About this Event
Montana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Summit
Rooted in Community, Renewed in Purpose
This year’s conference marks a new season for the Montana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Rooted in our shared values of community, land, and care for people, we come together to reconnect, renew our purpose, and grow stronger, together. We are better together. Through shared learning and connection, we honor our grit while planting seeds for the future of our profession in Montana.
Schedule Highlights and Themes
Keynote Speakers:
- Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RDN, CDN, FAND – President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Heather L. Voorhees, Ph.D. – Communications Professor at University of Montana
- Amanda Ihmels, RDN, CSO, LRO – Board Certified Oncology Dietitian
- Whitney Sullivan, MS – Resilience Speaker, Leadership Coach, and Enneagram Practitioner.
- Jerry Holl, MBA – Award-winning author of Downhills Don’t Come Free and motivational speaker.
Interactive & Wellness Breaks: Beyond the lectures, the conference features several opportunities for movement and mindfulness, including Yoga with Greta.
State Leadership Updates: Hear directly from Tara Jones, MTAND President, during the opening announcements and Day 1 closeout, and meet President-Elect Laura Granlund as she welcomes attendees to the Day 1 lunch.
Clinical & Behavioral Deep Dives: Specialized breakout sessions cover high-impact topics such as:
- Gut Health.
- The Nuts and Bolts of Outpatient Enteral Nutrition.
- The latest on GLP-1s.
- Weight Inclusive Care Training.
Community & Food Systems: Explore local impact through sessions like The State of Food Insecurity in Montana, Changing the Narrative on Childhood Hunger, and Growing Food Access, which includes a tour of the UM Campus Dining Gardens.
Networking & Behind-the-Scenes: Connect with colleagues during the Vendor Show and gain a unique perspective on large-scale food service operations through guided Dining Hall Tours with the University’s culinary leadership. Post-conference evening networking locations to be announced as the event approaches.
Marketing Strategies: A dedicated Lunch & Learn session focuses on "Marketing That Fits," teaching you how to effectively promote your nutrition expertise to your target audience.
Vendor Show: Explore vendors to discover unique Montana-made products and connect with regional non-profits that embody our shared values of land, community, and care.
and more! Stayed tuned for detailed schedule outline as the event approaches.
Timing & Logistics
Day One (Thursday, May 21): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Highlights include keynote addresses, morning and afternoon breakout sessions, a Vendor Show, and "Lunch & Learn" opportunities.
Day Two (Friday, May 22): 8:15 AM – 3:40 PM
Features the annual membership meeting, awards, breakout sessions, and a closing keynote address.
Parking
Parking information available from the University of Montana may be found here: https://www.umt.edu/transportation-parking-services/drive/visitors/default.php
Dining
We are proud to offer scratch-prepared, locally sourced meals as part of your registration. Enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat lunch on both days at the University of Montana’s Lodge Dining Center. Explore more here: https://www.umt.edu/dining/locations/lodge-dining-center/
Continuing Education
An application for Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs) will be submitted to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) for prior approval. Final CPEU approval status and the official certificate of attendance will be provided to all attendees following the conclusion of the event.
Whether you join us at the University Center in Missoula or participate online, we look forward to planting seeds for the future of our profession in Montana together!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, United States
USD 161.90 to USD 215.26







