Spotlight Presentations
Learn about the latest information on innovative products and services to share with clients and patients.
All events will be held at the Expo Hall Spotlight Stage in the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Becoming a Prunefluencer: How Nutrition Professionals Can Advocate for Prunes
October 6 | 11:40 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sponsored by FNCE® Spotlight Sponsor: Sunsweet Growers
Food is personal – especially for nutrition professionals. Sunsweet Partner Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, will explain how a family history of osteoporosis motivated her to become a vocal advocate for prunes – even coining the term "prunefluencer." Lauren will highlight prune nutrition and functional benefits, discuss the latest research on prunes and bone health, share new ways to enjoy prunes and prune juice, and reveal effective techniques nutrition experts can leverage to prunefluence their audiences. The first 60 attendees will receive a Sunsweet branded cup for a mocktail toast at the booth.
- Describe the findings of at least two studies about prunes and bone health.
- Explain at least two ways they can advocate to their audiences about enjoying more prunes more often.
Lauren Manaker, MS, RD, CLEC
Go with the FL-OJ! Wellness Yoga Breaks
October 6 | 12:45 – 1:05 p.m. | 3 – 3:20 p.m.
October 7 | 9:30 – 9:50 a.m. | 10:50 – 11:10 a.m.
Sponsored by FNCE® Yoga Sponsor: Florida Orange Juice
Relax, stretch, and ease tension with a 20-minute low intensity yoga break sponsored by Florida Orange Juice. The breaks are free to attend, yoga mats and towels will be provided, and business or casual attire can be worn.
Mascha Davis, MPH, RDN
Mascha Davis MPH, RDN is a nationally recognized registered dietitian nutritionist, author and founder of Nomadista Nutrition, a private nutrition practice based in Los Angeles. Mascha is passionate about communicating the importance of prioritizing health and wellness to the public and has been featured in numerous publications and media outlets. Through her private practice, she helps clients optimize their health and also provides nutrition consulting services to start-ups and corporations. Mascha is a big proponent of the mind body connection, and yoga is a huge part of her life. She has been practicing for over 15 years and helps her clients and followers incorporate it in their life.
Science of Soy: Addressing Nutrition for Breast Cancer and Menopause
October 7 | 12 – 12:20 p.m.
Sponsored by FNCE® Spotlight Sponsor: Soy Connection by U.S. Soy
Conversations around soy are not without controversy when patients and clients are faced with conditions involving hormonal imbalances, like menopause and breast cancer. During this Spotlight Session, Hillary Wright and Liz Ward, two expert dietitians will address common misconceptions about soy, highlight soy's role in the diet and how dietetic professionals play a supporting role in improving health outcomes related to menopause and breast cancer.
Liz Ward, MS, RDN
Hillary Wright, MEd, RDN, LDN
Maximize Your Brain Health
October 7 | 12:35 – 12:55 p.m.
Sponsored by FNCE® Spotlight Sponsor: Neuriva®
Americans' growing concern for brain health with aging is evident. Discover groundbreaking science showing how lifestyle choices profoundly impact your brain. Learn how phytonutrients and the brain health supplement Neuriva can support focus, memory, and mental alertness. Leave equipped with expert tools for both yourself and your patients and clients, whether they're in their 20s, mid-life, or enjoying retirement.
- Demonstrate an understanding of specific phytonutrients and their food sources that cross the blood-brain barrier to protect neurons, the working units of the brain.
- Identify the crucial role of key nutrients for brain health and how to assess and monitor them.
- State how supplements, like Neuriva can fill nutritional gaps and may improve brain health indicators.
Melissa Halas, MA, RDN, CDE
Enhancing Muscle Health and Nutrition Care in Adults with Obesity
October 7 | 1:10 – 1:30 p.m.
Sponsored by FNCE® Spotlight Sponsor: Abbott
Join us to discuss nutritional considerations and the importance of muscle health for those with obesity and/or pursuing weight loss through dietary interventions, weight loss medications and metabolic and bariatric surgery. Emerging evidence on protein supplementation and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) will be explored.
- Summarize the importance of muscle health in obesity.
- Review available guidelines for weight loss and nutrition support for adults with obesity.
- Discuss evidence-based nutrition therapies for adults with obesity.
Carley Rusch, PhD, RDN, LDN
Join the Academy
Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics receive exciting benefits including complimentary continuing professional education opportunities, discounts on events and products in eatrightSTORE.org, invitations to exclusive members-only events and more!