AGENDA AT A GLANCE
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Agenda subject to change
TUESDAY | October 6, 2026
SciComms Connect
7:00 AM–6:00 PM
Registration Open
7:30–8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
8:30–8:40 AM
Opening Remarks
8:40–9:10 AM
Keynote: Evidence-Based Supplementation in Women: Measuring Clinical Efficacy
Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, Chief Medical Advisor, Nutrafol
9:10–9:40 AM
Evidence-Based Phytoestrogens to Manage Menopausal Symptoms and Support Neurological Health
Roberta Brinton, Regents Professor and Director, Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona
9:40–10:10 AM
Communicating Science-Driven Innovations for Menopause Support
Kate Jamieson, VP of Marketing and Ecommerce, Bonafide Health, LLC
10:10–10:30 AM
Coffee Break
10:30–11:00 AM
Metabolically Dynamic: Translating Women’s Physiology into Creative Nutrition Strategy
Dr. Madison Kackley, Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University
11:00–11:30 AM
Advancing Women in Sports Through Strategic Partnerships
Kathryn Armstrong, Chief Scientific Officer, USANA Health Sciences, Inc.
11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Networking Lunch
12:30–1:00 PM
Advancing Maternal Nutrition Education: Engaging Healthcare Practitioners, Brand Ambassadors, and Moms-to-Be
Ryan Woodbury, Co-founder and Co-CEO, Needed
1:00–1:30 PM
Nutrition for Maternal Health During Pregnancy and Beyond
Danielle Christifano, Associate Professor, Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center
1:30–2:00 PM
Moderated Discussion with All Speakers
2:00–2:05 PM
Closing Remarks
2:05–2:30 PM
Networking Break
Innovation Exchange
2:30–2:40 PM
Welcome Remarks
2:40–3:05 PM
Unlocking Higher-Dose Microalgal DHA for Maternal Health
Phillip Chea and Sonia Hartunian-Sowa, dsm-firmenich
3:05–3:30 PM
Beyond Bacteria: Advancing Fungal Probiotics with Pichia kluyveri PK88™
John Deaton and Diane Alexander, Biohm Technologies
3:30–3:55 PM
Reprogramming Sugar Metabolism: A GLP-1 Companion for Metabolic Health
Ankit Rathi, Director of Science, Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics
3:55–4:20 PM
LP299V®: Clinically Validated Probiotic Support for Athletic Performance, Iron Absorption, and Exercise-Related Gut Protection
Dr. Brandy Webb and Bryan Gray, Probi
4:20–4:35 PM
Networking Break
4:35–5:00 PM
Dose, Delivery, and Design: What Peer-Reviewed Pharmacokinetics Reveals About Clinical Evidence Standards for Botanical and Nutraceutical Ingredients
Dr. Shefali Thanawala and Vishal Shah, Nutriventia Private Limited
5:00–5:25 PM
Reframing Menopause: A Precision Probiotic Approach Targeting the Estrobolome
Jordi Riera, Chief Business Officer, Kaneka Probiotics
5:25–5:50 PM
OptiMSM & Performance in Female Athletes: Supporting Joint and Muscle Health During the Menstrual Cycle
Jessica Arnaly and Eric Ciappio, Balchem
5:50–5:55 PM
Closing Remarks
7:00–9:00 PM
“Welcome to the Hotel California” Reception
WEDNESDAY | October 7, 2026
CONVERGENCE ’26
6:30–7:30 AM
Morning Yoga
7:00 AM–6:00 PM
Registration Open
7:30–8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
8:30–8:45 AM
Welcome & Introductions
Karen Todd, Vice President, Kyowa Hakko U.S.A., Inc.
8:45–9:45 AM
Supplement Priorities at FDA—A Fireside Chat with the Acting FDA Commissioner
9:45–10:00 AM
CRN Chair’s Address
Bruce Brown, CEO, ReCellience15
10:00–10:15 AM
Topline Results for CRN’s Latest Consumer Research
Jeff Ventura, Vice President, Communications, Council for Responsible Nutrition
10:15–10:45 AM
Networking Break
10:45–11:45 AM
The Impacts of Private Equity and CPG Buyouts on the Supplement Marketplace
11:45 AM–12:10 PM
CRN President’s Address
Steve Mister, President & CEO, Council for Responsible Nutrition
12:10–1:15 PM
Networking Lunch
1:15–2:00 PM
Persistent & Increasing Threats: The Rise of State Efforts to Regulate Dietary Supplements
2:00–2:30 PM
Networking Break
2:30–3:15 PM
View From the Corner Office
Steve Mister, Council for Responsible Nutrition; Ryan Woodbury, Needed
3:15–4:15 PM
AI and the Productivity Paradox: Are We Really Getting Ahead?
Kelly Monahan, Future of Work Expert; former research executive at Meta, Upwork, Accenture and Deloitte
4:15–4:30 PM
Announcements & Adjourn for the Day
6:30–9:00 PM
“Surf City USA” Reception
THURSDAY | October 8, 2026
CONVERGENCE ’26
6:15–7:30 AM
Fun Run/Walk
7:15–10:30 AM
Registration Open
7:30–8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
8:30–8:40 AM
Welcome Back & Announcements
8:40–9:40 AM
Understanding the Political Climate We Operate In
Jonathan Martin, Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist, POLITICO
9:40–10:15 AM
NIH’s Make America Healthy Again Strategy
10:15 AM
Conference Adjourns
11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Golf Tournament
All times are Pacific Time. Schedule subject to change.