In June, nearly 4000 nutrition science professionals from 69 countries, representing almost 1300 organizations and institutions, descended upon Boston's Hynes Convention Center for ASN's first-ever standalone science sessions and annual meeting, Nutrition 2018. The inaugural event brought together basic, translational, clinical, and population scientists and practitioners to learn about the latest research and advancements in nutrition science and network with peers.
By all accounts, Nutrition 2018 was an enormous success. A record-breaking number of session proposals and abstracts were submitted, and the event attracted more attendees than any other ASN event, with a fresh, receptive audience: 42% were new to the ASN experience, not having attended any other previous ASN conference.
In between morning boot camp sessions and evening social receptions, Nutrition 2018 offered preconference workshops; 20 featured sessions; 2000 presentations of new, original research; 5 special lectures; interactive exhibits; alumni events; career development activities; networking opportunities; and the expo hall, called the HUB. With scientific symposia and educational sessions organized around 5 main themes, there was something for everyone.
"With Nutrition 2018, we've staked our claim as the source of the foremost experience for research, education and networking for nutrition professionals," said ASN President Mary Ann Johnson, PhD. "Nutrition 2018 delivered on our promise to bring together great minds, excellent science, and timely topics."
Hot topics included genetic-based nutrition, defining the value of a calorie, data collection methods, nutrition and brain health, sports nutrition, childhood obesity, and the importance of nutrition from birth to 24 months old.
Chwan-Li (Leslie) Shen, PhD, CCRP, from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, appreciated the conference's multidisciplinary approach to nutrition, saying, "I enjoyed the diversity of how nutrition should look like: from bench, translational, clinical nutrition to consumers and policies with the involvement of industries."
Audio and select presentations from the meeting are available on ASN on Demand at http://ondemand.nutrition.org.
Feedback from a postevent survey has been overwhelmingly positive. ASN continues to collect comments and reactions and will consider all inputs as plans for Nutrition 2019 come together.
Nutrition 2019 will be held on June 8 to 11, 2019, in Baltimore, Maryland. The abstract submission site will open in October 2018, and registration will open in January 2019. Check http://nutrition.org/n19 often or follow #Nutrition19 on Facebook and Twitter for updates as more information becomes available.