The Ultimate FNCE Packing Guide: What to Bring and NOT Bring to Minneapolis

Are you heading to this year’s Food & Nutrition Conference and Expo? Known as FNCE, this is the biggest nutrition event of the year for registered dietitians, dietetic interns, and nutrition students. Here’s the ultimate FNCE packing list so you know what to bring, what to leave at home, and how to prepare so you can make the most of your time!

The time has come…it’s FNCE season! Every October, the Food & Nutrition Conference and Expo (referred to as FNCE or “fence-y”) is hosted in a different city. It’s an overwhelmingly busy multi-day event with educational sessions, networking events, an expo floor packed with samples, services, and new products, and much more.

If this sounds stressful, lemme tell you, it is! 

But knowing what to bring (and what to leave behind) can make a big difference. When you minimize stress and feel as prepared as possible, I’m convinced you’ll have a much better time. And this is coming from a chronic over-packer who has major anxiety about forgetting something I might need.

If you just want to skip to the good stuff, click HERE to go straight to my Amazon storefront to see what I bring every year!

This post is a bit different from the typical recipes or nutrition topics I usually write, but having attended so many times, I feel like it’s time to spill some secrets. Well, they’re not even really a secret…more like super helpful tips I wish I would have known when I was going for the first time and had no idea what to pack for FNCE.

If you’re just here for the food, head back to my recipe archive, but if you’re traveling to FNCE in Minneapolis, keep reading!

What to Pack for FNCE

We aren’t wasting any time here. If you’re like me, you’re probably reading this the night before you leave. Or maybe the morning of? Hey, I’m not judging…

But here are some essential items I think should be on your FNCE packing list. In no particular order…

Comfortable Shoes

FNCE is always hosted in a massive convention center. With up to 10,000 attendees, plus all the exhibitors, speakers, staff, and media, it takes a big space to host so many humans.

Convention centers can stretch over several city blocks, with multiple levels and breakout rooms. Sometimes there’s a hotel attached (often listed as the headquarters, or HQ, hotel) but other times, you’ll be staying off-site. 

So there’s no avoiding it…you’re going to be moving. A LOT.

I’m not saying not to pack your most stylish shoes, but I’m saying you should plan to be on your feet, walking or standing, for a good chunk of each day.

If you need to stock up on insoles or bandaids, do that ahead of time, too! I made the mistake of not bringing the right shoes one year and within a few hours I could tell I was working up a terribly painful blister. The bandaids in the hotel lobby shop were incredibly overpriced, but what could I do at that point? Save yourself the suffering and don’t blow your budget, pack them with you!

FNCE Packing Checklist:

• Comfortable, breathable shoes to match outfits from casual to semi-formal
• No-show socks or liners
• Durable bandaids
• Insoles or inserts 

A Versatile, but Comfortable, Wardrobe

And speaking of outfits, this can be a tough one. I think the #1 question I get is, “what to wear to FNCE?”

The weather is usually chilly, whether FNCE takes place in early or late October. But depending on the location, it may vary quite a bit. When FNCE was in Orlando in 2022 I didn’t bring a jacket and was often a little sweaty, but Denver (2023) and Minneapolis (2024) are a totally different climate and I’m probably going to need layers. 

You should be fine with smart casual or business casual attire at most FNCE events. You’ll see any and everything while attending sessions or walking the Expo floor. But if you plan to attend any off-site events or meetings, be sure to check your invite. If there’s a specific dress code, it usually says so. But I tend to default to outfits that are a little more elevated than what I would typically wear for working at home. 

If you plan to attend sessions, you’ll be sitting and might be chilly. These rooms are usually kept cooler to avoid heating large spaces, so a light jacket, cardigan, or sweater is a good idea.

My best advice: Bring clothing that fits you well and that you feel comfortable and confident in. I’m a big believer that when you feel good (as in, your clothes aren’t distracting you) you can put your best self forward and enjoy your time.

FNCE Packing Checklist:

• Packing cubes to keep your suitcase or luggage organized
• Lint roller
• Garment steamer  
• On-the-go Tide pens for stain removal 

All the Chargers for All the Devices

In this digital age, it’s pretty much mandatory to have a back-up power supply on you at all times. And in these large convention centers, outlets are often difficult to find unless you wander to the back of the room or a secluded corner.

