Naturally Network at SupplySide East

SupplySide East did not miss last week, and Naturally Network was there to take it all in. Olivia Sullivan , Naturally Network’s Program and Events Coordinator, had a packed schedule, met and mingled with many, and learned so much. Read on to see her expertly planned few days, and learn more about her experience.

We hit the ground running at SupplySide East this year, with little time and so much to see, I meticulously planned my two days to maximize my learning and networking, while hitting the key events that would be the most personally impactful. I’ll be honest, planning did take time, but I was able to experience so much in two days; if you are heading to an industry event, I highly recommend taking a minute to build out a tight, but flexible, schedule, it’s the best way to get the most out of your time!

Panel: Substantiating products for women: Building trust through science

This educational panel was the perfect way to start to my time at SupplySide East! The speakers covered a wide range of topics and included practical examples and case studies demonstrating how scientific research can be translated into tangible benefits for women consumers. The presenters were engaging and knowledgeable, and their passion was evident throughout the session. Linda Alvarez MD, MBA , a Minority-Owned Fellow, was a panelist and truly inspiring. This not-to-be-missed panel was recorded and can be watched as an on-demand webinar below:

Party: What's up with What's Up With Supps, secret garden party!

#PartyingWithAPurpose was unforgettable! The event overlooked the NY skyline and all proceeds benefited Vitamin Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to providing lifesaving vitamins to mothers and children at risk of malnutrition around the world.

The best part of industry events is getting to see and celebrate with people in-person, it was lovely to connect with Gina Benninger Diana Morgan, MS, CISSN , and Loren Brown . They did an excellent job creating space for the natural products industry and delighting everyone throughout the evening with fun, networking, and over-the-top themed surprises. They really know how to throw a party! My highlight of the night was helping at registration with my mushroom buddy Ivan Wasserman .

Panel: FDA, supplement regulation, and the 2024 outlook

Moderated by the one-and-only Jon Benninger , this session provided timely updates on the FDA regulations concerning supplements. Speakers offered valuable insights into what the regulatory landscape may look like in 2024, providing attendees with actionable insights to help navigate regulatory challenges and plan for the future. Important and full of helpful information, watch the panel below:

FDA on kratom, CBD and mushroom supplements: Where formulation and regulations collide'

My time at SupplySide East ended on a high note with this panel! Given the rapidly evolving rules surrounding these products, this session provided much-needed clarity and insights. Rend Al-Mondhiry and additional speakers provided a deep dive into the current regulatory framework, including recent FDA actions and potential future developments; it was invaluable for understanding the complexities of these markets. This panel covered the real-time risks for anyone looking to get into these controversial ingredient classes, if you work within this field, it's an absolute must-watch:?

SupplySide East is always an engaging deep-dive into our industry, a key event for industry experts, brands, suppliers, and partners to converge and learn. I’m grateful to SupplySide for the opportunity to soak in so much incredible information, meet so many, and continue to create opportunities for Naturally Network members and supporters.?

Industry events are an integral moment for so many brands. Learn more about how to get involved with the newest one for emerging brands, Newtopia Now here.