NASC Reflections
2026 NASC Petra's Reflections
What a joy to be back at the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Annual Conference. In the great revolving calendar of Alkemist event coverage, I hadn’t won this lotto draw in eight years, with my last NASC appearance back in 2018.
Wow, has NASC grown since I’ve been gone. The conference sold out at 450 attendees, with a long waitlist of hopeful attendees and exhibitors crossing their fingers for a last-minute spot.
I had the privilege of presenting “Contract Labs: Choosing a Critical Quality Partner” to a packed room that was a bit of a journey from the main hall. It was wonderful to see such strong engagement during the session and to field so many thoughtful questions afterward.
There are many things I could highlight from this event, but what I want to focus on is the man who leads NASC and has been there since its founding: Bill Bookout.
Bill Bookout is a real one. Bill Bookout is the real deal.
He is deeply committed to NASC’s mission of helping companion animals live longer, healthier, and more enjoyable lives. Under his leadership, NASC has developed a successful co-regulatory framework that helps protect both the availability and quality of animal supplements despite the absence of a formal regulatory pathway. Soon, NASC will unveil its proposed Animal Health Supplement Act, another important step forward for the industry.
If you ask Bill about Project K-9 Hero, a cause proudly supported by NASC, his eyes well up as he recalls the stories of individual dogs who have been rescued and cared for through the organization’s efforts. These dogs served faithfully alongside their human partners. Yet when age or health forces them into retirement, their care is rarely supported by the agencies they served. Instead, the responsibility often falls entirely on handlers and adopters. Project K-9 Hero helps bridge that gap, ensuring these remarkable animals receive the care they deserve.
Happy 25th anniversary, NASC. And Bill, thank you for your passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the mission. Keep up the good fight!
P.S. Just in case you’re wondering, yes, there was a charity golf tournament. And yes, I won Women’s Long Drive. And yes, Jane Phelps won Women’s Long Putt.