THE SCHEDULE
DOORS OPEN AT 9 AM | THE BARKER HANGAR, 3021 AIRPORT AVENUE

Moderator: Nicole Lapin, TV Personality and NYT Bestselling Author
+ 9:30 - 9:50 AM | OPENING KEYNOTE
- Speakers include:
- Meghan Asha, CEO, FounderMade
- Hayden Slater, Co-Founder & CEO, Pressed Juicery
- Brendan Brazier, Co-Founder, Vega
+ 10:00 - 10:40 AM | MEET YOUR MATCH: HOW TO ATTRACT TOP RETAILERS
Today’s consumers want products that are quality-made, good for them and good for the environment — and retailers are stocking their shelves with that in mind. In this panel, buyers from high-end retailers discuss what evolving consumers want from their products, and how that affects what they seek out from new brands.
- Speakers include:
- Faith Xue, Editorial Director, Byrdie
- Jason Widener, VP of New Store Development, Erewhon
- Monika Coyle, Local Purchasing Coordinator - SoPac, Whole Foods
- Michelle Connelly, Director Merchandising & Planning, Credo Beauty
- Cassandra Grey, Founder, Violet Grey
+ 10:40 - 11:20 AM | FOUNDER STORIES
In today’s competitive market, entrepreneurial success requires more than just a stellar product -- other considerations include effective marketing, strategic buyer decisions, and expansive distribution. However, even the biggest names in the industry had to start somewhere. In this panel, these brand leaders will discuss growth in their industries through a consumer-focused lens.
- Speakers include:
- Samantha Gutstadt, Host & Content Creator, Nylon
- Julie Smolyansky, CEO, Lifeway
- Rosie O'Neill, Co-Founder, Sugarfina
- Zach Adelman, Founder & CEO, Navitas Organics
+ 11:20 - 12:00 PM | HIGH HOPES: THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS
As more states legalize marijuana, the demand for weed-based products and technology amplifies. Newfound market freedom and consumer curiosity means expansive room for innovation and growth. Panelists discuss the ways they are responding to demands and how others can invest in these new markets.
- Speakers include:
- Emily Dougherty, Editor-in-Chief, NewBeauty
- Michael Bumgarner, Founder & CEO, Cannuka
- Clement Kwan, Founder, Beboe
- Jesse Stanley, Co-Founder, CW Hemp
- Derek Thomas, VP of Business Development, Veritas Farms
+ 12:00 - 12:40 PM | BUILDING BLOCKS: KEY WAYS TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS
There are numerous resources that entrepreneurs can leverage to help scale their business beyond their products. By leaning on these experts in other fields those entrepreneurs can focus on the thing that they love. This panel will discuss the companies that are out there dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build their business, and discuss how they are helping craft the industry.
- Speakers include:
- Adam Pierno, Chief Strategy Officer, Santy
- Andrew Lynch, Founder, Zipline Logistics
- Kelly Scott, Industry Marketing, Oracle
+ 12:50 - 1:30 PM | D2C DISRUPTORS: UNDERSTANDING THE MODERN CONSUMER
Companies are looking for new ways to reach consumers and compete on costs. Our panel will discuss the ways in which they’re able to thrive as a CPG brand who delivers direct to consumers and how that strategy has helped them stand out.
- Speakers include:
- Jason Kryski, Co-Founder, Strawhouse
- Kerry Benjamin, Founder, StackedSkincare
- Lo Bosworth, Founder & CEO, Love Wellness
- Daphne Oz, TV Host, Author, and Chief Innovation Officer, Pure Spoon
- Giorgos Tsetis, Co-Founder & CEO, Nutrafol
+ 1:30 - 1:50 PM | FIRESIDE CHAT
- Speakers include:
- Kat Collings, Editorial Director, Who What Wear
- Alli Webb, Founder, Drybar
+ 2:00 - 3:20 PM | NETWORKING & DEMOS IN THE DISCOVERY LOUNGE
Discover 100+ of the best consumer brand innovations in wellness, beauty & food. The Discovery Lounge will be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Meet Jana Kramer in the Buyer Lounge from 2-3 pm!
+ 3:20 - 4:00 PM | FOUNDER STORIES
In today’s competitive market, entrepreneurial success requires more than just a stellar product -- other considerations include effective marketing, strategic buyer decisions, and expansive distribution. However, even the biggest names in the industry had to start somewhere. In this panel, these brand leaders will discuss growth in their industries through a consumer-focused lens.
- Speakers include:
- Pavan Bahl, Co-Founder, MouthMedia Network
- Suveen Sahib, Co-Founder & CEO, Aquis
- Denise Cartwright, Founder & CEO, Crude Personal Care
- Dr. Robb, Co-Founder, REA Innovations & Clarisonic
+ 4:00 - 4:20 PM | CLOSING KEYNOTE
- Speakers include:
- Daphne Oz, TV Host, Author, and Chief Innovation Officer, Pure Spoon
- Christopher Gavigan, Co-Founder & CPO, The Honest Company