Inaugural event bridging science and marketing part of CRN’s signature industry gatherings Oct. 6–8 in Carlsbad, California
WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, today announced the launch of SciComms Connect, a new symposium designed to strengthen how scientific evidence is translated into responsible product development and credible consumer communication.
SciComms Connect will kick off the morning of Oct. 6 at the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa as part of CRN’s 2026 Signature Events running Oct. 6–8, with Innovation Exchange immediately following and culminating in the CONVERGENCE ‘26 business conference on Oct. 7–8.
As consumer demand for evidence-based wellness solutions continues to grow, the ability to translate complex science responsibly into clear, accurate messaging has become increasingly critical for dietary supplement and functional food marketers. Developed in response to member feedback, SciComms Connect will bring together experts across disciplines to examine this evolving challenge and share practical approaches for communicating science effectively through products and consumer communications.
“Our members consistently tell us that one of the industry’s biggest challenges—and opportunities—is ensuring that strong science is communicated clearly and responsibly,” said CRN Vice President of Communications Jeff Ventura. “Consumers today are navigating an unprecedented volume of health information over an array of platforms. SciComms Connect will bring scientists, product innovators, and communicators together to explore how evidence-based insights can be conveyed accurately and in ways that are relatable to consumers.”
SciComms Connect’s 2026 program, “Bridging Science and Marketing to Advance Women’s Vitality,” will examine active lifestyle nutrition, innovations supporting whole-body vitality from the inside out, and the evolving science of menopause and successful aging. Through panels and case studies, attendees will gain practical strategies for communicating complex women’s health science, countering misinformation, and building lasting consumer trust. Sessions will address opportunities to close research gaps, strengthen evidence standards, and bring credible, life-stage–specific solutions to market.
“Scientific rigor remains the foundation of meaningful innovation in dietary supplements and functional foods,” said CRN Chief Science Officer Andrea Wong, Ph.D. “The way the science is communicated plays a critical role in how consumers understand and trust these products. SciComms Connect will create a space to explore emerging research, discuss evolving evidence standards, and help companies ensure new scientific insights are applied responsibly as they bring new products to market and communicate their benefits.”
Registration for CRN’s signature events, including SciComms Connect, will open in May. Get preliminary information and sign up to receive an alert when registration opens at www.crnusa.org/2026events.
About the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)
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. Follow us on LinkedIn and X @CRN_Supplements.