By Sheldon Baker04.14.22
Diana Morgan is vice president of global regulatory at Nutrabolt. She is passionate about the natural products industry and has served it for over 15 years, having held previous roles at Care/of, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, The Vitamin Shoppe and Solgar Vitamin & Herb, a Nature’s Bounty company. Morgan also serves on the board of directors for the Council for Responsible Nutrition.
In addition, Morgan is founder of What's Up With SUPPS, which hosts natural products industry networking events and podcasts. Morgan received her MS in nutrition from University of Saint Joseph and BS in nutrition, food science and dietetics from Montclair State University in New Jersey. Her graduate research included conducting studies to understand consumer attitudes, knowledge and acceptance of non-GMO and gluten-free foods. She is also a Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) from the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Health E-Insights (HEI): How did you come up with the WUWS concept?
Morgan: The idea for WUWS came about when my previous boss was about to retire, I wanted to throw her a retirement party. Between her, myself, and another colleague, we knew a lot of industry people in New Jersey. So, I thought of doing an industry picnic for her retirement. She ended up not retiring until a few years later, so the picnic never happened but the idea was planted. Expo West 2020 getting cancelled was the catalyst that sparked my events. I genuinely was upset that I wouldn't be seeing my industry friends and family at Expo, so I decided to start building the first event.
HEI: When was the first event and was it an instant success?
Morgan: The first event was Sep. 21, 2020, at the Sushi Lounge in Totowa, NJ. It was a beautiful day in Jersey for an outdoor, socially distanced networking event. We had approximately 40 people and the atmosphere was so positive. Everyone was so happy to see each other in real life after what we had been experiencing during COVID.
HEI: Do you produce WUWS functions at all nutraceutical industry events?
Morgan: We have been hosting events at many of the major conferences and summits. In fact, this year (2022), we have one planned every month. Expo West was super, and SupplySide East in April should be a festive event as well.
HEI: Are you seeking corporate sponsors for your industry parties?
Morgan: Yes. Sponsorships are what help us to make these events epic and also provides a great opportunity to work closely with some pretty cool companies. If a company is interested in sponsoring, I encourage them to contact me and become directly involved in the industry networking and fun.
HEI: Several media outlets have stepped up to promote your events.
Morgan: Indeed. The response from industry media has been tremendous, including Nutraceuticals World.
HEI: What is your favorite part of presenting WUWS?
Morgan: The great thing about this industry is there are so many amazing companies that contribute to its liveliness and innovation. Being a passionate user of dietary supplements (and the industry at-large), I love seeing the organic connections being made and everyone smiling at our events. It is all about the vibe, and I am happy to continue spreading positivity and those good vibes.
HEI: How much of what you set out to do with WUWS has been accomplished?
Morgan: WUWS is really just beginning. I still have a lot of big plans to develop our group and continue fostering those organic connections within our industry.
HEI: You have a 9-to-5 job. How do you continue to find inspiration in what you do with WUWS?
Morgan: Yes ... so I need to prioritize my time. I often find the best inspiration when I am in "my zone" at the gym. I have come up with so many ideas for events or fun promotions when my headphones are on, and my endorphins are up.
HEI: What is the best way for industry members to learn more about your events?
Morgan: I am quite active on LinkedIn and Instagram and always post what is going on with SUPPS. I suggest following our Instagram account. Also, if anyone is interested in becoming involved with our events, I can be reached via email or social media.
About the Author: Sheldon Baker is CEO of Baker Dillon Group LLC and has created numerous nutraceutical brand marketing communications and public relations campaigns for well-known supplement and food industry companies. For Health E-Insights interview consideration or brand marketing consulting, contact him at SBaker@BakerDillon.com.
In addition, Morgan is founder of What's Up With SUPPS, which hosts natural products industry networking events and podcasts. Morgan received her MS in nutrition from University of Saint Joseph and BS in nutrition, food science and dietetics from Montclair State University in New Jersey. Her graduate research included conducting studies to understand consumer attitudes, knowledge and acceptance of non-GMO and gluten-free foods. She is also a Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) from the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Health E-Insights (HEI): How did you come up with the WUWS concept?
Morgan: The idea for WUWS came about when my previous boss was about to retire, I wanted to throw her a retirement party. Between her, myself, and another colleague, we knew a lot of industry people in New Jersey. So, I thought of doing an industry picnic for her retirement. She ended up not retiring until a few years later, so the picnic never happened but the idea was planted. Expo West 2020 getting cancelled was the catalyst that sparked my events. I genuinely was upset that I wouldn't be seeing my industry friends and family at Expo, so I decided to start building the first event.
HEI: When was the first event and was it an instant success?
Morgan: The first event was Sep. 21, 2020, at the Sushi Lounge in Totowa, NJ. It was a beautiful day in Jersey for an outdoor, socially distanced networking event. We had approximately 40 people and the atmosphere was so positive. Everyone was so happy to see each other in real life after what we had been experiencing during COVID.
HEI: Do you produce WUWS functions at all nutraceutical industry events?
Morgan: We have been hosting events at many of the major conferences and summits. In fact, this year (2022), we have one planned every month. Expo West was super, and SupplySide East in April should be a festive event as well.
HEI: Are you seeking corporate sponsors for your industry parties?
Morgan: Yes. Sponsorships are what help us to make these events epic and also provides a great opportunity to work closely with some pretty cool companies. If a company is interested in sponsoring, I encourage them to contact me and become directly involved in the industry networking and fun.
HEI: Several media outlets have stepped up to promote your events.
Morgan: Indeed. The response from industry media has been tremendous, including Nutraceuticals World.
HEI: What is your favorite part of presenting WUWS?
Morgan: The great thing about this industry is there are so many amazing companies that contribute to its liveliness and innovation. Being a passionate user of dietary supplements (and the industry at-large), I love seeing the organic connections being made and everyone smiling at our events. It is all about the vibe, and I am happy to continue spreading positivity and those good vibes.
HEI: How much of what you set out to do with WUWS has been accomplished?
Morgan: WUWS is really just beginning. I still have a lot of big plans to develop our group and continue fostering those organic connections within our industry.
HEI: You have a 9-to-5 job. How do you continue to find inspiration in what you do with WUWS?
Morgan: Yes ... so I need to prioritize my time. I often find the best inspiration when I am in "my zone" at the gym. I have come up with so many ideas for events or fun promotions when my headphones are on, and my endorphins are up.
HEI: What is the best way for industry members to learn more about your events?
Morgan: I am quite active on LinkedIn and Instagram and always post what is going on with SUPPS. I suggest following our Instagram account. Also, if anyone is interested in becoming involved with our events, I can be reached via email or social media.
About the Author: Sheldon Baker is CEO of Baker Dillon Group LLC and has created numerous nutraceutical brand marketing communications and public relations campaigns for well-known supplement and food industry companies. For Health E-Insights interview consideration or brand marketing consulting, contact him at SBaker@BakerDillon.com.
