Meetings & Events

NCAND Continuing Education Series – Launching January 2026

The North Carolina Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NCAND) is proud to announce our 2026 Continuing Education Series, designed to provide registered dietitians, dietetic technicians, and nutrition professionals with cutting-edge education, networking, and hands-on skill building.

What’s New in 2026

For the first time, our series will be organized into three professional tracks:

Clinical Practice

  • RDNs in Trauma Care: Insights from a registered dietitian working at a major trauma center in Baltimore, MD, highlighting innovative ways dietitians are integrated into the care team and strategies for team-building.
  • Endocrinology & Weight Management: A nationally recognized endocrinologist will share why dietitians are vital partners in obesity treatment, especially with the rise of GLP-1 medications, and how to strengthen collaboration with endocrinology practices.
  • Eating Disorder Treatment Innovations: A doctoral student from Southern California will discuss her work with eating disorder specialists, focusing on pharmaceutical and behavioral interventions in high-level care settings.

Entrepreneurship & Business

  • Branding Your Business: Crafting a professional identity that resonates with clients and collaborators.
  • Gaining Clinician Buy-In: Practical approaches to increasing referrals by demonstrating value to surgeons, physicians, and specialists.
  • Developing a Marketing Plan: Step-by-step guidance on building sustainable business strategies.
IDEA – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access
  • Food & Culture: Respecting and incorporating diverse food traditions in clinical and community practice.
  • Creating a Diversity Handbook: Practical tools for beginning diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace.
  • Emerging Topics: Addressing weight bias in care, mentoring diverse students, building cultural humility, and strengthening community partnerships.
Culminating In-Person Event

The series will conclude with a live, in-person event in the Raleigh/Durham area featuring:
  • Hands-On Business Skills Workshop: Led by Mari Milenkovic of Los Angeles, attendees will refine their business and marketing objectives and leave with a concrete action plan for growth.
  • Clinical & IDEA Speakers: In-person sessions will expand on clinical excellence and diversity initiatives.
  • Professional Headshots: Available on-site for just $25.
  • Networking with NC Leaders: Connect with peers, speakers, and Ken Melton, NCAND’s lobbyist from Ken Melton & Associates, to strengthen advocacy and professional relationships.
  • Pre-Event Social Gathering: The night before, join us for an informal networking event to connect with colleagues and meet the speakers in a relaxed setting.
Why Attend?

This series offers more than CEUs—it’s an investment in your professional growth. From clinical insights to entrepreneurial strategies to inclusive practice tools, participants will walk away with knowledge, skills, and connections that directly impact their careers and communities.

Stay tuned for additional speaker announcements and activities as we get closer to launch.


NCAND Regional Meeting Attendee Cancellation Policy:

  • Participants who have pre-registered will be assessed the following administrative fees upon cancellation for any purpose.

  • Cancellation up to 14 days before the event - full refund

  • Cancellation within 3-13 days of an event - administrative fees: $25

  • Cancellation within the 3 days prior to an event - no refund

  • No show - no refund