"I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship." - Brené Brown When we think of connections, we often think of our non-work life: from romantic relationships to friendships and family ties. But, increasingly, the idea of connection is becoming synonymous with thriving at work, too. In the throes of the global pandemic, people really started to take notice, as our inability to be together in person was overtly threatening our ability to connect with one another. But the importance of connectedness is nothing new. As one of our keynotes Dan Buettner shares, community is one of the key drivers of longevity—and has been for centuries—in Blue Zones across the globe. Today, awareness of its role in business continues to grow with Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Robert Half and more sharing ways to deepen connection to bolster success.
Recent New Hope Network research also explores how connection is changing consumer behaviors; Gen Z consumers, for example, are shaping the CPG landscape with an ultra-connected and emotions-centric approach to decision making. Luckily, the natural and organic products industry has long understood the deep connection we share with each other and the planet. After all, health—the foundation of this industry—is deeply personal. It's no surprise, then, that brands, retailers and investors increasingly prioritize building relationships, putting people at the heart of their business. At Newtopia Now, we're committed to fostering these connections, empowering individuals and businesses to thrive within a flourishing natural and organic ecosystem.
Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match!
There are several unique ways that attendees can forge and deepen relationships and partnerships at Newtopia. Matchmaking services are core to Newtopia Now and will ensure productive and authentic connections through a data-driven process fueled by detailed metrics and product attributes from Beacon Discovery™, the only discovery and engagement platform for natural products brands and retailers. Through our matchmaking program Conscious Connections, attendees will have visibility into the companies that best align with their needs pre show to set up focused on-site meetings and allow for better business to happen while you’re in Denver. Making the connection is only one part of the equation, though. The key to a successful relationship lies in greater understanding. Newtopia Now’s content on each of the neighborhood’s four stages helps build greater empathy among brands and buyers—from what key retailers look for in their next best-selling products during our Buyerside Chats to specific insights into how to strengthen partnerships with innovative merchandising, investing in multicultural brands and more during our Insights for Retailers sessions. But let us not forget the power of serendipity, either. At Newtopia Now, we’re also getting the right people in the right place at the right time and letting the magic ensue! From Dine-Arounds at some of Denver’s most mouthwatering sustainable restaurants to tantalizing networking experiences centered around top-of-mind industry issues, we’re curating members of the CPG community to co-create a more sustainable and equitable CPG community—and world. Because, after all, don’t some of life’s greatest connections happen when you least expect them?
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