Hi Reader!

San Antonio is one of my favorite places in the world, so I’m especially excited about FNCE this year. I’m looking forward to seeing fellow Behavioral Health Nutrition (BHN) members, meeting new people, and spending some time in a city I love.

Between now and FNCE, I’ll be sending a short series of emails on Mondays and Fridays with conference tips and some of my San Antonio favorites. If this is your first FNCE, this one is especially for you.

My first FNCE was fun. It was also exhausting in a way I hadn’t planned for. Granted, I had my one-year-old daughter with me, which added a few things to the packing list. But I’ve needed more downtime than I expected every time I’ve gone.

I give myself a lot more grace now to skip a session, chill in my room, or explore the city by myself. I get more out of the sessions I do attend when I’m in the right headspace.

Give yourself options in the schedule

I go through the program ahead of time and save anything that catches my eye. I’ve put sessions in Google Calendar before, but I prefer using the FNCE app to keep my personal calendar cleaner.

When the time comes, I decide whether I’m up for a session at all, then look at which option feels most appealing or manageable. If I’m ambivalent and someone I’m with is excited about a particular session, I’ll sometimes go with them.

You can have several possibilities saved without committing yourself to every time slot. Leave room for meals and breaks, especially if you’re also planning evening events.

And if you start feeling guilty about skipping something after spending all that money to attend, take the break. Resting may make the rest of the conference a much better experience.

Wear comfortable shoes and carry less

For my first FNCE, I was hauling baby gear plus my own bag with a notebook, pens, and a Chromebook. Last time, I was down to myself, my phone, and a light sweater.

I usually pick up at least one canvas bag on the expo floor, so I don’t generally bring a separate one. If you need a bag from the start, a lightweight tote is an easy option. Think about what you’ll actually use before adding a laptop or a stack of notebooks.

For daytime sessions and the expo, my recommendation is sneakers, jeans, and a presentable top, with a sweater or cardigan handy. That’s based on what I’ve seen and felt comfortable wearing. You can look put together and still be comfortable walking around all day.

Evening events can be dressier. In my experience, BHN events tend toward business or cocktail attire, while some offsite events call for more of a going-out outfit. Check the specific event before packing. By the closing session, you’ll probably spot plenty of yoga pants.

Check the San Antonio forecast close to departure, too. I’ll include a weather check in the final email before FNCE.

Take the expo in smaller visits

The expo is huge. Don’t try to see it all at once.

Look over the map and exhibitor list, mark any booths you especially want to visit, and work through an area at a time. Give yourself time to talk with exhibitors and come back another day.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Samples, bags, and other swag accumulate quickly. Think about what you’ll use and how you’ll get it home before accepting everything.
• If you mainly want information, ask whether there’s a digital version.
• If someone wants to scan your badge, you can ask what kind of follow-up to expect.
• Some attendees feel they can piece together a meal from food samples. That hasn’t been my experience, so I’d still plan for lunch.

This year, the expo runs Sunday, October 25, through Tuesday, October 27. Research posters will also be in the Expo Hall. Check the scheduled presentation times if you want to speak with a poster’s presenter. The FNCE FAQ has the hours and details.

Have a breakfast and snack plan

I usually visit a grocery store and get breakfast food to keep in my room. I also keep shelf-stable snacks, like little packs of nuts or trail mix, that I can put in my purse.

Last year, Nourish hosted a free breakfast bar, but the line was much longer than I wanted to stand in. For me, getting up earlier to wait in that line wasn’t worth it when I could have eaten in my room.

Before buying groceries, check what your room has for food storage. And give yourself time for an actual meal during the day.

I don’t yet know what food options will be available inside the San Antonio convention center. But I’ve found San Antonio fantastic for nearby restaurants and walking around, and I’ll share some favorites later in this series.

Try an event if you’re coming alone

The welcome party and DPG events are good places to meet people. DPGs are dietetic practice groups, and their events bring together people with shared professional interests. The DPG/MIG Showcase is another opportunity to get acquainted with practice groups and member interest groups.

I’m the membership chair for BHN, and one thing I appreciate about DPG events is that executive committee members often circulate and look for people who might welcome an introduction or a chat.

Choose an event you’re interested in, and leave yourself some downtime around it. You don’t have to fill every evening.

Check registration requirements ahead of time: DPG/MIG events require registration, while the networking social at the showcase is free and open to FNCE attendees. See the official event guidance.

If you have a question about FNCE, or something you’d like me to look into while I’m there, reply to this email, or better yet, send me a message on my personal LinkedIn profile. I check LinkedIn more frequently than email during the conference. You’re welcome to send a question even if you won’t be attending.

See you next time!

Jennifer Parrott Hanes MS, RDN, LD

P.S. Need help packing? Here's a checklist to get you started: MMD-FNCE-2026-packing-checklist.pdf​

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