Nutrition For Mental Health

MoodMatters Dietetics

Countdown to FNCE

Fifth Edition

Hi Reader!

I’m looking forward to seeing people at FNCE. I’m also planning to need some time when nobody is talking to me.

Both have been part of every FNCE I’ve attended. I want to catch up with colleagues and meet people, but after a day of sessions, conversations, and wandering the expo floor, I need a break.

This year, I have a few events I’m definitely planning to attend. I’ll share those below so you can find me. But if you’re looking at your own schedule and wondering how to meet people without committing to something every evening, there are ways to make that feel more manageable.

Start With Something You Already Have In Common

Walking into an event alone can feel awkward, especially when it looks like everyone else already knows somebody.

An event connected to your interests gives you a place to start. Dietetic practice groups, or DPGs, bring together people around areas of practice. Member interest groups, or MIGs, offer connections around shared interests and experiences.

I’m the membership chair for Behavioral Health Nutrition DPG, and one thing I appreciate about DPG events is that executive committee members often circulate and look for people who might welcome a conversation.

Some of the more outgoing members will also walk right up and introduce themselves.

You can also approach someone helping with the event and say, “This is my first time coming to one of these. Could you tell me a little about the group?”

Don't be nervous if they look busy. They'd probably rather talk to you than whatever else they're trying to do!

You don’t have to arrive with an impressive introduction. Being interested is enough to begin a conversation.

Give Yourself Something Easy To Ask

You already have FNCE in common, so you can start there.

“Which session have you enjoyed so far?” works whether you’re standing in line or sitting down before a presentation. If someone mentions a topic you’re interested in, you have somewhere to take the conversation.

You might also ask:

“What kind of work do you do?”
“What brought you to this event?”
“Is there a session you’re especially looking forward to?”

Then follow what interests you about their answer. You don’t need to work through a list of questions.

If you recognize someone from their writing, research, or social media, be specific about what you appreciated. “Your post about ___ helped me think through ___” gives them more to respond to than trying to summarize everything you’ve ever seen from them.

And if they’re heading somewhere, a brief hello can stay brief. You can ask whether they’d be open to connecting afterward.

Plan for the energy the evening will take

If there’s an event you care about attending, think about what you need before it.

That might mean leaving the expo earlier, having a meal, or finding somewhere to sit by yourself for a while. I know I get more out of the things I attend when I give myself that room.

You can also decide that you’re going to stop by an event and see how you feel. You’re allowed to enjoy a conversation and still leave before the event ends.

“It was really nice meeting you. I’m going to head out, but I’d love to stay in touch” is a complete way to end a conversation. You don’t need an elaborate explanation for being tired.

If a busy reception isn’t appealing, consider a smaller opportunity: talking with the person beside you before a session, inviting someone to join you for lunch, or continuing a conversation on the walk to your next event.

Where You’ll Find Me

These are a few of the places I’m planning to be. All times are Central.

Sunday, October 25, 1–2:30 p.m.
I’m moderating Metabolism in Menopause: Integrating Nutrition, Hormones & Strength, in Hall 1. My friend Janna is presenting alongside a physical therapist and physician, and I’m excited to be part of it.

Sunday, October 25, 5:30–8 p.m.
The BHN/SHPN Joint Member Reception brings Behavioral Health Nutrition and Sports and Human Performance Nutrition together. It’s open to FNCE registrants and free for members of either group, but you still need to register. If you’ve already registered for FNCE, you can return to your registration and add the event. Be sure to complete the checkout process even if it’s free.

Monday, October 26, 5–7 p.m.
I’ll also be at the DPG/MIG Showcase networking social at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk. This one is free to FNCE attendees, with no separate registration required. It’s a chance to ask questions and learn about groups you might want to join, even if you don’t belong to one yet.

Find the reception and Showcase details here.

I’m also planning to attend the opening and closing sessions. My expo time will be less structured, depending on what else is happening and how I’m feeling.

If our plans overlap, come say hello.

Make It Easier to Follow Up Once You’re Home

When you meet someone you’d like to stay in touch with, ask how they prefer to connect. Before you move on to the next thing, make a quick note about what you discussed.

A name plus “talked about working in residential treatment” will give you much more to work with later than a name alone.

Your follow-up can be simple:

“It was nice talking with you at the BHN/SHPN reception. I enjoyed hearing about your work in ___. Here’s the resource I mentioned.”

If you didn’t promise a resource, don’t feel you need to find one just to justify reaching out. You can refer to the conversation and say you’d like to stay connected.

For now, choose one group you’d like to learn more about or one person you’d like to meet. Find an opportunity that fits your schedule, and leave yourself enough room to enjoy it.

My complete FNCE guide has the rest of my conference tips, packing advice, and San Antonio recommendations.

Will I see you at FNCE? Hit reply and tell me which events you’re planning to attend.

Jenn

P.S. Follow me around the web!