Date: 10/12/2011

Title: Beef Industry, Dietitians Connect in San Diego

Dietitians and other health professionals attending the American Dietetic Association’s National Food and Nutrition Conference in San Diego recently were greeted by a familiar friend: the beef industry again had representatives there to explain how beef is an essential building block for healthful diets.

Registered dietitian Katie Caputo represents the California and Nevada Beef Councils on health issues, and was at the checkoff-funded booth to help communicate the beef message. She says thousands of people stopped by, and they had a wide range of interests.

“Not only are there registered dietitians, but there’s policy makers, health care providers, researchers – just anyone that’s an industry leader in the food and nutrition world. So, really, it’s a key networking event with these health influencers for the beef industry.” (19 seconds)

According to Caputo, it’s hard to miss beef’s presence at this prestigious event. 

“We have a large booth at the exhibit hall. So it’s very eye-catching. People are excited to come up to our booth and see what we have to offer for the year. And in these economic times, a lot of nutrition professionals are in need of educational resources to use with their clients. And the great thing about our resources is that they’re not just beef-focused. They’re about a healthful lifestyle and diet that’s all-encompassing on the different foods that are out there.” (32 seconds)

Caputo says there is no audience more important than the one reached at this Food and Nutrition Conference. 

“They’re the ones that are giving our message about the healthfulness of beef. And I think just having a presence there every year and showcasing the materials that we have – there definitely is a sense of loyalty among registered dietitians coming back for more every year. They’re excited to see us. I’ve received many follow-up e-mails and calls from California registered dietitians, just about the event. And ‘hey, you told me that there would be this tear pad that would be available. Is that still available?’ They’re following up and wanting our materials.” (40 seconds)

Another important aspect of the conference – at least for the beef industry -- is the opportunity to join forces with other beef supporters from around the country to maximize checkoff effectiveness to reach health influencers on behalf of the nation’s beef producers. 

“We all had name tags, and obviously they saw that there was someone from Nebraska, and New York, and California, and those with our national group in Colorado. So there were a few questions on, how do you work together? And it was a great visual of unity, not only for someone like me working at a state beef council, and working together as a team to promote the beef message, but also for those dietitians coming up and seeing how we work together.” (31 seconds)

Along with the booth, the beef checkoff also collaborated to sponsor a breakfast for key dietitians and the conference-ending gala, at which beef was center of the plate.