Naturally Chicago Pitch Slam and Financing & Innovation Conference — 5/21/24 major live event

NATURALLY CHICAGO’S 2024 PITCH SLAM AND FINANCING & INNOVATION CONFERENCE

TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

EPIPHANY CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 201 S. ASHLAND AVE., CHICAGO

PITCH APPLICATIONS AND TICKET SALES ARE OPEN!

We are thrilled to announce that Naturally Chicago's annual Pitch Slam and Financing & Innovation Forum — one of the Natural Products industry's biggest events — will be held on Tuesday, May 21. We will again present the event at Chicago's historic and beautiful Epiphany Center for the Arts.

Keep reading for the event's amazing lineup — which includes a keynote and fireside chat with one of the nation's most successful food entrepreneurs — and a link to purchase Early Bird tickets.

APPLICATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PITCH SLAM ARE OPEN!

Picking up where we left off last year, there will be not one but two Pitch Slams: one for businesses with $1 million-$4 million annual revenue, the other for businesses with less than $1 million annual revenue.

Here are three big reasons to apply to pitch now:

• Finalists will have the unique opportunity to promote their businesses' products and prospects to an audience packed with industry leaders and financiers. Our Pitch Slam judges are industry-leading experts who you'll want to get to know.

• The winners in each of the two categories will share in a prize package of business services valued at nearly $200,000.

• You'll want to put your best foot forward when you apply, so get an early start so you give it all the time you need.

ALREADY KNOW YOU WANT TO ATTEND?

GET YOUR EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW

$60 for Naturally Chicago members

(a 40% discount off full price)

$80 for non-members

(a 63% discount off full price)

Note: All ticket sales for this event are final; no refunds will be issued.

The Naturally Chicago Pitch Slam is the centerpiece of our Pitch Slam and Financing & Innovation Forum on May 21 at Chicago's incredible Epiphany Center for the Arts .

The Financing & Innovation Forum will featured industry leaders as speakers and panelists. Our Locally Made program — launched last May at the 2023 Pitch Slam — will also share the spotlight in a panel discussion involving leading retailers and in an update by Jim Slama, Naturally Chicago's Managing Director.

Add in the Innovation Showcase, where brands seeking capital will exhibit their products, and the Networking Reception, where Naturally Chicago brand partners can join industry leaders for fabulous cocktails, networking and more, and you're talking about one of the most rewarding and enjoyable Natural Products industry events this year. (Click here to learn more about becoming a brand partner.)

Here's the full agenda:

12:00-12:50 p.m.: Register and visit innovation showcase

1:00-1:05: Welcome by Ryan Pintado-Vertner of Smoketown Strategy, Master of Ceremonies

1:05-1:30 pm: Bringing Innovation to Retailers with Locally Made panel discussion: Amanda Puck, Mariano's; Jonathan Lawrence, Fresh Thyme Market; Katie Paul, KeHE (moderator)

1:30-1:50: Innovation Showcase

1:50-2:40: Keynote

2:40-4:20: Pitch Slam

4:20-4:40: Building the Natural Products Ecosystem

• Locally Made: Jim Slama, Naturally Chicago

• Mentorship: Greg Keller, Naturally Chicago

• Growing Financing Options: Jason Mercer, Cleveland Avenue; Salvador Dueñas, Chicago:Blend; Ashley Hartman, Chicago Seed Co.

4:40-5:00: Pitch Slam Winners announced

5:00-7:00: Innovation Showcase and fabulous cocktail reception