February 21, 2025 – 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.”
Will Totten, founder of SecureCPG, stated, “We are excited to support another Well event after sponsoring their events during the Fancy Food Show in New York City and Newtopia Now in Denver, as they have built a community of brands that are growing strategically. At SecureCPG, we help consumer brands protect their businesses with insurance solutions that deliver real savings and streamlined coverage. Our deep industry expertise and strategic partnerships help brands secure the right policies at competitive premiums—without compromising protection. Because protecting your brand matters as much as building it.”
“Our shared values with the health and wellness community drive our mission to provide safer, healthier and certified organic bedding and mattress options for the whole family,” said Arin Schultz, Chief Growth Officer at Naturepedic. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with The Well Network this year during Expo West week, where we’ll be surrounded by like-minded brands at their Anniversary event as well as several upcoming in-store events this year.”
Cole Wilkes, Co-Founder of Subtotal, added, “As a technology provider, we know that strong partnerships are essential for companies at every stage. Our platform makes it easy for customers to share their in-store and online purchases with brands by linking their retailer accounts to their app or website. We are thrilled to support this event and play a small role in The Well’s mission to help its members thrive by connecting them with resources that create lasting value for their businesses.”
Since its inception in March 2024, The Well has hosted approximately 20 bespoke events in New York City, Los Angeles, Denver and Washington, DC during NYC and LA Tech Week, Expo West, The Summer Fancy Foods Show, Newtopia Now, Meet the Makers and in partnership with numerous brands, including Hugo Boss (site of The Well’s inaugural Food x Fashion x Finance collaboration, which will be held again on May 8, 2025) at their flagship NYC location. The Well also launched a Webinar series during Q4 2024.
The special March 4 event is sponsored by Ito En (North America) Inc. and partners Subtotal, Rebuy Engine, BARREL, RodeoCPG, SecureCPG, CohnReznick, Naturepedic, Glimpse and Chimes.
Brand supporters include Fabalish, Seraphim Social Beverage, Better Sour, Purely Sprouted, Buyo, Bim Bam Boo, Kombucha Culture, Heritage Kulfi, Crane Wellness, Zenjoy, Lemongrass Farms, Karma Nuts, Sweet Loren’s, Betty Buzz, Bitchin’ Sauce, The Tea Book, Weleda, Fun Guy and friends.
For more information and to attend this event, please visit: bit.ly/well-expowest-march4
The Well is a membership-based organization committed to empowering the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and Wellness community. The Well’s mission is to build a dynamic, engaging, thoughtful CPG and Wellness ecosystem where every member personally and professionally prospers by being connected to the “right” people and being able to leverage the necessary resources for business advancement.
Co-founders of The Well include professionals at Blossom.it, BWE Consultancy LLC, Cream of the Crop, The Food Institute, Force Brands, Happy Wellness Consulting, IEQ Capital, Narwhal Network, Planet LA Records, Poe Law PLLC, Roadmap Advisors, SMC Consulting, Two Shes Productions, US Veg Corp, Vierra Ventures, Vertage Foods and other companies
Updates at www.followthewell.com and @followthewell on Instagram and LinkedIn.
For more information about this news release, please contact: The Well Network Co-Founder Rob Rinderman, via rob@smcconsulting.biz.