This may be ideal for introverts (human batteries need recharging, too) but you probably want something more reliable. 

I always carry at least one portable battery pack that has both a USB and USB-C port. This has some in handy so many times when I had a different charging cord or someone near me needed a battery boost. But this also includes the docks for all your charging cords and charging stations for camera batteries you can use in your hotel room. 

FNCE Packing Checklist:

• Phone charging cables (bring a minimum of two so you can use one in your hotel room and keep the other one in your bag)
• Computer charger
• Portable battery pack
• Gear ties or clips to keep all the cords from descending into chaos
• Stasher bags or reusable bags for organizing batteries and cords

Business Cards

While this may seem like an outdated thing-of-the-past, I truly think business cards are still worth bringing if you have them. The past several years I was actively being handed business cards while also being asked for one of mine. 

I know some business coaches will tell you it’s preferable to receive a business card so you can initiate the follow-up conversations versus waiting for the other party. But I think there’s a good ROI on ordering at least a few to be able to give out.

Networking is one of the biggest benefits of attending FNCE so take full advantage no matter what your agenda looks like! 

I’m still going strong with MOO. When I first started my private practice as a side hustle, that first business card design felt like a big step towards my future as a nutrition entrepreneur. Similar to wearing an outfit you feel comfortable and confident in, you want a design that really represents YOU and sets you apart. If you plan on ordering a custom design, be sure to do this early enough they can be delivered to you before you travel to FNCE.

FNCE Packing Checklist:

• Updated and current business cards
• Business card holder in an on-brand color (or at least one that’s bright enough you won’t lose it in the bottom of your bag)

Essential Toiletries and Self-Care Recovery

Coming back to your hotel room after a long day at FNCE should feel as relaxing as possible. These are long, exhausting days!

I find it’s easier to have an organized bathroom with a few key items that help me stick as closely as possible to my at-home routine. It’s so helpful to keep a few items around that replicate what you need to feel like “yourself”.

Whether that’s a probiotic or fiber supplement, collagen in your morning coffee, or a quick meditation using your favorite app…plan for that! Even just a few minutes before you head out into the chaos can feel regulating and grounding. 

FNCE Packing Checklist:

• Travel bottles for hair care, skin care, and body care products
• Wrist towels. This might seem silly but I literally cannot travel without them. I hate the feeling of water dripping down my arms when I wash my face, so these are hands-down one of my best Amazon finds ever
• Instant coffee or tea bags, in case you don’t like what the hotel stocks or they don’t provide any
• Medications or supplements. This will be different for everyone, but I personally bring along a few packets of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides to add to my coffee and Benefiber on-the-go sticks because if there’s one thing that travel + irregular eating can do, it’s mess with digestion 
• I also pack extra disposable masks for the plane and any time I’m around large crowds. The first few FNCEs I attended were pre-Covid, but I came home with a cough every time – IMO it’s worth the hassle of masking up to avoid going home with a cold, the flu, Covid, or anything else!

Bonus Suggestion: These don’t do much for me, but if you need ear plugs, an eye mask, or a mini white noise machine to get quality sleep away from home, don’t forget these items!

What NOT to Pack for FNCE

By now I’ve learned that some things just simply aren’t worth bringing for FNCE. I’m not saying this applies to every conference, trip, or vacation you travel for. But this section of my FNCE packing guide covers what I think you should leave at home.

Water Bottles

I love my emotional support water bottle as much as anyone. Maybe more.

But this is one item you absolutely do not need to bring with you. There will be so many opportunities to snag a free bottle from the expo, the hotel, or an event swag bag that you could potentially replace your entire stock of water bottles when you get home. 

Workout Clothes or Shoes

I know, I know…as such a loud advocate for joyful movement this one might seem odd. But hear me out.

There’s a time and a place to stick to your regular workout routine or movement practice. But I’m not convinced FNCE is that time or place. 

For starters, these are extra clothes and shoes that take of precious real estate in your luggage (more on that below). But furthermore, your schedule is likely packed to the brim with early alarms and late nights. To add in an intense or long workout would only further stress your body. Even though it’s a multi-day event, it may not be worth it.

