OVERVIEW

Dietitians of Canada (DC) National Conference 2021 is organized by Dietitians of Canada (DC) / Les Dietetistes du Canada and will be held from May 05 - Jun 30, 2021.

Theme:
• The theme of the 2021 Conference is Building Bridges – Bâtir des ponts.
• The rising sun in the conference logo symbolizes the change happening in our profession, while the outstretched hands represent the need for connection, communication and action. Bridges need to be built – across generations, across issues, across race and gender – so that we can move forward as a supportive, diverse and inclusive professional community.

Description:
The DC National Conference 2021 will be a 100% virtual, multi-day event in light of uncertainty in the timing of vaccine distribution and the possibility that public health measures may still need to be in place in May 2021. This year’s event will bring the DC community together for networking, learning and meetings using an innovative virtual event platform. We are excited to create unique opportunities for engagement and interaction among attendees, as well as a central place to experience conference programming

The DC Conference focuses on the key challenges, opportunities and learning needs facing dietitians in all areas of practice and strives to create an environment of engagement and action.

What does this mean for you?
The 2021 virtual event brings many exciting new possibilities such as:
• A new virtual event platform, OnAir, where you will attend sessions, watch recordings, get your handouts, do your networking and more. No more having to keep track of Zoom links!
• More opportunities for networking, connection and discussion – all in one virtual space.
• More for your money by being able to attend/view more sessions. Unlike in-person events where you have to choose between concurrent sessions, the scheduling of sessions over several weeks offers you the opportunity to attend/view as many sessions as you like. Plus you’ll have access to the recordings all summer long!
• Virtual braindates* are back! You’ll have two opportunities to meet up with your peers across the country on topics of your choice. (*open to conference attendees only.)

Program Highlights:
• In 2021 there is a strong focus on topics in the new Diversity and Inclusion track
• Many sessions on the program will explore the experiences of Indigenous Peoples and traditional food ways
• Sessions will cover all areas of dietetics and be interspersed with CFDR Research presentations on the latest nutrition and dietetics research
• 4 virtual workshops will be offered on topics like cultural safety in nutrition counselling, decolonizing dietetics, leadership skills development and culinary medicine. These workshops will be available at a reduced fee for conference attendees
• 1 session will be offered in French and 2 other sessions will be bilingual. Other speakers with French speaking skills will be available to answer questions in French
• There will be a virtual awards ceremony followed by the Ryley-Jeffs Lecture by Debbie MacLellan, the 2020 recipient

Objectives:
• provide a forum to enrich the dietetic profession through dialogue and learning,
• showcase leading-edge practice and nutrition research,
• address challenges in food, nutrition and health services across all areas of practice and policy,
• highlight innovations in dietetics education and training,
• profile new products and services available in the marketplace, and
• create opportunities for dietitians to forge stronger links amongst themselves for professional and social purposes.
• celebrate colleagues for their leadership and contributions to the profession through the Member Awards and Recognition program

Expected outcomes of the conference are that delegates will:
• come away with new ideas and practical tools to bring to their work settings
• be better equipped to address practice and workplace transformation,
• leave the event re-energized and re-engaged in the profession, and
• have a stronger network of colleagues, contacts and leaders in the field to draw on when questions arise