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CRN unveils agenda for CONVERGENCE ’25 in St. Louis

The event will feature industry CEOs, an FDA official, and keynote speakers Jim VandeHei of Axios and physician-scientist Daniel Kraft.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has unveiled highlights for its annual CONVERGENCE ’25 conference, taking place October 8–10 at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. The event, part of CRN’s signature programming alongside Science in SessionWellComms, and Innovation Exchange, will convene leaders across the dietary supplement and functional food sectors.

“This year’s CONVERGENCE agenda goes beyond thought leadership to provide actionable intelligence,” said Steve Mister, CRN President & CEO. “CRN has curated a group of in-the-know experts to help attendees anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and lead with confidence in a rapidly changing business environment.”

Program highlights include:

  • Consumer Insights
    A deep dive into consumer attitudes and purchasing behavior with data from Circana
     
  • Tariffs & Trade Policy and Their Effect on the Dietary Supplement Market 
    Connect policy details with real-world business consequences to address tariff-related challenges
     
  • Third-Party Evaluators – Are They Helpful to Consumers?
    Representatives from Canomiks, ConsumerLab, Labdoor, and SuppCo discuss their platforms, moderated Nutrition Business Journal Editor in Chief Rick Polito
     
  • Navigating the New Regulatory Landscape
    Understand how emerging regulations—from drug preclusion questions to state ingredient bans—could affect compliance and business strategy
     
  • A Conversation with FDA
    CRN President & CEO Steve Mister sits down with a top agency official for a frank dialogue on today’s regulatory landscape for supplements
     
  • The View from the Corner Office – CEO Panel
    Industry leaders share what keeps them up at night, what they’re doing about it, and what inspires them about the future of supplements and functional food
     
  • Navigating the News Cycle 
    Keynote speaker Jim VandeHei, co-founder of Axios and POLITICO, delivers an insider’s view of Washington’s shifting power dynamics and what they mean for the supplement and wellness industry
     
  • The Intersection of Healthcare & Technology 
    Keynote speaker Daniel Kraft, M.D., physician-scientist and founder of NextMed Health, explores transformative emerging healthcare technologies creating new opportunities for nutrition and wellness leaders

Karen E. Todd, R.D., vice president of global brand marketing at Kyowa Hakko U.S.A. and CRN board chair-elect, will serve as conference chair and emcee. “CRN’s CONVERGENCE is a unique opportunity to connect on the issues that matter most to our industry,” said Todd.

Registration is open to both CRN members and non-members, with options including access to Science in SessionWellComms, and the complimentary Innovation Exchange. Full details are available at www.crnusa.org/2025events.

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