Pre-FNCE^® Excursions

Enjoy the opportunity to explore Nashville before heading to the conference and expo.

FNCE^® Sweat & Connect

Date: Saturday, October 11
Time: 11 a.m. (Central time)
Location: Walk of Fame Park, 121 4th Ave. S, Nashville, Tenn. 37201

Member Price: $30 | Non-member Price: $60

Join us on Saturday, October 11, at Walk of Fame Park, conveniently located across from Nashville's Music City Center, for a high-energy fitness event that sets the tone for FNCE^®.

Led by professional fitness instructors, this workout will guide attendees through a series of energetic stations. Attendees will be divided into 3-4 groups, rotating through a variety of strength training, cardio, and other invigorating workouts. This format ensures everyone gets a taste of different fitness styles while building connections with fellow FNCE^® attendees in a fun and supportive environment.

Start your FNCE^® experience feeling strong, energized, and ready to tackle an inspiring week of learning and networking!

Transportation will not be provided. In the event of inclement weather, the workout will be moved indoors to Music City Center.

The Art of Indian Fusion Cooking

Date: Saturday, October 11
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Central time)
Location: Chauhan Ale & Masala House, 12th Ave. N, Nashville, Tenn. 37203

Member Price: $225 | Non-member Price: $255

Join us for an exclusive cooking class and chef demonstration at Chauhan Ale & Masala House, a restaurant renowned for its globally influenced Indian cuisine that celebrates flavors from Mumbai, New Delhi, and Nashville alike. Co-owned by celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan, this culinary gem is the perfect setting for an unforgettable hands-on experience.

Led by Executive Chef Tom Eckert, this event combines interactive learning with expert demonstrations. You'll roll up your sleeves to create two recipes while watching Chef Eckert prepare two additional dishes, giving you an inside look at professional techniques and flavor-building secrets. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the bold flavors of Chauhan Ale & Masala House while learning from one of Nashville's top chefs!

Registration includes:
A welcome seasonal sangria, hands-on cooking class and chef-led demo and a delicious lunch featuring your creations. Transportation will not be provided.

Limited seats available. Please note: This event is not approved for continuing education credits.

Facilitator: Executive Chef Tom Eckert

Born and raised in Naperville, Ill., Corporate Chef Tom Eckert developed a love for cooking at an early age. Eckert received his degree in culinary arts from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, and soon became junior sous chef at Monsoon, an upscale Indian-Asian restaurant in Chicago before moving on to serve as sous chef under Maneet Chauhan at Vermilion in Chicago.

Eckert then became executive chef at Café 103, which was nominated for best new restaurant and listed as one of the city's "21 Best New Restaurants" by Chicago Magazine under his direction. During his time there, Food & Wine included Café 103 in a list of where to go next in Chicago, and TimeOut Chicago named Café 103’s Guinea Hen Roulade in their list of "100 best things we ate this year."

From there, Eckert returned to his hometown of Naperville, to serve as executive chef at Deliro, a Latin fusion tapas restaurant before moving to Nashville to serve as corporate chef for Morph Hospitality Group. In December of 2023, he spearheaded the opening of Morph's third concept, eet by Maneet Chauhan, in Disney Springs.

Eckert now resides in Nashville with his two children Mason and Josie, and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Dogosaurus Rex.