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Tag: FNCE

  • Opening session reflections FNCE® 2025

    Opening session reflections FNCE® 2025

    The event started on Saturday, October 11 with a dynamic opening session featuring TV host, author and award winning chef Carla Hall. Hall was the perfect speaker to invigorate dietitians and nutrition professionals before a whirlwind four days in Nashville, TN. A Tennessee native herself, Hall used her professional experience and understanding of culture to inspire those in attendance as she spoke about the ways food connects us. Speaking from the heart, Hall adlibbed her way in and out of her talk, weaving in personal anecdotes from her dinner the night before at local Nashville spot, “The Audry” and reminiscing about personal food memories like savoring her mother’s meatloaf and her grandmother’s specialty dish, hot water cornbread.

    Hall shared her personal connection to food through her African American roots inspiring attendees to think about their own food memories, and she challenged everyone to think beyond food as energy. Having this perspective is crucial for dietitans to better counsel clients and patients in an inclusive and culturally appropriate way. Hall spoke about the difference between a “celebration food” versus an “everyday food,” and also called on those in the food industry to consider the nutrient density of the items on their menus as so many rely on takeout or dine at restaurants regularly. She even gave the example of another chef changing his menu after he realized he couldn’t routinely eat in his own restaurant. Just as dietitians adapt to new and emerging trends others in the food industry should too. Hall emphasized that, “Food is nourishment. Food is fuel. And food is connection.”

    The passionate way Hall talked about food and the impact it has had on her life shined through every moment of her session. Attendees left inspired, energized and empowered to connect with food in ways that nourish their body and well-being.

     

    Alyssa Smolen, MS, RDN, CDN, is a community dietitian, communications cochair for the NJAND, and nutrition content creator on Instagram. She has been quoted as a nutrition expert in Food Network, Forbes, Parade and US News and World Report. Her account, @arugalyssa, promotes simple recipes and is a source for myth-busting nutrition misinformation.

    You can connect with Alyssa on Instagram, TikTokand LinkedIn



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  • That’s a wrap on FNCE® 2025

    That’s a wrap on FNCE® 2025

     

    FNCE 2025 offered a broad look at emerging trends, technologies, and conversations shaping the nutrition profession. Held in Nashville, USA, from October 11-14, it was an incredible opportunity for the Dietitian Connection team to connect with so many trail-blazers in the field, and we came away with so many lessons.

    Here are five key takeaways from this year’s conference:

    • Food as connection, culture, and community

    Chef Carla Hall opened FNCE with an inspiring reminder that food is more than fuel. It’s a reflection of who we are and how we connect. Her message set an uplifting tone for the week and grounded the conference in what truly brings us together.

    • Creatine is having a moment

    Creatine was everywhere — from the expo floor to the learning lounge and education sessions. Interest in this area is expanding beyond performance into areas like cognition, aging, and women’s health.

    • Is fiber the new protein?

    After several years of protein-focused products, this year brought a noticeable shift back to fiber. With “fibermaxxing” trending in the media, fiber-forward products had the opportunity to seize the moment.

    • AI will reshape nutrition communication

    AI is influencing how dietitians create, share, and even see their content re-used online. Conversations around accuracy, evidence-based information, and how the RD voice can feed large language models are becoming increasingly important.

    • But, where was the food in the expo hall?

    To us, the expo floor looked a little different. There seemed to be fewer commodity boards and food samples and more supplements, tech, and business solutions. Innovation in the industry is exciting, but it raised a question: have we moved a bit too far from the plate at a food and nutrition conference?

     

    Find out more in these recaps from trailblazing early-career dietitian Alyssa Smolen, MS, RDN, CDN:

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  • Opening session reflections FNCE® 2025

    Opening session reflections FNCE® 2025

    Reflections from the 2025 FNCE® Closing Session

    By Maree Ferguson

     

    Staying Authentic and Playing the Long Game: Joy Bauer in Conversation with Andy Cohen

     

    At FNCE, Joy Bauer sat down with Andy Cohen for a candid conversation about building a career that blends passion, authenticity, and balance.

    There was some controversy with Andy being chosen as the keynote speaker.  Not knowing too much about him, as an Australian who doesn’t watch The Real Housewives, I went in with an open mind..

    Andy shared that while his “day job” has always remained his main focus, but side projects keep things interesting. His mantra? Lean into the mess. Be yourself, stay relaxed, and go with what you know. Audiences can sense when you’re genuine, and authenticity always wins.

