Natural Products Business School is a full-day of learning and networking designed to provide entrepreneurs with targeted, in-depth solutions to common business challenges, and an opportunity to connect with the ecosystem of service providers who can partner with you toward success.
An inspiring Keynote Kickoff from Josh Tetrick of Hampton Creek starts the day, and is followed by deep-dive learning blocks on the topics of product development, sales, distribution, operations and manufacturing issues. We’ll also feature several entrepreneur Success Story snapshots of hot young brands getting it right.
Our Pitch-Slam Competition offers the chance to win a valuable prize package that includes a free booth at Expo East 2016! Even if you don’t pitch, you’ll see firsthand what investors are looking for, and how to prepare for your own flawless fundraising.
Why attend Natural Products Business School?
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Inspiration: You’ll be inspired by our top-notch though leaders, experienced success stories, and the wisdom of those natural product pioneers who have come before you. You might even shed a tear.
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Knowledge: Only the best, most experienced speakers and industry experts will be on hand to advise, coach and nurture you toward success.
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Connection: Kismet. It’s meeting exactly the right co-packer, investor, mentor, or branding expert you are looking for. Ecosystem provided.
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Opportunity: You’ll have the chance to share your business with the people who are listening. 3 lucky winners will compete in our annual pitch-slam competition to a room full of investors.
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Fun: We’ll have coffee, lunch, prizes, a networking lounge, and a wine and cheese reception for you.
Natural Products Business School Agenda
8:30-9:00 Registration, Coffee and Networking
9:00-9:05 Welcome and Introductions
9:05-9:45 Keynote Kickoff - Josh Tetrick, Hampton Creek
9:45-11:15 Branding and Marketing Block
- 9:45-10:15 Building Premium Value for Your Brand - Bill Capsalis and Kay Allison, Boulder Farm Team
- 10:15-10:45 Trying to Change the World? How to Grow an Authentic, Ethical Brand - Gillian Christie, Christie Communications
- 10:45-11:15 Labeling Insights: How to Avoid Landing in Legal Hot Water, Dan Williams, Faegre Baker Daniels
11:15-11:30 Networking Break
11:30 -12:30 Manufacturing, Operations and Supply Chain Block
- 11:30-12:00 How to Work with your Co-Packer - Jeff Grogg, JPG Resources
- 12:00-12:30 Trade Spending Productivity in a Chaotic Environment - Stew Bishop, Customer Marketing Group
12:30-1:30 Networking Lunch
1:30-3:00 Sales and Distribution Block
- 1:30-2:00 Create a Winning Distribution Strategy - Bob Burke, Natural Products Consulting.
- 2:00-2:30 A Brand's Guide to Amazon, eCommerce and the Future of Retail - Dan Harari, BrandFWD
- 2:30-3:15 Retail Relationships: How to Get Your Buyers to Love You - Mathis Martines, Kroger, Bill Crawford, New Hope Natural Media, Jeremiah McElwee, Thrive Market (formerly with Whole Foods Market)
3:15 -3:45 Fundraising Basics: When Your Business Needs Capital - Matt Stamski, Faegre Baker Daniels.
4:00-6:00 NPBS Annual Pitch-Slam Competition and Networking Party
COST is $195 for Exhibitors/ $295 for Non-exhibitors