Sponsored Satellite Sessions:
Program Opportunities, Guidelines and Logistics
The Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) 2027 Annual Conference
About Sponsored Satellite Sessions
The Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) advances nutrition science and its translation through scientific, educational and knowledge exchange initiatives, including its Annual Conference. Scientific and educational programming developed by CNS for its Annual Conference is subject to established review and approval processes through relevant CNS committees.
CNS recognizes that responsible engagement with a range of partners and stakeholders can contribute to scientific dialogue, knowledge exchange and connection across the nutrition community. Sponsored Satellite Sessions provide an opportunity for external organizations—including industry, commodity groups and other relevant organizations—to support sessions that bring research, evidence and perspectives to CNS' multidisciplinary nutrition science and practice community. This community includes researchers, clinicians, educators, public health professionals, policymakers, trainees, industry partners and knowledge users. Through clear expectations for transparency, scientific independence and appropriate partner engagement, these sessions also provide an opportunity to demonstrate responsible collaboration and support confidence in the integrity of scientific and educational exchange.
Sponsored Satellite Sessions are scheduled within the overall CNS Annual Conference schedule and are typically offered during designated breakfast or lunch periods. Attendance is optional, and sessions are clearly identified as sponsored. Delegates may participate in conference meal and networking periods, including lunch, without attending a Sponsored Satellite Session. READ MORE
On this page:
Scientific Oversight & Session Leadership
Schedule & Fees
Hosting and Logistics
Proposal & Acceptance
Proposal Criteria
All Sponsored Satellite Session proposals are reviewed by CNS based on the following criteria::
- Relevance to and advancement of nutrition science.
- Contribution to a balanced Annual Conference covering discovery, translational and clinical research, implementation, public health, policy and other areas of nutrition science and practice.
- Relevance to the scientific and educational interests of the conference’s multidisciplinary audience.
- Opportunities for application, knowledge translation and implementation in practice, where appropriate.
- Novelty, innovation and opportunities to introduce new or cross-disciplinary perspectives.
- Scientific rigour, objectivity and appropriate consideration of the relevant body of evidence.
- Expertise and suitability of proposed speakers and Chair.
- A session description, learning objectives and proposed approach that are scientific and educational rather than promotional in nature.
CNS reserves the right to accept, reject or conditionally accept Sponsored Satellite Session proposals at its discretion and may request modifications as a condition of acceptance.
Application Requirements
Proposals must be submitted through the online CNS Conference Proposal Submission Tool .
Each proposal will require:
- Proposed session title.
- Session description.
- Learning objectives.
- Explanation of opportunities for application, knowledge translation and/or implementation in practice, where appropriate.
- Description of what is new, novel or particularly relevant about the proposed session.
- Suggested speakers—a minimum of two and a maximum of three.
- Suggested Session Chair, preferably a CNS member in good standing.
- Names of any additional sponsors or partners supporting the proposed session.
Proposal development:
Session proposals should be fully developed when submitted to allow CNS to assess the proposed topic, objectives, scientific rationale and overall session framework.
Sponsors may contact suggested speakers in advance to determine their interest and availability. However, submission of suggested speakers or a Chair does not constitute final confirmation of their participation. CNS will review proposed speakers and Chairs as part of its consideration of the overall session.
The CNS Conference Planning Committee and/or appropriate CNS committee will review each proposal and confirm the Session Chair. The Session Chair plays an important role in coordinating speakers and supporting the scientific integrity and delivery of the session.
Sponsored Satellite Sessions may involve collaboration among up to three sponsors within the standard session fee. Additional collaborators may be subject to an additional fee. Sessions involving multiple sponsors must provide CNS with a single graphic identifying all participating sponsors.
Following Acceptance
Acceptance of a proposal establishes the approved session framework, including its overall topic, title, description, learning objectives, Chair and speakers. Any proposed material change to this framework must be discussed with CNS in advance.
Following acceptance, CNS and the Session Chair will work with speakers to coordinate development and delivery of the session. Individual speakers remain responsible for the development of their own presentations and scientific content. Sponsors must remain at arm’s length from this process. They may be provided with presentation materials for information or awareness but may not direct, approve, require changes to, or otherwise influence individual speaker presentations.
