Program 2024
Retailer Program (2024)
Please check back for updates to the program, additional seminars TBA (All Educational Programs will be in the Regent Ballroom unless otherwise noted.)
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2025
12:00 – 4:30 p.m. Lunch and Intensive Workshop – TBA
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Dinner and Seminar – TBA
7:15 – 8:30 p.m. Nightcap Mini-Session – TBA
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2025
8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Breakfast and Seminar – TBA
10:15 – 11:30 a.m. – TBA
11:45 – 1:00 p.m. – TBA
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Lunch and Seminar – TBA
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.: SHOW FLOOR OPEN
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Dinner and Seminar – TBA
8:30 – 9:30 p.m. President’s Reception
Sponsored by MAHO
SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2025
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Annual Business Meeting – MAHO Board of Directors
9:30 – 10:45 a.m. Breakfast and Seminar – TBA
10:45 – 12:00 p.m. – TBA
Noon – 4:00 p.m.: SHOW FLOOR OPEN
4:00 – 4:30 p.m.: PRIZE DRAWINGS: Easton Foyer
Speakers
Dr. Lexi Loch, ND
Dr. Lexi Loch received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine, where she graduated with highest honors. In addition to her practice, she is a medical writer and editor, researcher, educator, and patient advocate. Her articles have been published in various natural health periodicals and reference books. Prior to her education as a physician, Dr. Loch worked in veterinary medicine as a licensed veterinary technician. She is also an accomplished athlete, playing collegiate volleyball and participating in overseas tournaments, and has been world ranked in downhill longboarding. Dr. Loch is a member of the Scientific Affairs and Education team for EuroPharma, Inc.
Cheryl Myers
Cheryl Myers is an integrative health nurse, author, and an expert on natural medicine. She has certifications in cancer, pain control, and issues of aging. She has been interviewed by the New York Times, Prevention Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal. Cheryl is a member of the editorial board of theNatural Medicine Journal, and her own published research has included topics such as menopause, diabetes, sleep disorders, and gastrointestinal function. She is a well-known advocate for bridging the worlds of mainstream and natural medicine.
Cancer Answers and Botanical Solutions for Complex Health Problems
Join oncology-certified integrative health nurse and dietary supplement expert Cheryl Myers to learn about cancer prevention, and nutrients that facilitate cancer treatment, recovery, and prevention of recurrence. There will also be information presented on dealing with common cancer-associated problems, including fatigue, anxiety, weight loss, nausea, and other symptoms. She will give an overview of recent research of the most effective interventions. Cheryl will also discuss the potential use of a variety of supplements with specific chemotherapies and radiation therapy treatments.
Complex and chronic health conditions are on the rise in the United States, now affecting close to half of the population. These often difficult to manage conditions include heart disease, mental health concerns, autoimmune disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes. Many people dealing with a complex health problem are seeking support outside of conventional medicine. Join Dr. Lexi Loch, Naturopathic Physician, to learn about ten botanicals and their positive impact on one or more of these chronic health conditions.
Liza Docken
A Certified Aromatherapist, Liza is the National Educator for Pranarom. She has been in the Health and Wellness industry for over 20 years, working in Independent health food stores, Co-Ops as a yoga instructor, and mediation guide. Her passion for plants naturally guides enthusiasm, joy and fun to the learning experience. Coupled with unique insights spanning the industry, her approach to education is inclusive, expansive and holistic
Safe Internal Use of Essential Oils with Pranarom
A topic that can quickly get heated, internal use of essential oils can be done with proper formulation such as Pranarom’s Pranacaps. In the right dosage and sometimes in the right combination, essential oils can offer the plant medicine you need. Expert in Scientific Aromatherapy, Pranarom has more 30 years of experience in the field. A function-forward brand, Pranarom understands how each oil can benefit your health and wellness.
Stacey Littlefield
Passionate about natural medicines and a firm believer of utilizing nutritious food to improve overall health, Stacey Littlefield began working in the natural medicine industry in 1998 as researcher for Cloudburst Marketing. There, she specialized in educating the professional market and the sales staff on products and key health food retailers. In 2000, Littlefield refined her leadership abilities when she moved from the office to the field as a sales representative managing over 200 accounts in the Chicagoland area. A Graduate of Valparaiso University with a major in Biology, Stacey began working with Redd Remedies CEO Dan Chapman in 2003. Employing her background in science and her drive for developing a healthful product, Littlefield worked together with Chapman to launch Redd Remedies® with the hope of helping individuals put their health in order. By 2005, Littlefield climbed to the position of Product Formulator and Research Director of Redd Remedies’ growing company. In January 2016, she received a Master’s of Science in Herbal Medicine from the American College of Healthcare Sciences in Portland, Oregon. Today, Littlefield continues to lend her expertise to the success of Redd Remedies® and enjoys the unique rewards and challenges that each day brings.
