Naturally Network, New Hope partner for Pitch Slam competition

For the first time, Naturally Network and New Hope Network worked together to create a new iteration of Expo East Pitch Slam.

Earlier this year, five regional affiliates of Naturally Network each hosted a pitch slam competition for their members. Two winners from each event will compete in front of live and virtual audiences in the 2022 Expo East Pitch Slam at 3 p.m. ET Wednesday, Sept. 28, in the Terrace Ballroom on Level 400.  

But that's not the only difference this year. Instead of having the traditional two nights of competition, these entrepreneurs will face the judges twice in a couple of hours. Yes, the preliminary and the final rounds will be held on one afternoon, followed by a celebration.

If you aren't attending Natural Products Expo East, don't worry. Anyone who is registered on New Hope's Natural Products Expo Virtual platform will be able to watch the pitches and the judges' decisions.  

The three Pitch Slam judges are Diana Fryc, chief sales and marketing office at Retail Voodoo; Holly Adrien, natural and organics strategy and innovation manager for The Kroger Co.; and Gigi Lee Chang, managing partner for BFY Capital and the founder of Plum Organics.

Already, each regional winner received a free booth at this year's Expo East (in the Hot Products area on Level 200). But the Expo East Pitch Slam grand prize winner will receive a free booth at Natural Products Expo East in 2023 as well as a package of services from New Hope Network that is valued at more than $30,000.

Related:Why Fila Manila won the Natural Products Expo East 2021 Pitch Slam

Click through the gallery to meet this year's Natural Products Expo East Pitch Slam competitors.