Submission of a proposal does not constitute acceptance. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their proposal by approximately mid December. CNS may contact applicants with questions or requested modifications during the review process.
Scientific Oversight & Session Leadership
Session Chairs play an important role in maintaining the scientific integrity, coherence and effective delivery of Sponsored Satellite Sessions. Working with CNS, Chairs support and coordinate speakers throughout session planning and delivery and serve as CNS' primary point of contact for the scientific and educational aspects of the session.
CNS confirms Session Chairs and welcomes Chair recommendations as part of Sponsored Satellite Session proposals. Where possible, preference will be given to Chairs who are CNS members in good standing and who have the appropriate expertise and experience to support the session.
Role of the Session Chair
Planning & Speaker Support
Before the Annual Conference, Session Chairs are expected to:
- Support and coordinate speakers in developing a coherent session that aligns with the approved session title, description and learning objectives.
- Facilitate planning discussions among speakers and CNS as needed in advance of the Annual Conference.
- Support speakers in maintaining their independence in the development of their individual presentations.
- Ensure that required speaker and session information is submitted by CNS deadlines, including names, biographies, photographs, session descriptions, presentations, disclosures and audiovisual requirements.
- Confirm that each speaker has included the required disclosures in their presentation and understands the requirement to communicate relevant disclosures verbally at the beginning of their presentation.
- Help ensure that presentations remain scientific and educational in nature and are consistent with CNS requirements concerning commercial promotion.
- Support speakers in providing appropriate knowledge translation and practical take-away messages, where relevant.
Session Delivery & Coordination
During the Annual Conference, Session Chairs are expected to:
- Support a coherent session that addresses the approved learning objectives and provides clear knowledge translation and take-away messages for participants.
- Serve as CNS' primary point of contact for the scientific and educational aspects of the session leading up to and during the Annual Conference.
- Introduce the session and speakers and reinforce relevant CNS disclosures, disclaimers or statements, as required.
- Moderate the discussion and Q&A period, maintaining the scientific focus and reframing questions where appropriate to avoid unnecessary commercial or promotional emphasis.
- Support balanced scientific discussion and encourage meaningful engagement between speakers and participants.
Guidelines for Sponsored Satellite Sessions
Sponsored Satellite Sessions are intended to support high-quality scientific exchange while maintaining transparency, scientific and speaker independence, and appropriate separation from commercial promotion.
Sponsors, Session Chairs and speakers are expected to adhere to the following requirements:.
Speaker Independence & Disclosure
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- Speakers are responsible for developing their own presentations and determining the scientific content, interpretation and conclusions they present.
- Sponsors must remain at arm’s length from the development of individual speaker presentations. They may be provided with presentation materials for information or awareness but may not direct, approve, require changes to, or otherwise influence the scientific content, interpretation or conclusions presented by speakers.
- Each speaker must include a disclosures slide in their presentation and meaningfully disclose relevant relationships or conflicts of interest verbally at the beginning of their presentation.
Scientific Content & Commercial References
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- Research findings must not be presented for the purpose of promoting a specific company, brand, product or service.
- References to specific companies, brands or products should only be made when scientifically relevant. Generic or non-commercial terminology should be used wherever appropriate.
- Planned references to specific brands or products must be identified to CNS in advance to ensure consistency with Sponsored Satellite Session requirements.
- During presentations, panel discussions and Q&A periods, speakers and Chairs/moderators should maintain the scientific focus of the discussion and avoid promotional references to companies, brands, products or services. Questions referencing a specific company, brand or product may be reframed where appropriate to maintain the scientific focus of the discussion.
- Presentations should be based primarily on published, peer-reviewed research and the broader body of relevant evidence.
- When unpublished or non-peer-reviewed findings are presented, their status must be clearly identified to participants and disclosed to CNS in advance.
Presentation Materials & Responsibilities
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- Speakers are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the content they present.
- Speakers are responsible for ensuring that they have the appropriate permissions or rights to use images, figures, tables and other third-party materials included in their presentations.
