April 24, 2008

2 Min Read
Set your seminar strategy

Retailers should come to Natural Products Expo West prepared to get the latest information on changes in the natural products industry and to learn how to make their business the best it can be.

A can't-miss seminar for retailers is "State of Organic Regulations: Where Do We Go From Here?" to be held on Friday, March 24, at 1 p.m. Moderated by New Hope Natural Media's Organic Program Director Elaine Lipson, the seminar will provide an easy-to-understand overview of last year's Harvey decision, as well as other government standards and regulations affecting the industry.

This year's keynote speaker will be Daryl Hannah, the star of such films as Splash and Kill Bill and an outspoken advocate for sustainability and other green causes. She's received many awards for her work in the field, including the Environmental Media Association's highest honor, the Ongoing Commitment Award, and the National Biodiesel Board's Leading Influencer Award. Hannah will deliver her keynote address on Sunday, March 26, at 9 a.m.

Before you hit the show floor on Friday, find out what new trends will be the talk of Expo at the 8:30 a.m. seminar, "Hot New Consumer and Retail Trends," featuring retailing experts Kevin Coupe, founder of MorningNewsBeat.com, and the National Marketing Institute's Maryellen Molyneaux and Steve French.

The various ways in which the naturals industry can respond to such big-box retailers as Wal-Mart will be discussed in "CEO Armchair Dialogue: Reacting to Retail Giants," scheduled for Thursday, March 23, at 10:30 a.m. Presenters will include Seventh Generation Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Hollender; Worldwise Inc. CEO Aaron Lamstein; and Compass Natural Marketing President Steven Hoffman.

Retailers looking to become a wellness resource for their communities should attend "Good Press: Media Strategies for Retailers and Manufacturers," Friday at 4:30 p.m. Moderated by The Natural Foods Merchandiser Business Editor Lisa Everitt and Fresh Ideas Group President and Founder Sylvia Tawse, the seminar will provide tips on ways to get good press, avoid bad press and get the best out of your PR efforts. More business tips can be found at NFM columnist Carolee Colter's seminar "Hiring for Motivational Fit," to be held on Saturday, March 25, at 4:30 p.m. and "Educate To Sell: People Only Buy What They Understand," scheduled for Friday at 2:45 p.m.

Sustainability, the environment and green energy are recurring themes in Thursday's education schedule. "Living in a Toxic World: Keys to a Safe Home" at 4:30 p.m. will feature actors/environmental activists Ed Begley Jr., Wendie Malick and Amy Smart as well as Debra Lynn Dadd, author of Home Safe Home (Penguin/Tarcher, 2004), and Debbie Levin, president of the Environmental Media Association. Other seminars focusing on the environment include "Sustainable Packaging" and "The Path to Sustainability: Harnessing Green Power," hosted by "medicine hunter" Chris Kilham.

Click here for a complete education schedule.

Natural Foods Merchandiser volume XXVII/number 2/p. 12

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