Kitchen Conference

This engaging panel of retailers will share their market observations, insight on customer trends and answer your questions about what it takes to get on store shelves. (Still confirming representatives from regional and national retailers. Check back for updates.)

Learn how companies are building nonprofit partnerships, and implementing sustainability and social programs true to their missions that contribute to a triple bottom line: economic, environmental and social performance. Chrystie Hiemert, director of public relations at Seventh Generation, will join Susan Sokol Blosser from Sokol Blosser Winery to discuss the “power of our day-to-day business decisions to help drive positive social and environmental change.”

With much time being devoted to the supposed demise of the 30-second spot, what’s next for advertising? How do marketers know where to best put their dollars for maximum reach? Is maximum reach realistic anymore? With so many questions facing brand managers today, it’s anyone’s guess which direction the industry is headed. Join Brad Harrington, co-president of Cole & Weber United a spirited discussion about the future of advertising.

Learn why it’s important to connect with consumers beyond traditional marketing methods – and how to do it – in this engaging discussion with Michael Martin, Prez of MusicMatters, the founder of ONE the Organic & Natural Experience™ and co-creator of the Go Organic! For Earth Day campaign.Michael has been helping the organic and natural industry, and socially responsible organizations such as Stonyfield Farm, Ben & Jerry’s and Organic Trade Association bypass traditional media to connect directly with consumers through the power of their products. By orchestrating co-marketing opportunities between different entities, MusicMatters has created the concept of “Effect Marketing” which has quantifiably changed America’s awareness of organic and natural products and has created social change. Explore through case studies the value of co-marketing, experiential marketing and Effect Marketing programs and what it might look like for your company.

Organic consumers loyally stick to buying certified fresh produce and dairy products, but lose steam as they enter grocery store aisles. Laurie Demerrit, president of specialized research firm The Hartman Group, will present new research fresh from the field that addresses this phenomenon. She’ll share new findings on topics such as: consumer perceptions of organic versus natural, dominant brands, appeal of packaging, elements that build loyalty, organic retail formats and channels, and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the current mindset and behavior of organic consumers, and hear recommendations for increasing interest in your products.

It’s not easy getting noticed in today’s cluttered marketplace, where each year more than 30,000 new products are introduced – and an estimated 93% fail. Talk with three companies that bucked the trend. Founder Frederick Schilling of Dagoba Organic Chocolate won not only taste awards, but a spot on store shelves, right out of the gate. Josh Schroeter, co-founder of Sahale Snacks, built national distribution in Target after just two years in business on pure determination and a great product. Kate Bailey French, director of marketing for gDiapers, will share her experience building a brand from the ground up and securing shelf space for an unknown product – North America’s first flushable diaper.

Building a Web site is one thing, but how do you make sure people find it? Kent Lewis, founder of Anvil Media, offers a frank discussion about getting noticed online – why it’s important to brand building and sales, how to manage this new marketing function and what resources it takes to be successful. He’ll have lots of examples to share from work with Kettle Foods, Tazo, Hotel Lucia and Converse. And Nigel Roth, managing director at CRMMetrix, will demonstrate how listening to your customers can create a truly usable Web site. If you think the Web is the last of your priorities, attend this session for an interactive discussion that shows the power – and importance – of the Internet as a marketing tool.

Packaging is critical to the success of many consumer brand categories, especially in the natural and organic segment. With limited promotional and advertising budgets, and extremely informed and interested consumers, product packaging is the most efficient and effective means at your disposal to engage the consumer in your product experience. Steve Sandstrom, founder of Sandstrom Design, will lead a distinguished panel of CPG firms, exploring several case studies and entertaining the audience with anecdotes from his experience in creating the branding and packaging for Tazo Tea.

As one of the most powerful – and elusive – consumer audiences, we’re looking to shed light on how to reach Generation Y. They’re young, they’re brand savvy, they’re fickle and potentially one of the most loyal groups around. Join Issa Sawabini of Fuse Marketing and Tina Wells of Buzz Marketing Group as they unlock the secrets to working with Millenials.

Who better that share what makes a great news story than people in the trenches! Join former Saveur travel editor and current Food Editor of Portland Monthly, Camas Davis and New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Forbes Small Business freelancer Susan Hauser for an update on news trends and hot topics. Our journalists will tell you what they’re looking for – and what they’re not – to help make your media relations program as effective as possible.

Still Hungry for Great Conversation? Plan on attending our After Hour Dinner Forums hosted by our speakers.