There’s always exceptions, so I suppose if you’re training for a marathon PR in a Boston qualifier, stick to your training and adjust your schedule accordingly. But for the rest of us, a single comfy outfit for some stretching, mobility work, or yoga is probably more than enough. 

​Too Many Snacks

Similar to the water bottle situation, there will be an abundance of snacks at FNCE. Nearly every event has some kind of catered meal or snacks provided, and there’s always the expo. Bring enough to get you through Day 1 travel. But beyond that, you might end up bringing the same things home with you at the end of FNCE if they don’t get eaten.

But you know your appetite and preferences best. So if you rely on specific foods for allergies or dietary needs, disregard everything I just said. 

If you’re looking for some tips for snacks once you get home, check out my tips for meal prepping for snacks!

Pre-FNCE Preparation Tips

In addition to the material items you should pack for FNCE, here are some other quick tips that can ensure you’ll a better or easier time. 

1. Plan your schedule and logistics. It’s so worth it to pull out a map (analog or digital) and just get your bearings. Have a general idea of where you need to be and when. It can be disorienting in a new or different city, plus when you’re indoors you easily lose track of landmarks. It doesn’t need to be fancy, since even just a notes app in your phone is capable of saving links or addresses and directions. 
2. Organize your loyalty memberships or sign up. Even if you aren’t a frequent traveler, you might be surprised at how quickly the points stack up. FNCE is usually a four-day event. So if you stay for the full agenda you’re likely to accumulate at least some kind of loyalty with a hotel or airline. I’m a big advocate of using this regardless of whether your costs are reimbursed or covered. Why not use the travel to your advantage if it’s an option? I personally love the Marriott Bonvoy program and I’ve been loyal to them for years. If you haven’t already signed up for a dedicated credit card for your business, I really recommend it! This isn’t meant to be financial advice. Consult with folks you trust before making a decision. But I can speak from experience that gaining loyalty status has been very simple and very convenient. 
3. Leave empty space in your luggage. You will inevitably bring back more than you left with, whether it’s samples, swag, purchases, or other random things you collect at FNCE. Plan for this by using restraint when packing to leave. Otherwise you might end up needing to check a bag, pay a fee, or leave items behind.
4. Look up some restaurant recommendations. FNCE is all about food, and I have to assume you plan on having a few decent meals! The key word here is “meals” because while it’s very easy to fill up on samples and snack thanks to the expo, I don’t recommend this strategy for feeling full and satisfied. There are great options for local or chain restaurants within walking distance of all the action. Minneapolis is a diverse city with an exciting and dynamic food scene, but the variety of options can be overwhelming. Plan ahead so you’re not left scrambling at the last minute when your appetite is already revved up. 
5. Draft an out-of-office message. If you have high hopes of maintaining an online presence, I’m sorry to say…you should find a different dream. FNCE is overwhelming and all-consuming, but in a good way. It just means you don’t want to be distracted by to-do lists or other tasks while trying to focus on sessions, networking, or events. In this day and age, I think everyone is very understanding that we aren’t plugged into our inboxes 24/7 and boundaries are a good thing. You can still be available for a true emergency, but otherwise just plan to catch up on replying when you return home.

Street Smart Nutrition Tip: If you remember to do so while registering, create a burner email for going through the expo if you want to avoid overwhelming your inbox! Your name badge will have a QR code and exhibitors will ask to scan it. This automatically adds you to their mailing list so they can follow up with you afterwards. The volume of emails can get out of hand quickly, so if you use your primary email, just be cautious about who you allow to scan it if you aren’t really interested in follow up post-FNCE. 

Finally, as a bonus tip that might seem obvious: remember to keep an open mind and have fun! 

You just never know when you’ll get a last-minute invite to be a +1 for an event. Or when an impromptu lobby meet-up turns into happy hour or dinner reservations. Let yourself be spontaneous if your energy allows. FNCE can feel like a marathon. But if you’re up for it, you can build invaluable connections with other dietitians. 

Did you find this FNCE Packing Guide helpful? Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re a seasoned pro, I hope you got some good reminders as you’re preparing for one of the busiest events of the year!

If you’ll be attending and you happen to see me around, please don’t be shy! I love making IRL introductions and hope to connect with as many people as possible while I’m there. Maybe we can even swap business cards!

Disclosure: This post was originally published in September 2023. It is updated annually to reflect the changing location of FNCE.