From PMS to Menopause: Real Solutions For Women’s Health
Join Master Herbalist, Stacey Littlefied, to learn how chronic stress specifically affects women’s health issues, from PMS to menopause and everything in between.
Brendan Gaughran
Brendan received his degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Connecticut and MBA from Bentley University. He conducts health lectures; both to physicians and the general public. His research focuses primarily on gut health, liver health, endocrine system, adrenal fatigue and optimum diets. Brendan is the founder of Liver Medic, which manufacturers proprietary liver and digestive supplements. Brendan makes appearances on a variety of radio programs, podcasts discussing various health trends in the US.
“Part 1: A Better Partnership for Independent Health Food Stores”
“Part 2: Metabolic Syndrome: Epidemic Overview and Natural Solutions”
Part 1: Announcing a new certification for Brands, whose requirement is promoting core US health food stores while avoiding big box sales channels such as large pharmacy & grocery, chains Walmart. Clean manufacturing practices are also outlined. This pledge will support and protect stores and brands doing the right by the consumer.
Part 2: Metabolic Syndrome includes, but is not limited to; leaky gut, fatty liver, Hashimoto’s, adrenal fatigue (HPA-axis dysfunction), diabetes and obesity. Discussion includes pathology and natural solutions.
Marjorie Roberts
Marjorie received her BS in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin and her Masters of Science in Health Professions from Southwest Texas State University. She studied homeopathy with Dr. Luc Chaltin for many years before retiring after 30 years of nursing to serve as President/CEO of Newton Laboratories, a homeopathic manufacturer. She lectures at community gatherings, universities and national health-related events and is an adjunct professor at Life University, teaching an undergraduate course on homeopathy. She has appeared on television and radio shows and has authored My Body, My Health, My Choice, a book about health freedom and Healing with Clinical Homeopathy, The life, genius, vision and legacy of Dr. Luc Chaltin.
Steer Your Customers to “Natural” OTC Medicines
The October 2023 report, Current and Resolved Drug Shortages and Discontinuations Reported to FDA, listed 180 drugs. You may have recently heard about a shortage of laxatives; homeopathy has remedies for that. Additionally, in October, it was determined that phenylephrine, which has been used as a decongestant in many medications for decades, is ineffective when taken orally; homeopathy has remedies for this. Homeopathy is recognized as a drug in the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act of 1938 and can be a great alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. Introduce your customers to homeopathy so they can experience it for themselves and send sales soaring!
Dr. Crystal Gossard
Dr. Gossard is a board-certified nutrition specialist, licensed dietitian-nutritionist, researcher, educator, lecturer, spokesperson and author. She has two decades of experience in the fields of nutrition, fitness, dietary supplements and integrative and functional medicine. Dr. Gossard holds Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Nutrition and has lectured extensively on various health topics. Dr. Gossard is a member of the American Nutrition Association and American Society of Nutrition. She is on the Board of Directors for the Board for Certification of Nutrition SpecialistsSM and serves as a mentor for emerging nutrition professionals. Dr. Gossard is the Manager of Education at Life Extension®, and in this role, she educates health care professionals on the latest scientific and medical advances in integrative medicine and longevity.
Key Nutrients that Drive Healthy Aging
Healthspan is a new way to think about longevity! Nutrients such as taurine, spermidine, and lithium have been shown to delay aging independently and inhibit age-related disease to support healthy aging. This presentation will discuss these three nutrients and the mechanisms of aging they target.
Carl Germano/Bluebonnet
Carl Germano, CNS, CDN is a NY Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist and Vice President for Verdant Nature. He holds a masters degree in clinical nutrition from New York University and has over 40+ years experience as VP of product development for several of the largest vitamin supplement companies in the trade. In addition, he has been instrumental in bringing cutting-edge nutritional materials and hundreds of finished product formulations to a variety of markets including dietary supplements, medical foods, and functional beverages in the health food trade, medical and mass channels.
Today, he continues his efforts in product development and research and is responsible for providing the industry with the next generation of clinically important high bioavailable BioSNEDS™ ingredients. A prolific author with several bestselling trade books including “The Misled Athlete”, “Natures Pain Killers”, “The Osteoporosis Solution”, “The Brain Wellness Plan” and his most recent “Road To Ananda: The Simple Guide To The Endocannabinoid System, Phytocannabinoids & Your Health”.
