WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, announced today the opening of the proposal submission period for its 2026 Innovation Exchange, a showcase of emerging ingredients, technologies, and services shaping the future of nutrition and wellness, selected by a steering committee. Innovation Exchange is part of CRN’s Signature Events taking place Oct. 6–8 at the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa.
Innovation Exchange submissions will be accepted until April 23 through the CRN Signature Events hub. Companies interested in showcasing new ingredients, technologies, formulations, or research advancements are encouraged to submit a proposal.
Submissions will be reviewed by a cross-functional steering committee composed of industry experts from companies within the CRN member community—Better Being Co., GNC Holdings, Kenvue/Zarbee’s, Nature’s Way, and the Unilever Wellbeing Collective—representing leading brands to ensure selected presentations reflect both scientific rigor and real-world market relevance.
Created to spotlight innovative research, technologies, and ingredients within the interactive setting of CRN’s annual industry gathering, Innovation Exchange convenes leaders from finished product manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, service providers, and other stakeholders across the supplement industry. This year’s program will include seven 20-minute presentations.
“Innovation Exchange, now in its third year, has quickly become one of the most exciting elements of CRN’s annual gathering because it gives attendees a window into what’s next,” said steering committee member Rachel Kreider, Vice President, Product Innovation, GNC. “We look forward to reviewing proposals to develop a program highlighting how companies are translating research into practical solutions that shape the future of supplements and functional foods that support consumer health.”
Innovation Exchange is presented as a complimentary program for attendees of CRN’s new SciComms Connect symposium and the main CONVERGENCE conference. Innovation Exchange will be held on the afternoon of October 6, immediately following SciComms Connect. Together, the two programs present a full-day experience focused on advancing science, strengthening responsible innovation, and accelerating credible product development in dietary supplements and functional foods. CRN’s main business conference, CONVERGENCE ‘26, will follow on Oct. 7–8.
The inaugural SciComms Connect event, developed in response to member feedback, will bring together leading researchers, product development leaders, and communicators. Themed “Bridging Science and Marketing to Advance Women’s Vitality,” this year’s program will explore active-lifestyle nutrition, innovations that support whole-body vitality from the inside out, and the evolving science of menopause and successful aging.
Registration for CRN’s signature events will open in May. Get preliminary information and sign up to receive an alert when registration opens at www.crnusa.org/2026events.
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