News: Dean Ornish, M.D., to Speak at ‘The Conference’


UPDATE: Dr. Ornish will speak Thursday morning, October 18. 

The 'Breakfast With...' speaker will be presidential historian Jon Meecham. Learn more...


Washington, D.C., May 16, 2018—The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, today announced that Dean Ornish, M.D., founder and president of Preventive Medicine Research Institute, will speak at The Conference: CRN’s Annual Symposium for the Dietary Supplement Industry, taking place Oct. 16–19 at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. (See www.crnusa.org/2018events for details.)

Ornish.jpgDr. Ornish is known for his work demonstrating the effects of comprehensive lifestyle changes on health outcomes and was the first to prove that lifestyle changes can reverse coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and early-stage prostate cancer. In addition, in collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn (who was awarded the nobel prize in medicine), he published the first study showing that lifestyle changes may begin to reverse aging by lengthening telomeres. He is the author of six national best-selling books and is widely published in scientific journals. Millions view his TED talks and he has appeared in PBS’s NOVA and its series, Healing & The Mind. The “Ornish Diet” has been rated #1 for heart health by U.S. News & World Report every year from 2011–2017. Dr. Ornish was chosen by LIFE magazine as “one of the 50 most influential members of his generation” and recognized by Forbes magazine as “one of the world’s seven most powerful teachers.” (For more information: www.Ornish.com).

“Dr. Ornish, an eminent scientist with decades of clinical research demonstrating that key lifestyle factors that can prevent—and reverse—disease and enhance longevity, is a perfect fit for The Conference,” CRN President & CEO Steve Mister said. “Our dietary supplement and functional food company executives in attendance will hear valuable insights on empowering consumers by helping them make meaningful, holistic choices.”

In addition to Dr. Ornish, The Conference will feature speakers on regulation, business and marketing, government affairs and more, to be announced throughout the summer. The Conference also offers ample opportunities to connect with industry colleagues and, this year, organized group activities will be offered alongside the annual golf tournament on the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 18. Come early for The Workshop, Tuesday, Oct. 16—CRN’s daylong symposium focused on relevant scientific discussions of dietary supplements and nutrition topics. The day closes with a networking reception that kicks off the beginning of The Conference. 

Mike DeBiasi, General Manager, U.S. Nutritionals and Digestive Health, Bayer Consumer Healthcare, will serve as CRN’s 2018 Annual Conference Chair. CRN will offer four flexible registration options to allow attendees to best shape their experience. Registration for The Workshop and The Conference will open in June at www.crnusa.org/2018events. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Carl Hyland at 202-204-7674 or chyland@crnusa.org and see our Sponsorship Prospectus.

Note to Editor: The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 150+ dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Visit www.crnusa.org. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.