With 10,000 registered dietitians from 50 states and 36 countries, FNCE 2016 was the place to be. In fact, it was the largest gathering of Registered Dietitians in the U.S. this year, giving the Blueberry Council – a main sponsor – the perfect opportunity to influence key decision makers and thought leaders in the health arena.

Attendees who visited the USHBC booth were treated to a variety of recipe samples that highlighted fresh, frozen and dried blueberries, and demonstrated how RDs’ clients can make smart choices all day long just by using more blueberries.

The event team also shared the latest on blueberry nutrition and health research, and handed out Little Blue Dynamos tote bags, water bottles with fruit infusers and blueberry-themed grocery lists – all to serve as reminders for RDs to recommend blueberries.

During a breakout session, Dr. Kerry Ivey, post doctoral fellow who works with USHBC-funded researcher Dr. Eric Rimm of Harvard presented the latest epidemiological studies that show flavonoid-containing foods like blueberries are associated with a decreased incidence of diabetes, weight gain and cardiovascular disease.

Finally, attendees were encouraged to participate in a Little Changes, Pass It On recipe contest for a chance to win great prizes. The contest kept blueberries top of mind for weeks after the event ended, and came to a close on Nov. 10. Keep an eye on USHBC social channels to hear about our big, blueberry-loving winner, being announced December 1.