CRN 2026 Events to Focus on Responsible Supplement Innovation and Compliance

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) has opened early-bird registration for its 2026 signature events, scheduled for Oct. 6–8 at the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California.¹ The Washington, DC-based trade association said the program will bring together industry professionals working in science, marketing, communications, regulatory affairs, and business strategy under the theme “Build Responsibly,” with registration details available through the event page.

CRN President and CEO Stever Mister highlighted the importance of industry responsibility for future growth. “In a rapidly evolving marketplace and changing political and regulatory landscape, our industry’s ability to grow, and to continue to deliver innovative solutions supporting health and wellness, depends on our ability to align around what responsible leadership looks like,” stated Mister. “CRN’s signature events are designed to drive meaningful conversations and connections that will help build the future of the dietary supplement and functional food industry, responsibly.”

What Are the Main Events for the 2026 Agenda?

For finished-product manufacturers, the event structure reflects several issues shaping the dietary supplement and functional food categories: evidence translation, consumer trust, and product innovation. CRN said its 2026 lineup will include SciComms Connect: Bridging Science and Marketing to Advance Women’s Vitality on Oct. 6, followed by Innovation Exchange that afternoon, and Convergence ‘26 on Oct. 7–8, serving as the main business conference.

How Will the Women’s Health and Science Communication Programming Be Structured?

Announced in March 2026, the new SciComms Connect Symposium sessions will address active lifestyle nutrition, whole-body vitality, menopause and successful aging, and approaches for communicating women’s health science in a credible and effective manner.^1,2 The new event comes in response to the increasing consumer demand for science-backed wellness and the challenge to convey claims accurately and accessibly. The program will feature sessions and case studies aiming to provide attendees with the tools for communicating women’s health science and countering misinformation.

CRN Vice President of Communications Jeff Ventura explained the gaps in industry development the symposium aims to fill. “Our members consistently tell us that one of the industry’s biggest challenges—and opportunities—is ensuring that strong science is communicated clearly and responsibly,” explained Ventura. “Consumers today are navigating an unprecedented volume of health information over an array of platforms. SciComms Connect will bring scientists, product innovators, and communicators together to explore how evidence-based insights can be conveyed accurately and in ways that are relatable to consumers.”

CRN Chief Science Officer Andrea Wong, Ph.D. emphasized the importance of scientific rigor in communication with consumers and innovation in supplements and functional foods. “SciComms Connect will create a space to explore emerging research, discuss evolving evidence standards, and help companies ensure new scientific insights are applied responsibly as they bring new products to market and communicate their benefits.”

What Role Will Innovation and Regulatory Strategy Play at Convergence ‘26?

Innovation Exchange will follow SciComms Connect on Oct. 6 and will feature steering-committee-selected 20-minute presentations on emerging research, ingredients, and technology. CRN noted that Innovation Exchange will be complimentary for attendees of SciComms Connect and Convergence.

Convergence ‘26, is expected to include panel discussions, market insights, keynote sessions, and peer discussion. The event announcement does not name speakers or session titles beyond the broad program structure, though CRN noted that additional details will be announced in the coming months.

Networking events will include a “Hotel California” welcome reception, a “Surf Club” evening social, golf, a fun-run and walk, and morning yoga.

References

1. Council for Responsible Nutrition. CRN Invites Dietary Supplement Industry Professionals to ‘Build Responsibly’ at 2026 Signature Events. Published May 27, 2026. Accessed June 4, 2026. https://www.crnusa.org/newsroom/crn-invites-dietary-supplement-industry-professionals-build-responsibly-2026-signature
2. Council for Responsible Nutrition. CRN Announces New ‘SciComms Connect’ Symposium. March 13, 2026. Accessed June 4, 2026. https://www.crnusa.org/newsroom/crn-announces-new-scicomms-connect-symposium