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Call for Learning Lounge Proposals


FNCE 2026: Powerful Connection. Infinite Possibilities.

Call for Proposals Is Open March 2 – March 31.

Submit Proposal

The Learning Lounge microlearning sessions are designed to provide a quick look at trending health topics through quick 15-minute (~12-minute presentation with 3 minutes of Q&A) presentations. The shorter format of the Learning Lounge provides participants with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of topics and hear about success stories involving new approaches to patient support, practical applications of the latest research, special interest areas and more.

These sessions take place on a small stage with open seating between general FNCE® education sessions.

Topics should be evidence-based, relevant to nutrition care professionals, and focus on food and nutrition topics. Each talk should clearly answer: Why does this matter now, and what should I do differently because of it?

References

Learning Lounge Guide

No matter your job title or practice area, we welcome your unique perspective and expertise! Share your success stories, innovative approaches, and practical applications.

We are eager for individuals who are passionate about their subject area to submit a proposal on innovative approaches to work, results of research or a general or special topic of interest.

  • Proposals should highlight one specific topic related to dietetics and nutrition and be evidence-based.
  • Speakers should be lively, engaging, and comfortable speaking without notes and visual aids.

To make your proposal shine, ensure its relevant, evidence-based, forward-thinking, and clearly tied to measurable outcomes. Reviewers are looking for content that elevates the profession and delivers real value to learners.

The Learning Lounge is not a forum for new products or services. Any submission that falls within promotion of a product or service will be removed from consideration.

View a grading rubric for proposals

Types of Presentations Topic Examples

Research to Practice Translation
Clear summaries of what changed in the evidence, and what it means for RDNs and NDTRs in real practice.

  • New lipid targets: what changed and how to adjust counseling
  • Protein and aging: key shifts in the evidence
  • Research vs. hype on trending topics (hormone balancing, gut health, supplements, etc.)

Tactical "Tips" Sessions
Highly practical, immediately usable guidance (e.g. specific tools, scripts, workflows, or frameworks).

  • 5 lab markers you may be underutilizing, and how to apply them
  • Workflow hacks in telehealth
  • Digital tools for private practice
  • 3 revenue streams you haven’t considered
  • Steps to land your first board role

Emerging and Innovation Topics
Thoughtful exploration of what’s next in dietetics, grounded in implications for practice.

  • FemTech and why it matters to nutrition professionals
  • Wearables and nutrition data overload: what's useful vs. noise
  • Rising food costs and practical counseling implications
  • Consumer trust and product transparency
  • Evolving flavor and sensory trends

Workforce and Pipeline Conversations
Forward-looking conversations around education, workforce sustainability, and career growth.

  • Teaching strategies for medical students
  • Addressing declining internship enrollments
  • Evolving career pathways in dietetics
  • Precepting and navigating difficult conversations

  • Sponsored or product-driven content
  • A panel discussion
  • A literature review or dense data download
  • A 60-minute session squeezed into 15 minutes

  • Dietitians vs TikTok: Practical Nutrition Tips for Parents of Gen Z
  • GLP-1 Agonists and Fertility: What Dietitians Need to Know
  • Rethinking the Renal Diet: Undoing the One-Size-Fits-All Approach
  • Does Diet Matter in Adult Acne?
  • Brewing Up Health with Fermented Foods
  • HIIT or Miss? The Effects of Sustained High Energy Training on Cortisol

None! Speakers will use a wireless microphone, but no visual aids are included – no slides. Speakers can submit one handout to be uploaded into the FNCE® app.

These talks are designed to inspire curiosity, provide simple steps to take action or talking points, and to gain an understanding of new and innovative ideas. Adult learners are good at focusing on one subject at a time in relatively short chunks. But remember, shorter doesn’t mean lesser! We are looking for presenters who are engaging and creative.

Learning Lounge presentations contribute to the overall CPE total for FNCE® attendees. Learning Lounge sessions are required to follow CDR guidelines to qualify for CPE.

Speakers receive a 50% discount on the early registration rate.

The application for Learning Lounge sessions is open from March 2 - March 31. Accepted sessions will be notified by June 1.

Be prepared to submit some demographic and contact information, such as Academy member number, title and organization, and email address; an overall topic with suggested title, description, and outline; and references. Submitters are required and limited to submitting one learning outcome.

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!