2026 CAND Annual Conference - Earn 5.5 CPEUs

Join us for the Colorado Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Event on April 18th, 2026! This premier event promises a full day of learning, networking, and discovery in the heart of Colorado’s thriving nutrition community. With 9 expert speakers, you’ll gain valuable insights and tools to enhance your practice while earning 5.5 CPEUs to support your professional growth.

Held at the state-of-the-art CSU SPUR center, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore a hub for innovation, research, and education. Participate in 2 breakout sessions and 3 general sessions tailored to address current challenges and emerging trends in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student, or new to the field, there’s something for everyone.

But that’s not all—enjoy a complimentary lunch while connecting with registered dietitians, students, CAND members, and nonmembers. Build meaningful relationships with colleagues, share ideas, and expand your network in a welcoming and collaborative environment.

Don’t miss the vibrant exhibit hall, showcasing the latest products, services, and resources from leading industry exhibitors. Discover cutting-edge tools and solutions to support your work and improve outcomes for your clients.

This event is more than just a conference—it’s a chance to elevate your knowledge, inspire your practice, and connect with a community passionate about advancing the field of nutrition. Spaces are limited, so sign up today and secure your spot at this enriching and empowering experience!

Info: Welcome, State of the Colorado Academy Opening Session, Delegate Update, and Awards with Colorado Academy's Leadership Team

Info: Description:
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how people seek health information, make decisions, and engage with professionals. In this keynote, Drew reframes AI not as a threat to the profession, but as a catalyst for redefining dietitians’ roles as trusted guides. Through storytelling, real-world examples, and forward-looking insights, attendees explore how human skills – credibility, empathy, and judgment – become even more essential in an AI-enabled future.

1. Recognize how public use of AI is reshaping expectations of nutrition professionals.
2. Describe ways AI can complement, not replace, professional judgment, leadership, and communication.
3. Envision how dietitians can proactively adapt their roles in an AI-integrated future.

PIs:
5.2.1 Identifies potential or existing opportunities and challenges.
6.1.10 Seeks skills and knowledge to maintain proficiency and adapt to evolving technology advancements, including emerging tools, systems, and innovations in

Info: This presentation will overview a growing field of nutrition and dietetics that combines performance nutrition, sleep, and stress as well as long term disease risk reduction to best support those individuals that support our communities.
Learning Objectives:
-Describe the principles of tactical performance nutrition and how integrating fueling strategies, sleep optimization and stress management can support the health, readiness, and long-term performance of first responders.
-Overview performance plates and hydration strategies
-Define common long term disease risks, proactive biomarker assessment, and the pivotal role dietitians can play in our first responder communities.

Practice Competencies: 9.3.7, 2.1.7, 9.3.5

Info: The Intuitive Eating framework offers an alternative to restrictive dieting that helps individuals connect with interoceptive cues to navigate food choices and overcome psychological barriers related to eating. However, some individuals remain at high risk for chronic disease after successfully moving through the Intuitive Eating framework. These individuals may benefit from weight loss Medic*tion, specifically GLP-1 agonists, not only for their weight loss effects but also because of their wide-ranging benefits for other health conditions. While Intuitive Eating is not compatible with intentional weight loss, the skills of interoceptive awareness can be very beneficial for those using or titrating off of GLP-1 therapy. In this presentation participants will explore when and how to move between the Intuitive Eating framework and GLP-1 therapy, as well as when each of these may be indicated, and how to support clients nutritionally before, during, and after using GLP-1 therapy.

Info: Vegetarian and Gluten-free options will be available.

Info: The release of the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) marks a significant departure from previous iterations, creating a unique challenge for dietetic practitioners. For the first time, there are substantial contradictions between the rigorous evidence review presented in the Scientific Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) and the final federal policy guidelines.
In this high-level session, we will move beyond a simple summary of the new DGAs to perform a comparative analysis of the guidelines against current nutrition science. We will dissect the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ official response, exploring key areas of agreement—such as the restriction of ultra-processed foods—and major areas of dissent, including the controversial prioritization of animal proteins and full-fat dairy. Participants will be equipped to navigate these contradictions, applying evidence-based decision-making to clinical practice when policy and science diverge.

Info: This presentation introduces the Military Health and Nutrition Examination Study (MHANES), detailing its protocol and presenting key preliminary findings on the health and nutritional status of U.S. Army personnel. Modeled after the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), MHANES applies this nationally recognized framework to provide a comprehensive assessment of military health. Findings from this study will inform evidence-based screening, education, intervention strategies, and policy decisions aimed at improving the health and readiness of the military.

Learning Objective: Evaluate the MHANES study design, interpret its findings on health and nutrition indicators, and apply the evidence to develop strategies that enhance military personnel’s health and readiness.

Up to Three Practice Competencies

7.1 Participates in and leads research initiatives following ethical and scientifically sound research methodology.

Info: Session Description
Children’s Hospital Colorado developed a multifaceted Food as Medicine (FAM) initiative designed to strengthen the connection between food and health by increasing access to affordable, nutritious foods for children and families experiencing food insecurity. The initiative is built on three integrated pillars: the Healthy Roots Food Clinic, Healthy Roots Garden, and Healthy Roots Community Outreach. This session will explore the history and evolution of the initiative, highlight intersections among the three pillars, and examine its impact on the community. Participants will also learn about key actions, process improvements, and partnerships developed throughout the initiative’s progression, with a focus on the intentional shift from addressing food insecurity toward advancing nutrition security.

Info: The CAND Policy Team, with support from Meridian Public Affairs, has continued to build momentum this year through strategic advocacy and relationship building with legislators and community partners. In this brief update, CAND Public Policy Coordinator Lauren Pickens will highlight our 25-26 activities, upcoming policy opportunities and member support needs, and what to expect as we work toward securing a signed licensure bill in 2027.
Learning Objective
Recognize how RDNs can contribute to advancing licensure and policy goals in Colorado.

Performance Indicators
4.2.4 Encourages others to engage in personal and professional development activities for career growth and skill enhancement. 4.2.8 Challenges, encourages and supports others to take action to advance the profession.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

CSU Spur, 4817 National Western Drive, Denver, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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