Back
As a first time exhibitor to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo®, I was amazed that not only could I stand for 8 hours a day in pretty much the same spot but speak with over 1,000 individuals that stopped by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s booth to try our delicious samples showcasing the versatility of blueberries and listen to our expert opinion on their goodness. The conference was held in the beautiful Boston, MA from October 15th through the 18th.
A key learning from the exhibitor perspective is that health professionals are excited about nutrition research and eager to accept materials that they are then able to use in their practices.
Though as an exhibitor I was not able to attend any of the over 140 education events or the FNCE® 2016 Opening Session, I believe the opening words by the current Academy President Lucille Beseler, MS, RDB, LDN, CDE, FAND provides a powerful message on what it means to be a Registered Dietitian now and for the future, and what the atmosphere at FNCE® truly is. This video, also played at the Opening Session, provides a good insight into the many different aspects of Dietetics.
Next year is the Academy’s 100th Anniversary and Ms. Beseler so eloquently stated, “…we have an opportunity to help solve the greatest food and nutrition challenges of the day through the transformational power of nutrition. And because we can’t think about where we are going unless we understand where we have been, I start by thinking about the past. We all have a story that tells what brought us to this point, at this time.”
This statement and the other commanding messages she provided, gives me the extra oomph to not only continue to strive for the best as a Registered Dietitian but also in my position at PadillaCRT. I am fortunate not only to work with other Registered Dietitians but also other talented professionals that work hard for the brands we represent, whether it’s staying on top of nutrition affairs related news or coming up with creative ideas to put our brands at the top of the marketplace.
No matter if I’m participating at FNCE® as an attendee or an exhibitor I am always fortunate to network with other Registered Dietitians, health professionals, nutrition influencers, and other exhibitors on ways we are pushing the envelope in the nutrition and food sector. I am eager to see what myself, my FoodMinds coworkers and the Food and Beverage colleagues at PadillaCRT have up their sleeves.
See you at FNCE® 2017 in Chicago, IL!
