Future-of-work expert Kelly Monahan and POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin to address attendees at CRN’s Oct. 6–8 business conference in Carlsbad, California
AUGUST 20, 2026
WASHINGTON—The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, today announced featured speakers and program highlights for CONVERGENCE ‘26, taking place Oct. 6–8 at the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, part of its signature events (www.crnusa.org/2026events).
Designed for leaders across the dietary supplement and functional food industry, CONVERGENCE ‘26 will bring together business executives, policy experts and industry decision-makers to examine the forces shaping responsible growth—from AI and workforce strategy to political uncertainty, regulatory pressures and changing market dynamics.
Future-of-work expert Kelly Monahan, Ph.D., a former research executive at Meta, Upwork, Accenture and Deloitte, will examine “AI and the Productivity Paradox: Are We Really Getting Ahead?” With a focus on leveraging AI as a tool for growth, learning, and innovation rather than mere productivity, Dr. Monahan will discuss why substantial AI investment does not always translate into meaningful productivity gains and how organizations can use AI to support learning, innovation, talent and sustainable business growth without unintentionally intensifying employee burnout.
Jonathan Martin, politics bureau chief and senior political columnist at POLITICO, will draw on his extensive network of sources, historical knowledge and relationships across the political spectrum for a discussion on “Understanding the Political Climate We Operate In.” Martin will offer an informed look at the campaigns, policy debates and political dynamics shaping Washington and share insights on what the evolving political environment could mean for organizations trying to plan, compete and grow.
“Business leaders are being asked to make consequential decisions in an environment where technology, politics, regulation and consumer expectations are all shifting at once,” said Steve Mister, CRN president and CEO. “CONVERGENCE gives our industry a place to step back from the day-to-day, look at the larger forces affecting our companies and have candid conversations with the people who are navigating those same challenges. The insights are valuable, and so are the relationships. Those connections help responsible companies anticipate change, identify opportunities and position themselves for growth.”
Additional CONVERGENCE ‘26 sessions are planned to address:
- Supplement priorities at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- The impact of private equity and consumer packaged goods acquisitions on the supplement marketplace
- Persistent and increasing state efforts to regulate dietary supplements
- Perspectives from industry leaders “From the Corner Office”
- Topline findings from CRN’s latest consumer research
The program reflects CRN’s 2026 Signature Events theme, “Build Responsibly,” underscoring that science, transparency, accountability and informed leadership are essential to the industry’s ability to innovate, compete and serve consumers.
CONVERGENCE is designed to facilitate focused, high-quality connections. Attendees will have opportunities to exchange ideas with peers, customers, partners and CRN leadership in a relaxed, collegial environment with social activities including golf, yoga, a fun run/walk and receptions celebrating the CRN community and the local color of coastal Southern California.
CONVERGENCE ‘26 follows CRN’s inaugural SciComms Connect event, themed “Bridging Science and Marketing to Advance Women’s Vitality” and the steering-committee-selected Innovation Exchange showcase on Oct. 6.
Program details and registration information are available at www.crnusa.org/2026events.
About CRN: The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973 and based in Washington, D.C., is the leading trade association representing the dietary supplement and functional food industry. Bringing together manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and service providers, CRN unites its member companies around a shared commitment to science, transparency, and responsible business practices—advancing a strong, credible marketplace that supports consumer health and industry growth.
In an increasingly complex regulatory and media environment, CRN serves as the industry’s front line—shaping science-based policy, defending market access, and countering misinformation. Through strategic advocacy, self-regulatory leadership, voluntary guidelines, and evidence-based communications, CRN ensures that responsible companies are recognized, protected, and positioned to innovate and compete. Learn more at crnusa.org and follow @CRN_Supplements on X and LinkedIn.