Boost your business and network: Newtopia Now agenda highlights

From Buyerside Chats and Industry Hot Takes to events at Meow Wolf and the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Newtopia Now fuses boutique experiences, top-notch speakers and curated networking into one show-stopping agenda for the natural and organic CPG community.

7 Min Read
Newtopia Now Agenda Highlights

The New Hope Network team has been working non-stop to craft the perfect Newtopia Now agenda, with stimulating sessions happening throughout Thrive, Represent, Regenerate and Glow. We know that content isn’t just about information. It’s about the experiences, ideas and people that connect and inspire us, which is why we’re delighted to share a sneak peek of all the content you’ll find and people you'll meet on and off the stages in Denver.  

Check out these fresh categories and some shareworthy sessions from Newtopia Now’s agenda: 

Keynotes: 

  • The Joyfulness of Aging Well with Carla Hall | Monday, August 26, 11-11:45 a.m. MT. 

  • Blue Zones Insights with Dan Buettner | Monday, August 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m. MT | Thrive Stage. In his exclusive Newtopia Now keynote, National Geographic Fellow, Blue Zones Founder and Netflix host Dan Buettner will unveil never-before-shared insights gleaned from his global longevity research—and what they mean for the future of wellness. Leverage the nine commonalities of the Blue Zones for fresh perspectives on how CPG brands and retailers can revolutionize their approach to consumer well-being. During this captivating keynote, we’ll marry the emerging science, ancient wisdom and business insights surrounding longevity to identify how businesses can actively and authentically support consumers on their personalized journeys to optimal health. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear from a leading wellness changemaker and co-create the future of health at Newtopia Now. 

Related:Watch on demand: Newtopia Now, explained!

Buyerside Chats: Want to hear from the most influential retailers what it takes to not just get on their store shelves but also create traction and velocity in the aisle? We’re getting the inside scoop from top executives and category buyers at top retailers. 

  • How to Get Your Products into Whole Foods | Tuesday, August 27, 10:15-11 a.m. MT | Thrive Stage. Dreaming of seeing your product on Whole Foods Market's shelves? Join Startup CPG's Daniel Scharff as he leads a powerful panel discussion featuring key Whole Foods executives from across Category Management, Local & Emerging Brand Foraging, and Business Development. They'll demystify the selection process, reveal what makes a winning submission, and share insider tips on maximizing partnership and velocity after you've landed shelf space. 

  • Achieving Retail Success as a Conscious Beauty Brand: A Conversation with Ulta Beauty | Tuesday, August 27, 11:15-11:45 a.m. MT | Glow Stage. What does it take to shine in one of the country’s most relevant beauty retailers? With a deep commitment to supplier diversity—from its partnership with the 15 Percent Pledge to its robust accelerator programs—Ulta is leading the way in partnering with diverse-owned companies and bringing innovative clean beauty products to consumers across the U.S. at its nearly 1,400 retail locations and online. During this exclusive Newtopia Now Buyerside Chat, Heather Cox, president of Certify My Company, sits down with Ulta Beauty Senior Manager of Supplier Diversity Rick Burian to understand the steps conscious beauty companies can take to find success in Ulta, while building their brands responsibly and growing a loyal following. 

Insights for Retailers: In an ever-evolving and competitive CPG landscape, it’s more important than ever to bring your retail A-game through best-in-class merchandising, unique product sets, experiential marketing, engaging customer education and more. These sessions will help buyers differentiate their stores and support the brands they discover at Newtopia Now.    

  • Modern Category Management: Room for Innovation and Success with INFRA | Monday, August 26, 1-1:45 p.m. MT | Thrive Stage. Join retail experts Danelle Rydel and Angela Bozo of INFRA as they crack the code on maximizing growth in today's dynamic retail landscape and navigating a range of new marketplace innovations. Through real-world case studies and inspiring brand examples, you'll discover breakthrough opportunities and practical strategies to propel your success with smart category management. 

Industry Hot Takes: Your next cocktail party conversation starter starts here. Get fresh insights into the issues that are keeping you motivated—or keeping you up at night—with these thought-provoking sessions led by some of the industry’s brightest and most provocative minds.   

