Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo
The American Dietetic Association holds an annual conference every year called the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (“FNCE”). Many Registered Dietitians, nutritionists and other professionals in the field of nutrition gather for this to gain continuing education credits and build their network, so I was happy that I was able to attend this year in San Diego!
The conference had (what seemed like a million) workshops, poster sessions, excursions and sessions on anything and everything nutrition related. I was able to attend a workshop on getting school nutrition education implemented into the K-12 curriculum.
A few of the sessions I enjoyed were on the war on obesity, bariatrics and weight management, nutrition education and reaching under-served populations. I was even able to catch a media related session with the RD’s from Makeover Mom’s.
I think the expo portion of FNCE is a food blogger’s dream because there are tons of healthy food companies handing out information and samples of their (new) products for three days!
I learned that you should feel the neck of the pear (at the top around the stem) for a soft give if you want to figure out its ripeness! Hershey was there with their latest whipped chocolate kisses, slightly lower in calorie content than regular at 18 vs. 20 calories per piece. The serving size is 9 kisses so you are looking at 162 calories vs. 180 calories per serving.
Hershey has recently launched Moderation NATION, a national consumer education initiative supported through collaboration with the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
Healthy Shot was giving out samples of their protein supplement, which I have to admit tasted less than stellar. I think this would be ideal for post-surgery patients that truly require the protein, obese patients on a VLCD or those with other medical nutrition issues as opposed to athletes looking for extra protein fuel.
Bazi antioxidant-packed energy drinks…
I cannot begin to list all the other companies. Yogurt, yogurt everywhere …
I didn’t sample Yoplait, Stoneyfield, or Dannon but I did sample my personal favorite, Chobani! My research topic in Gastronomy class was Yogurt and that was when I first heard of Chobani- I gave a class presentation and passed around the only samples available at the time (2008), strawberry and blueberry.
I watched the Vitamix demonstration and tasted a delicious blend: Lime peel, Spinach, Pineapple and Kiwi. It was amazingly green and delicious! Amazing Grass was there, EAS, Larabar, Abbott Nutrition, Campbell, Safeway, Sara Lee…
My fridge is constantly stocked with Annie’s Goddess Dressing but I had no idea they made fruit snacks among tons of other product’s until I stopped by their booth! I chatted with some folks from Sargento and told them I loved doing a review for the Tastemaker program. Aside from samples, I was able to grab lots of information, from journals and brochures to coupons and business cards
One of the best parts of the EXPO was the networking opportunities it presents! I was able to stop into the Chobani booth and chat face-to-face with Sarah, the social media guru of The Chobani Blog. It was great to see a face with a site that I have had on my blogroll for awhile. One of the new flavors not yet in stores, Apples and Cinnamon, tasted identical to apple pie ala mode- yum!
I was also able to meet Kristin from KIND bars and chat with Sara Lee about their two bread varieties that still contain HFCS. Chris from Sambazon showed me that indeed, their new line of energy Acai drinks are at Wal-Mart locations here in NC! Companies that I had not heard of or tried before were there too. Bakery on Main was phenomenal, the chocolate chip cookie from Udi’s Gluten Free was amazing… Are you overwhelmed ? I was a little bit to be perfectly honest but I had a wonderful experience!
Have you ever attended a conference?
What is your best tip for networking?
