2013 ISAE Star Award Winner for Outstanding Convention

On December 12 2013, the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior received the ISAE Star Award for Outstanding Convention for an Association with an annual budget under $750,000.00. The 2013 SNEB Annual Conference achieved a $21,000 profit despite a planned loss of $14,000.

The SNEB Annual Conference is the premier event for nutrition education professionals from around the world. Attendees have the opportunity to interface with nutritionists from extension, public health, government, academia, industry, and community settings. At the Annual Conference, SNEB hosts dynamic discussions, innovative research presentations, and hands-on training. In 2013 SNEB also increased programming to include several new successful conference features.

The four-day conference includes program sessions, abstract presentations, networking events, exhibit hall, business meeting, committee and division meetings, physical activities, and fundraising efforts. SNEB staff alongside a large group of volunteers, headed by the incoming president, are involved in planning, reviewing and staffing the conference. In 2013 SNEB maintained an attendance increase from 2012, which was 20% greater than the previous 10 year average and 92% of attendees rated the conference good or excellent.

Highlights of the 2013 Conference included speakers, Robert Post, USDA Deputy Director, Ellyn Satter, renowned author and authority on nutrition and Chavanne Hanson, Wellness Champion for Nestlé USA, Inc. Other noted features included a tech fair featuring apps developed by attendees and the introduction of SNEB Talks. Inspired by the format of Pecha Kucha, SNEB Talks gave attendees an opportunity to share their projects, ideas and innovative works. Another successful new program was “Link and Learn” sessions proposed and organized by individual members based on their areas of interest. The social media session had more than 75 attendees who decided to form a listserv following the conference!