  • From Surviving to Thriving: Empowering Brands & Retailers in the 'Healthspan' Era | Tuesday, August 27, 3-3:45 p.m. MT | Thrive Stage. 'Healthspan' is the new frontier for brands and retailers in the longevity market. Gain valuable insights from market trends and consumer behavior data, equipping you to develop successful strategies in this evolving market. Join us as we explore the growing consumer demand for products and services that promote not just longevity, but a life filled with vitality and well-being. We'll delve into the science behind healthspan optimization and examine the impact of diet, supplements, beauty solutions, and self-care practices on extending an active and healthy life. 

Ambassador Talks: Hang in your favorite ‘hood and catch one of these fast-paced talks from leading influencers in CPG, agriculture, retail and more.   

  • Decolonize Your Plate: A Scientific Journey to Personalized Wellness with 'The Black Nutritionist' | Monday, August 26, 12:15-12:30 p.m. MT | Represent Stage. Join Dr. Kera Nyemb-Diop, a pioneering nutrition expert, for a dynamic talk that challenges the limitations of traditional nutrition standards, celebrates the diverse culinary heritage of Black consumers, and presents innovative strategies to meet their unique needs. Discover how Dr. Nyemb-Diop's groundbreaking approach to personalized nutrition can revolutionize your approach to wellness and empower you to effectively support Black communities. 

Stage Takeovers: Leading brand innovators lead conversations about top-of-mind issues, from consumer preferences shaping the future of CPG to top trends in hot retail categories: 

  • Savannah Bee Company | Monday, August 26, 10:30-11 a.m. MT | Regenerate Stage. 

  • Dr. Bronner's | Monday, August 26, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. MT | Regenerate Stage. 

  • Global Flavors | Tuesday, August 27, 11:30-11:45 a.m. MT | Represent Stage. 

  • Radicle Science | Tuesday, August 17, 1:45-2 p.m. MT | Thrive Stage. 

Community Experiences: 

  • Imaginative Exploration: Meow Wolf's Surreal Universe | Sunday, August 25, Noon-4:30 p.m. MT | Off-site Special Event. Meow Wolf Denver is not just an art exhibit—it’s a portal to another dimension, where creativity knows no bounds. From mind-bending installations to interactive storytelling, each corner of Meow Wolf’s enchanting space invites exploration and discovery. Newtopia Now attendees will unleash their imagination and engage with art in entirely new ways. After experiencing the Meow Wolf exhibits, network with your fellow Newtopia Now attendees at a private reception held at Meow Wolf’s gorgeous Perplexiplex event space! 

  • Sustainable Futures: Community Engagement at CSU Spur | Sunday, August 25, Noon-4:30 p.m. MT | Off-site Special Event. Join us on a journey alongside our partners at Naturally Boulder, through state-of-the-art facilities where groundbreaking research is transforming the way we think about agriculture, food systems, and water resources. From the innovative Water Building tackling pressing water challenges to the Sensory Lab where visitors can get to taste foods being developed in the CSU Spur test kitchen while providing valuable feedback to entrepreneurs and companies developing new food products, each stop on the tour offers a unique glimpse into the future of sustainability. 

  • Zen Among the Rocks: Yoga at Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Wednesday, August 28, 8 a.m.-noon MT | Off-site Special Event. Join us for an unforgettable event, uniting yoga enthusiasts of all levels in the breathtaking setting of Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Experience rejuvenation amidst the stunning red rock formations during our one-hour yoga session. Following the class, enjoy scenic networking opportunities and capture memorable photos at our light breakfast reception. 

  • Empowering Women in CPG: Brunch at Ophelia's | Wednesday, August 28, 10 a.m. - noon MT | Off-site Special Event. This dynamic event celebrates female leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the CPG sector, offering a unique opportunity for networking, mentorship, and inspiration. Join us for a morning of meaningful conversations, delicious cuisine, and uplifting energy at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox—a vibrant venue known for its eclectic ambiance and creative cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned industry veteran or a rising star, this brunch offers a platform to share insights, forge new connections, and champion the advancement of Women in CPG.  Editor's note: This session, originally planned for four hours, has been shortened. The correct time is listed here.

Check out the full agenda and speaker lineup at Newtopia Now and stay tuned for the latest updates.

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