Summit Topics will include:

• Sugary Drink Taxes
• How to Fight Preemption
• Evidence for Added Sugar Reduction Policies
• University Pouring Rights Contracts
• Digital Food Marketing
• Centering and Meaningfully Engaging Impacted Communities
• Communicating About Disparities from an Equity Lens
• Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling
• Water as a Viable and Appealing Alternative to Sugary Drinks
• The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Advancing Sugar Reduction Policies
• Sugar in School Meals
• Low-Calorie Sweeteners
• Building Community Capacity and Shifting Power

See the full agenda-at-a-glance here. 

This Summit is open to public health allies, advocates, and activists for sugar and sugary drink reduction, including:

• Public Health Professionals
• Public Health Advocates
• Policymakers and Legislative Aides
• Public Health Students
• Medical and Dental Professionals
• Researchers
• Philanthropic Sector
• Thought Leaders

The Summit is not open to food and beverage industry professionals.

Who are the organizers of the Sugar Reduction Summit?

The Summit is hosted by Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a consumer advocacy organization founded in 1971 that works through advocacy, policy, education, and litigation to improve Americans diet and food supply.

CSPI has led efforts to:

• Add trans-fat and added sugars content to the Nutrition Facts panel
• Add major allergens to food labels
• Pass the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act to remove soda and junk foods from schools and improve school meals
• Add menu labeling to chain restaurant menus, supermarkets, and theaters
• Pass the law to secure the original Nutrition Facts labels on packaged foods in the 1990s

Is there a Summit registration fee?

The 2023 Sugar Reduction Summit is free of charge.

How do I login on the days of the event?

You will be emailed your login details after you register. The email will explain how to access the Summit platform.

Who do I contact if I have troubleshooting or technical issues?

Send an email to sugarsummit2023@getvfairs.io if you require technical assistance.

Which browser is best for best for viewing the summit platform?

For optimum viewing experience, we recommend that you use Chrome or Firefox browsers. 

Can I test my system before the event?

Yes, and we strongly recommend that you do. You will be provided with login details and can login before the Summit begins to ensure you are familiar navigating the online platform and have full access. If you find you need technical assistance, you should send an email to sugarsummit2023@getvfairs.io.

Will I be able to take away any information or resources from the event?

CSPI will provide a link to a Resource Library in the event platform, where documents provided by presenters and attendees are available to all.

What is the Virtual Hill Lobby Day on Friday, April 28 and how can I participate?

CSPI is pleased to organize a virtual Hill lobby day following the closing of the Summit. On Friday, April 28, participants will have the option to virtually “visit” their Congressional members’ offices to address the need to implement policies designed to reduce sugar and sugary drink consumption. Participation will require only 1-2 hours of your time.

Prior to our lobby day, we will prepare you to make the virtual visits and speak to your Congressional members. You do not need to have ever lobbied before! CSPI will organize the visits throughout the day on Friday, April 28 and at least one CSPI staffer will accompany you in the visit. Depending on the congressional office, your visit may also be combined with other people in your state or district.

Please note you can join a Hill visit even if you are not able to lobby (i.e., asking for support of legislation). For instance, many people who work in state government may not be able to lobby but can do policymaker education instead, in which case you are able to educate the Hill staffer about the issue—the impact of excess sugar and sugary drink consumption—but someone else in the meeting can do the lobbying (i.e., the “ask” to support legislation, etc).

People from your networks and organization—including those not attending the summit—are welcome to join the Lobby Day. If you're interested in learning more, please contact Colin Schwartz at cschwartz@cspinet.org.