Recap: FNCE 2013

Last week was the Academy's Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo in Houston. I have never been to Texas before and was thrilled to enter the land of cowboys and rodeos... or at least that's what I had in mind. My flight to Houston was smooth sailing. Nobody sat next to me so, I picked up my feet and slept for 4 hours straight. Houston, we do not have a problem.

After I dropped off my bags at the hotel, I met up with my friends and mentors, Sharon Palmer and McKenzie Hall for a tapas lunch at Batanga.  I haven't seen these two since my California dream ended early September. Our times together are always filled with undeniably good food and laughs. We shared the chickpea puree (aka hummus) with flatbread, yucca fries which came with a very interesting banana ketchup, and a kale salad. This was just what I needed for a pre-conference meal.

And we were off to the convention center...


McKenzie and I were hired by the Tomato Products Wellness Council to work at their booth in the expo hall. The booth was looking fierce! Everything was tomato red, including a beautiful Coach purse that was the grand raffle prize. It was an amazing opportunity to work for Roger, the main man behind Tomato Wellness. On Sunday night, he hosted a classy tomato cocktail hour filled with bar bites and elaborate wine tastings. While at the booth, I met more dietitians than I ever expected to before arriving to FNCE. Whether it was a quick, "Hello," or a "Nice to meet you," I was on cloud-9! Keri Gans, David Grotto, Bridget Swinney, and Corinne Dobbas were just some of the dietitians I had the pleasure of meeting. I think my face in the picture below just screams, "A young dietitian's dream come true!"

David Grotto & Me.

When I wasn't at the tomato booth, I was wandering around the convention center halls. More tables of dietitians, books, and products lined the aisles. There was so much to soak in I had to keep a notebook and a camera on me at all times. This is when I ran into the fabulous, Robin Plotkin. I had been anticipating this moment since the time I stepped foot into the conference. I have been an intern for Robinsbite since May and have never met the woman! Since she is located in Texas and I am in New York so, our conversations consist of a lot of video chats and conference calls. Once we spotted eachother, in person, it was as if we had already met years ago. She gave me the biggest bear hug I will never forget! Robin was accompanied by the lovely Regan Jones and Holly Grainger, both two dietitians I look up to as a student in dietetics.

Chef Ryan Perra at The Grove Restaurant.

The rest of the conference included networking events, dinners, and lots of wine. These were great opportunities to not just say, "hello," but carry out an actual conversation with some experts in the field. At the Oldways reception, they announced the new Vegetarian and Vegan Diet Pyramid with the help of their nutrition consultant, Sharon Palmer. Later, at Ashley Koff's Allergen reception, dietitians were encouraged to speak up in an open ended conversation to fight the good fight and discuss solutions to food allergies and intolerances. I have to send a special shout out to Ashley for the amazing swag bag that was filled with yummy goodies.


After attending FNCE 2013, this RD-to-be is feeling motivated, inspired, and ready to take action! After spending hours upon hours in class, this was the perfect reminder of why this career choice was indeed the right one. There is so much to look forward to as I graduate this December.

{With a lot to celebrate - McKenzie and I finished off strong with sangria & dessert}

The Nutrition Student's Guide to FNCE 2013

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference is right around the corner. This year, it is being held in Houston, TX, beginning October 19th, 2013. As a young professional, who is just starting to make a name for myself, FNCE is the perfect networking opportunity. Thousands of dietitians from around the country gather together to meet each other and learn about upcoming nutrition trends. The only way I can explain this web of emotions is almost like going to the Oscars. Dietitians who I consider famous and who have been stealing the spotlight on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest suddenly become real, walking the same halls as... moi. Imagine coming face-to-face with Ryan Gosling or George Clooney. The typical girl would probably look something like this: pale as a ghost, weak at the knees, and stumbling over her own words. Well, that's probably someone like me, when I come to face-to-face with an A-list dietitian. I sure hope I'm not the only one who would feel this way, which is why I have created a handy dandy guidebook to get you (aka ME) through this Hollywood scene of stardom.

1. It's not what you know, it's who you know. 

The definition of networking is forming connections. These connections, or relationships  may just offer substantial benefits, like a job, or a referral. Networking also allows for the exchange of ideas, feedback, or a new perspective on a familiar topic. For students, speaking with experts in the field can lead to invaluable advice as we take our first steps towards becoming a registered dietitian. By putting ourselves out there and in-the-know, we have allowed ourselves to gain leadership skills which look all so important on dietetic internship applications. 

2. Make goals and commitments. 

I admit, sometimes I'm a little shy, which is even more of an incentive to speak up! In order to prepare yourself to let your personality shine, devise a plan. Make a mental note to introduce yourself to a specific number of people and collect this number of business cards. To accomplish these goals, you may have to get out of your comfort zone and physically make yourself visible in the room.  

3. Dress to impress. 

This is a professional event, not an 8am biology class. According to The Network Journal, about 55% of a first impression is based on how you present yourself. A first impression can be formed within as little as seven seconds of meeting, leaving little time to make it a lasting one. An appropriate wardrobe, proper posture, and a winning smile will create instant connections and will ultimately make you memorable.

4. Follow up for lasting connections.

You have said hundreds of hellos and your bag is filled with business cards. Now what? Keep in touch! Networking involves staying in touch with the connections you have made. Send an email to those who really stood out, thanking them for their time or advice. A thank you card can go a long way, if someone really stood out in your mind. Attend events regularly to become recognizable. You, too, can offer important resources and information. Send an invitation to an upcoming event or a recent article that pertains to a topic of conversation you had. 

Most importantly, be yourself! Confidence is key. 

...And don't overindulge at the expo.