Stagnito’s Obesity Summit 2004 will be held on June 24 and 25 at the Indian Lakes Resort, Bloomingdale, IL, near Chicago. This powerful conference will draw together leaders from all segments of the food industry to evaluate the challenge posed by the global epidemic of obesity and how the food industry can forge a unified, productive response.

Issues covered will range from the “Twinkie taxes” and class actions against junk food, to the meteoric rise of low-carb foods and the radical reworking of foodservice menus. This is an unprecedented gathering of the most influential and powerful figures in the unfolding crisis. Trial lawyers, food manufacturing companies, retailers, and foodservice will all be represented in this multi-faceted forum.

The program speakers are:
- Dr. Barry Sears, entrepreneur, innovator, and author of “The Zone.” Dr. Sears is a leading authority in the field of dietary control of hormonal response.
- Irwin Simon, chief executive officer, Hain Celestial Group, one of the leading natural food companies in the world.
- Sylvia B. Rowe, president and chief executive officer, Inter-national Food Information Council (IFIC). IFIC and the IFIC Foundation are the leading organizations for communication of science-based information on food safety and nutrition.
- Tracy Bargman, president of T-Catalyst LLC. Until recently, Bargman was vice president of product innovation at ConAgra Foods, where she created the Strategic Development Group, as well as the first Corporate Strategy on Wellness.
- Mark Baum, executive vice president, Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA). GMA has been instrumental in shaping a positive and proactive response to the obesity crisis, and represents a broad cross-section of the U.S. food industry.
- Dr. Mary Mulry, senior director, research, development, and standards, Wild Oats Markets Inc. This natural-foods retailer has proven that natural and organic products have a market beyond health food stores. It has also taken the lead in childhood obesity education.