Student Hosts at FNCE®
Be more than a FNCE® attendee. Be a Student Host!
Want to level up your conference experience and get a discount on registration? Apply to be a Student Host at this year's Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo®!
You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how it all comes together, build your network, and help keep things running smoothly, whether that's greeting guests, supporting sessions, or jumping in where needed. In return for your help, selected Student Hosts can register for the full conference for only $50!
Here's what to know:
- Student Hosts must apply between June 10, 2026 and August 3, 2026
- Applications are evaluated and selected on a first come, first served basis so don't wait to apply
- Student Hosts are required to serve at least two, 2-hour shifts during the conference (4 hours total)
Don't wait! Get involved, make connections, and be a part of the FNCE® experience!
Timeline
Revised 2026 Student Host Timeline
- March 31: Host advert goes to educators
- June 19: Student Host application opens
- July 1: Staff request for hosts opens
- July 31: Staff request for hosts closes
- August 3: Student Host applications close
- August 4 – 7: Student Hosts notified about acceptance
- August 18: Student Hosts provided shifts
- September 18: Deadline for Student Hosts to register & sign up for shifts
- September 22: Student Host list goes to staff
- October 13: Reminder to staff to contact Student Hosts
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Being a Student Host provides you with the opportunity to connect with a wide variety of attendees and allows you to build organizational and leadership skills by working with Academy staff. Hosts serve in many different functional roles during the conference, which makes the conference experience more positive for everyone!
Applications will be reviewed and accepted or rejected between August 4, 2026, and August 7, 2026. You will know by August 7, 2026, whether you were accepted or not.
Information on how to register at the discounted rate will be provided to accepted Student Hosts via email. If you are not selected as a Student Host, you will still have time to register at the early bird rate. We strongly recommend waiting to hear about the status of your application on August 7, 2026, before you register.
Shifts sign-ups happen between August 18, 2026, and September 18, 2026. Instructions on how to sign up for available shifts and a sign-up link will be sent to accepted Student Hosts via email on August 18. Hosts are required to sign up for at least two 2-hour shifts, and available shifts are first come, first served once the sign-up opens.
Student Hosts assist with a variety of tasks that enhance the conference experience for attendees. Some examples include:
- Directing attendees with signage and directions
- Preparing information packets or gift bags
- Welcoming attendees to specific areas of the conference like Academy booths, the Student Lounge or in the Expo Hall
- Assisting with timekeeping and counting attendees at sessions
- Greeting guests and assisting staff at receptions
Anytime during the conference between October 23-27, 2026, and there are shifts both during the day and in the evening.
We understand that sometimes things happen that are out of your control! Please let staff know by emailing to ensure you are not charged any additional fees.
Student Hosts who register but don't sign up for shifts will be charged the full conference fee after sign-ups close on September 18, 2026.
If Student Hosts don't attend their shifts, then they will be charged the full conference fee once the conference ends.
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!