.
• On Thursday, Oct. 15, Zachary Karabell, Global Authority on Economics and Politics, author of “Sustainable Excellence—The Future of Business in a Fast-Changing World,” will explain the powerful competitive advantages of companies that make sustainability a core component of their strategy.
• Also on Thursday, Vernice Armour, the first African American female combat pilot, will discuss “Driving Diversity Deep into the DNA of Your Organization,” with insights on how to know your people and harness the power, skills and talents of the team as well as unleash the full potential of diversity to positively impact your business, creating a culture that values and respects all team members.
• On Friday, Oct. 16, Jim Donald, chairman of Albertson’s will advise on “Leading from Home: What They Don’t Teach You in Business School.” As the former CEO of several large, multinational companies (including Albertson’s, Starbucks and Pathmark Supermarkets) over his career, Mr. Donald will draw on years of experience on how best to operate in uncertain business environments. He’ll share the structure he is using to consult with CEOs globally during the pandemic, along with best practices for leading your company at every level.

In addition to hearing from these in-demand speakers on timely dietary supplement industry topics, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in more depth through panel Q&A discussions and breakout rooms. As CRN president & CEO Steve Mister notes, “We’ve put together an agenda designed to foster the kinds of social connections that get created by prompt discussions that delve into ideas that have just been presented. This year’s event celebrates the unique opportunities to interact with people in new ways offered by virtual events. We hope many of our industry colleagues who have not previously participated in our conference due to travel constraints can now take advantage of this program and the industry networking it offers.”

Prior to “NOW, NEW, NEXT,” CRN is presenting “SCIENCE in Session”—two half-days of sessions on “Challenges and opportunities for public health recommendations around dietary supplements,” taking place Oct. 13–14. Top research scientists such as Jeffrey B. Blumberg, of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, and John W. Erdman, Jr.., of the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign, among others, will report on topics including:

• Supplements in the age of personalized nutrition
• Establishing Dietary Reference Intakes for bioactives under the DRI framework
• The Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Is there a role for dietary supplements?
• The evolving science of nutrition and public policy: Are nutrient gaps here to stay?
• And much more—with concurrent sessions digging deeper into specific nutrients.

Package pricing for SCIENCE in Session with NOW, NEW, NEXT offers the best value as well as the opportunity for a group discount. Register four attendees for the package and receive one registration free. Details are available on CRN’s events website: www.crnusa.org/2020events.