The Well professional network, a growing membership-based organization committed to empowering the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and wellness community, today announced that it is returning to Bowers Museum – where it officially launched in 2024 – during Expo West on March 4 to celebrate its one-year anniversary at a private gathering of leading industry founders, investors and strategic advisors.
Next month’s anniversary event will include the following panels, underscoring the evening’s ‘Women in CPG’ theme:
Built for Her: How Female-Focused CPG Brands Are Winning Consumers
- Kelly Landrieu, Global Director of Whole Foods Market’s Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP)
- Kris Strouthopoulos, Founder/CEO of GIAPENTA and BRIDGE Hydration
- Michelle Jacobs, Co-Founder of Womaness
- Mackie Swan, CEO of Woo More Play
- Moderated by Dulari Amin, Co-Founder, Sidelines VC
Sweet Loren’s: The Impact of Strategic Partnerships in CPG
- Loren Castle, CEO And Founder of Sweet Loren’s
- Meredith Lawson Norrie, VP, Head of Global Licensing/Consumer Products Partnerships of Mattel
- Moderated by Lucas Ballasy, CEO of BARREL
Investing in and Growing Brands
- Helana Robbins Huddleston, CPA, CIRA, CohnReznick
- Bella Hughes, Co-Founder of Better Sour
- Ruchi Desai, Founder of EIGHT Brewing
- Lauren Gropper, Founder & CEO, Repurpose
- Dayton Miller, Managing Partner, BFG Partners
- Moderated by Mike Schall, Senior Managing Director of Nacascolo Holdings
“Partnerships have become incredibly meaningful for our business as a means of expanding our reach and connecting with previously untapped consumer segments,” said Loren Castle (CEO + Founder of Sweet Loren’s). “This January, we announced our most major partnership to date – with Mattel’s iconic Barbie – that was met with overwhelming success from both existing and new customers, and offered endless learnings for our growing brand.”
“We’re looking forward to hosting this conversation with our client, Sweet Loren’s, to explore how thoughtful partnerships can drive real impact for brands,” stated Lucas Ballasy, CEO of BARREL. “Sweet Loren’s has built a strong connection with its customers by staying true to its mission—while exploring new ways to reach and engage its audience, like its recent partnership with Barbie. The Well brings together some of the most forward-thinking brands in CPG, making this the perfect setting for our discussion.”