Presently, he also heads a private product development consulting company, is a frequent lecturer and radio guest and operated a progressive nutrition practice at The Nutrition Therapy Center in New York for many years.
The Plant Based Advantage to Peak Performance
For a healthy lifestyle to become a reality, plant-based nutrition can play a crucial role in achieving that goal without the drawbacks of animal-based options. Choosing plant-based products is a conscious step towards a healthier and more environmentally friendly life, as they promote health and well-being, promote sustainable practices, and are an integral part of the sustainable food movement. For those leading active lifestyles, using plant-based ingredients offers numerous advantages beyond just the basics. Whether you’re an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or simply someone who values physical activity, plant and non-animal-derived nutrients can play major roles in providing sustainable energy, building and maintaining muscle, enhancing recovery, reducing inflammation to stay pain-free, and contributing to long-term health. In this presentation, you will learn about several plant-based and non-animal-based nutraceuticals that can provide a natural and sustainable path to enhancing athletic outcomes, regardless of whether it’s for an individual seeking to improve their fitness level or an active athlete seeking to enhance their sport-specific strength, power, conditioning or recovery for peak performance.
Nicole Gitlin
Nicole’s passion for teaching others about health and wellness was inspired by her own health journey — a personal mission which drove her to become a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (H.H.P), Certified Herbalist (C.C.M.H), and Certified Nutrition Consultant (C.N.C). As a skilled bilingual educator, Nicole strives to deliver complex science in an easy to understand and retainable way to retailers and consumers both domestically and internationally. In her leisure time, Nicole loves to garden, cook and explore the outdoors.
Fueling Your Mind: Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cognitive Performance
Our remarkable brains are comprised of billions of neuronal cells responsible for carrying out and coordinating information throughout the entire body. Researchers consistently reveal that what we consume (or don’t consume) each day — via diet and/or supplementation – impacts brain development, cognitive function, and overall brain health. Among the nutrients most frequently identified as vital for optimal, lifelong brain health are Omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fat DHA is a key component in neuronal cell membranes, thereby influencing their structure and function at all times.
Please join Nordic Naturals educator, Nicole Gitlin, to learn about the vital roles omega-3s play in supporting brain health and cognition throughout every stage of life – pregnancy through the aging adult.
Jim Higdon
Before co-founding Cornbread Hemp with his cousin Eric Zipperle, Jim was a journalist and author of The Cornbread Mafia, a nonfiction account of how his hometown in Kentucky became the headquarters of the largest marijuana syndicate in American history. In 2018, while covering the legalization of hemp as a journalist, Jim and Eric shared a vision for an authentic hemp brand that was true to the roots of Kentucky cannabis — and Cornbread Hemp was born. A native of Lebanon, Kentucky, with degrees from Centre College, Brown University, and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Jim now lives in Louisville with his wife and dog.
Bluegrass Basin Hemp: Authenticity, Sustainability, and Advocacy in Herbal Supplements
Learn the rich history of Bluegrass Basin Hemp™, why Kentucky is the best place in the country to grow cannabis, and how Cornbread is creating positive disruption and change with their organic standards, commitment to transparency with consumers, and advocacy for full spectrum hemp supplementation.
Delve into the story of cannabis in the U.S. – from centuries of hemp cultivation to decades of the War on Drugs that created outlaws in our own backyard, to the 2018 Farm Bill that turned the tides towards freedom. Join us at the intersection of Cornbread and Retail, where tradition meets science.™
Tom Dadant
Tom has spent the last 53 years of his life immersed in the Natural Foods movement and the Dietary Supplement industry. For the last 28 years, Tom has represented major supplement companies as a Science Educator and Herbal Storyteller. He joined the Host Defense education team in May of 2017 and began educating retailers and consumers nationwide on the benefits of mushrooms as dietary supplements. In 2019, Tom trained over 1,200 people in person, traveling over 75,000 miles nationally, and presented live webinars to over 2,400 attendees!
Updates on the Mushroom Mycelium and Fruiting Body Discussion
Join an expert in the field of fungal and herbal research and clinical applications in reviewing some of the underlying benefits of mushroom mycelium and fruit body supplements. There will be a discussion of the fungal lifecycle, safety and efficacy testing, as well as review of the recent and current research associated with our favorite fungal friends and allies. If you have any questions about mushroom supplements, this presentation provides facts and data points backed by research and clinical experience.