There’s something about attending the world’s largest meeting of food and nutrition experts and dietitians that reminds you of the incredible, far-reaching influence of the dietetic profession. I had the pleasure of attending the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in Denver, USA, from Oct 7-10 and it was a privilege to connect with so many dynamic dietitians who are revolutionising the field of dietetics.

Here are a few stand-out moments:

• Stedman Graham’s inspiring keynote

Kicking off the conference, we were treated to an uplifting presentation by none other than Stedman Graham (yes, Oprah’s partner). His talk on identity leadership and self-awareness resonated deeply, emphasising the importance of knowing who we are to drive positive change.

• Mick Ebeling’s path to possibility

Mick Ebeling, the innovator and changemaker behind Not Impossible Labs, took us on an extraordinary journey. He shared his mission to transform the seemingly impossible into reality, leaving us all inspired to push the boundaries of what can be achieved.

• Mastering digital body language

Erica Dhawan, a trailblazer in the field of digital body language and connectional intelligence, delivered a compelling message. Her insights on mastering the art of digital interaction and building meaningful connections in the virtual world were invaluable in today’s digital age.

The expo was also an opportunity to sample some innovative  new products in the food and nutrition space. Here are three trends that caught my eye:

1. Gut health on the rise

The focus on gut health was impossible to miss. From pre- and probiotic products to the latest microbiome research,  the industry is placing greater emphasis on nurturing our gut health.

2. Health-focused snacking

The snacking landscape is evolving to accommodate diverse dietary needs. Health-focused snacks tailored for gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and soy-free diets are gaining traction, offering a wider array of options.

3. Functional beverages

With more individuals seeking alternative drink options, the functional beverage market is flourishing. I came across sparkling waters and sodas infused with probiotics, functional recovery drinks, plant-based milks, and kefir, all with added health benefits.