How to Make Your Travel Experiences Meet Expectations to Guarantee Success
- Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Last weekend I traveled with my husband to Nashville, Tennessee to attend FNCE, the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo, hosted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, along with nearly 8,000 other food and nutrition professionals.
Did the trip meet my expectations? Yes, it even exceeded them in many ways. As a result, the trip was a success. In this post, I will share how to make your travel experiences meet expectations using this trip as an example.
First, recognize that you have expectations. Give some thought to what they are, and you are more likely to achieve them.
What were my expectations for FNCE?
A key reason I enjoy attending FNCE is that it reminds me why I care so deeply about my profession and want to support its future.
I look forward to connecting with former students, colleagues, and fellow authors of Communicating Nutrition: The Authoritative Guide.
I look forward to participating in several treasured FNCE traditions – the opening session, our state’s mixer and group photo, Purdue’s mixer, and more…
I look forward to enjoying the host city and trying some fabulous food.
And of course, earning continuing education credits and learning new information with actionable takeaways.
How well did I meet these expectations?
Every session inspired me with how relevant and prepared we are to meet the challenges of today. Even more, I loved seeing so many young professionals, both as presenters and participants. Our profession is thriving!
Connecting with others was the highlight of FNCE for me. From the opening session on, I connected with fellow educators, former students, and colleagues from throughout my career. People first.
Connecting with the amazing author team revising Communicating Nutrition: The Authoritative Guide was especially meaningful. A large group of us met for lunch on Sunday. Additionally, I attended several sessions where they were speakers, and others I met serendipitously in the Expo Hall or between sessions. I didn’t connect with every author in attendance, but most of them. Meeting each other in person is priceless.
This year’s opening session, presented by Carla Hall, was one of the best I’ve attended. She was insightful, funny, and absolutely knew us. Her memories of food brought back memories for everyone in the audience. Food is life.
I was able to attend our Indiana state mixer, which was held over dinner and allowed me to meet up with many colleagues. However, we did not take a group photo – opportunity missed. Unfortunately, the Purdue mixer occurred at the same time as our author lunch. That is always a challenge – too many things to do and too little time. Traditions matter.
We enjoyed the sights and sounds of Nashville, including a stroll in Centennial Park where the Parthenon is located, walking Broadway at night, and eating at several great restaurants, including One Kitchen, Paris Baguette, Decker and Dyer, J. Alexander’s, and Assembly Food Hall. Great time.
We also spent some time with old friends who live in Nashville. When we travel to a city where we have friends or family, we try to connect. Mission accomplished.
Beyond earning a dozen credit hours, I gained valuable knowledge in effective messaging, using AI, and so much more. Forever learning.
How can you make your experiences meet your expectations?
Know your purpose for traveling – why are you making the trip?
Who are you spending time with, and who might you meet? Are you making time for meaningful connections?
Does your trip include any events or activities you have done before? Do they bear repeating?
What places do you want to explore? Prioritize them based on your time available.
What do you hope to learn?
Check out these previous posts with advice for attending a conference:
“One’s destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things.” ~ Henry Miller
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