    He encouraged dietitians to see today’s media landscape and digital world as full of opportunity. Start small, focus on doing one thing really well, then build from there. “This is a great time for content creators,” Andy said. “There are so many platforms; use them strategically to expand your footprint.”

    To stay visible and relevant, Andy suggested focusing on what people already recognize you for, then using that as the foundation to pivot into new areas. A podcast, blog, or social media can help new audiences discover you.

    Andy also stressed the importance of discipline and consistency, from meeting every deadline to keeping a clear perspective on what really matters. He shared that writing daily for years helped him reflect, stay grounded and be intentional about life choices.  When it comes to balance, family keeps Andy’s career in perspective. He makes time for what matters most, even if that means saying no to opportunities that don’t align.

    Despite his success, Andy reminded everyone that “nobody is immune to haters.” His advice: focus on your community, stay true to what you do best, and put your phone down when things feel overwhelming.  Reconnect with real people, and remember that what feels big online often isn’t.

    Ultimately, Andy’s message was about playing the long game: prioritize what fuels you, protect your time, and keep showing up with passion and purpose.

    And a big shoutout to Joy Bauer who nailed the interview!  Joy led a dynamic, engaging conversation blending career insights with personal stories, and kept the energy high from start to finish. A truly gifted interviewer!

    To see more of Joy in conversation with dietitians – check out our Dietitian to Dietitian webseries. 

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  • Mission in Motion keynote FNCE® 2025

    Mission in Motion keynote FNCE® 2025

    Many dietitians fall into the field of nutrition because of their love of science, helping others or interest in health. To many, the dietetics profession does not outwardly scream “creative.” However, celebrated dietitian, chef and host Ellie Krieger challenged us to think otherwise during her “Mission in Motion” keynote session.

    As a New York Times best-selling author, two-time James Beard Foundation award winning author of seven cookbooks and weekly columnist for the Washington Post, Krieger led an inspiring session on the power of creativity. She asked the audience if they considered themselves creative. Many raised their hands, but others stayed silent. She went on to tell the audience about her humble beginnings in guitar and singing, and the inspiration she gets from the painters and poets in her family. It is this creative arts foundation, she said, that shaped her successful dietetics career.

    Krieger emphasized how being creative can enhance cultural competencies, lead to more effective communication, and allow dietitians to possess better problem-solving skills. Her unique perspective on bridging the gap between creativity and dietetics highlighted a new way for practitioners to further enhance their skills as dietitians.

    The session closed with Krieger sharing a FNCE haiku showcasing her light and refreshing personality. For any dietitian who might feel stuck or for those simply seeking new energy, this session provided actionable strategies for cultivating creativity in everyday life and equipped dietitians with new ways to think, connect, and lead.

     

    Alyssa Smolen, MS, RDN, CDN, is a community dietitian, communications cochair for the NJAND, and nutrition content creator on Instagram. She has been quoted as a nutrition expert in Food Network, Forbes, Parade and US News and World Report. Her account, @arugalyssa, promotes simple recipes and is a source for myth-busting nutrition misinformation.

    You can connect with Alyssa on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn



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  • A recap from FNCE 2024​ ​

    A recap from FNCE 2024​ ​

    Join us as we recap the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) with registered dietitian and food and nutrition strategist, Janet Helm. Janet has more than 20 years of agency experience helping food and beverage clients intersect with food culture, tell their story and engage stakeholders. Whether you attended FNCE or not, you won’t want to miss her hot takes on current food and beverage trends, the major movements changing the way we eat, and the emerging opportunities for dietitians in media and nutrition communications.​

    Hosted by Kristin Houts

    Biography

    Janet Helm, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian and culinary professional with 20+ years’ agency experience working with food and beverage brands and agricultural commodity boards. As the former Chief Food and Nutrition Strategist for Weber Shandwick, a global PR agency, she’s helped clients intersect with food culture, tell their story and engage stakeholders. Janet recently started her own consultancy Food at the Helm. She is a sought-after speaker on food trends and has discussed the latest nutrition topics in the media, including segments on Good Morning America, Today and CNN. She is a former media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and recipient of the Academy’s Media Excellence Award. Her work has appeared in many national publications, including U.S. News & World Report, where she is a regular contributor.

     

    In this episode, we discuss:​

    • How she crafted the career she wanted in nutrition communications​
    • Her experience as one of the first dietitians working in PR– and the iconic campaigns she worked on​
    • The macronutrient darling on display at FNCE​
    • The research on ultra-processed foods and our role as dietitians to separate fact from fiction​​

    Additional resources

    Learn more about Janet’s career and Food at the Helm on her website.


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