Be sure to make time for education while you are in Baltimore. Sessions take place on the 300 level from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, leaving a full day Saturday to complete your meetings on the show floor. Consider these sessions as a part of your expo plans.

Big Data: Data into Action—Responding to the Conscious Consumer. Alison DaSilva, executive vice president of the research and insights group at Cone Communications will examine how consumers prioritize myriad food health and sustainability issues, what they’re willing to pay more for and how they’re willing to sacrifice to stand by their values. 9-10:15 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, room 318

Health & Wellness—Impact in the Aisles. From product selection to customer consultation, four Wakefern Food Corp. dietitians and category managers explore how these health professionals can make a difference in the aisle every day. 9-10:15 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, room 320

The Truth About the Health & Wellness Shopper. Learn shopper perspective on health and wellness, from how they define it to what they consider health behaviors and how health consciousness affects their shopping decisions. Lesley Loftis, a senior planner with The Integer Group, will explore the organization’s recent study and how you can improve your in-store communication. 10:30-11:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, room 318

Food Access & the Role of the Natural Foods Industry. Moderator TJ McIntyre, executive vice president and general manager of Boulder Brands, along with three panelists will explore how the natural products industry has a unique opportunity to affect change in the nation’s disparate/lack of access to healthy food. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, room 316

Evolving the Retail Food Service Line. Learn how to inspire healthier food choices with Mary Pietras, nutritionist and owner Beyond Basics Health Coaching. 2-3:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, room 320

2,4-D: What it Means for GMO Labeling. Join labeling leaders Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield Farm and Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group as they explore the potential impacts of 2,4-D-resistant crops. 3:30-4:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, room 309

Amber Waves of Gluten—Store Safety from Coast to Coast. Gluten-free-store owners and a celiac foundation representative discuss the importance and challenges of keeping customers safe. 12:15-1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, room 320

Consumer Trends: The Future of Grocery Retail. Look back to look forward with this fast-paced multichannel overview and a provocative and useful perspective on what is next online, in store and in the investment sphere. 2-3:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, room 319

Understanding the Paleo Diet—What it is and Why It’s Trending. Understand what motivates the paleo community when it comes to food selections and what is most important when paleo eaters shop. 2-3:13 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, room 320

State of the Industry. Join Nutrition Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Marc Brush, Natural Products Association CEO Daniel Fabricant and President and CEO of Presence Marketing Bill Weiland for discussion and prognostication on where the industry stands. 3:45-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, room 319

Growth of the Vegan Market—Meeting the Needs of Your Vegan Customers. Learn about The Vegetarian Resource Group’s latest research and dive into what it means with the Vegetarian Journal and The Land of Kush. 3:45-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, room 320