- Speakers must comply with CNS requirements and deadlines for submission of presentation materials, disclosures and other requested information.
- CNS may review presentation materials for compliance with Sponsored Satellite Session requirements, including disclosure, non-promotional presentation, appropriate identification of unpublished research and alignment with the approved session framework. Any such review is for compliance purposes and does not constitute CNS approval or endorsement of the scientific content, interpretations or conclusions presented by speakers.
Sponsored Communications & Promotional Materials
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- Sponsored Satellite Sessions must be clearly identified as sponsored in conference communications and materials.
- Sponsors may promote their Sponsored Satellite Session, subject to CNS requirements and applicable conference guidelines.
- Any promotional or communications materials developed by a sponsor that reference CNS, the CNS Annual Conference or a Sponsored Satellite Session must be submitted to CNS for review and approval before publication, distribution or dissemination.
- Sponsor communications must not imply that CNS endorses the sponsor, its products or services, or the scientific content or conclusions presented during the session.
- Sponsors must respect the independence of speakers and must not use promotional materials or communications in a manner that suggests that a speaker’s presentation, findings or conclusions have been developed, directed or endorsed by the sponsor.
Session Evaluation
CNS will invite participants to evaluate Sponsored Satellite Sessions following the conference. Evaluations will provide an opportunity to comment on the quality and relevance of the session and whether participants perceived commercial influence or bias.
The evaluation will include a question such as: “Did you perceive any commercial influence or bias during this session?” Participant feedback may be considered by CNS when evaluating future Sponsored Satellite Session proposals and partnerships.
Key Dates
| October 16, 2026: | Sponsored Satellite Session proposals due through the online CNS Conference Proposal Submission Tool. |
| Approximately December 14, 2026: | Applicants notified of the outcome of their proposal. |
| Approximately January 15, 2027: | Accepted Sponsored Satellite Sessions notified of their scheduled time and location. |
Sponsored Satellite Sessions Schedule and Fees
Sponsored Satellite Sessions are integrated into the overall conference schedule and are typically offered during designated breakfast or lunch periods. Attendance is optional.
Scheduling is at the discretion of the CNS Conference Planning Committee. Final timing and placement will be determined as the overall conference program is developed. Program space is limited, and CNS reserves the right to adjust Sponsored Satellite Session times to accommodate the overall conference schedule.
Proposed Time Slots and Fees
All session times are listed in Central Time (CT), Winnipeg local time.
| Date | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, April 30, 2027 | 7:45–8:45 a.m. CT | $22,500 |
| Friday, April 30, 2027 | 12:30–1:30 p.m. CT | $22,500 |
| Saturday, May 1, 2027 | 7:45–8:45 a.m. CT | $22,500 |
| Saturday, May 1, 2027 | 12:30–1:30 p.m. CT | $22,500 |
Time slots are estimates and may change as the final conference schedule is developed.
Sponsored Satellite Session fees may include collaboration among up to three sponsors. Additional collaborators may be subject to a $2,500 surcharge. This surcharge may be waived or reduced where a collaborating organization participates in other conference sponsorship or exhibition opportunities.
At least one representative from each collaborating sponsor organization must register to attend the conference. Sessions involving multiple sponsors must provide CNS with a single graphic identifying all participating sponsors.
Packages incorporating other conference sponsorship opportunities may also be available. Please contact CNS to discuss options.
Session Inclusions & Exclusions
The Sponsored Satellite Session Fee Includes
- Listing of the Sponsored Satellite Session in the conference schedule and program, with clear identification of the sponsoring organization(s).
- Session promotion through CNS conference communications, including the CNS website, eblasts, conference materials, mobile/online program and communications to registered conference attendees.
- Conference registration for up to two speakers. Additional speaker registrations will be subject to additional fees.
- Standard audiovisual setup.
- Pre-set function space.
- One professionally produced session sign outside the session room.
- Identification of the sponsoring organization(s), including one sponsor logo or a single graphic identifying all participating sponsors.
- A basic food and beverage offering, coordinated by CNS, is included in the sponsorship fee. Sponsors may supplement the offering at their own expense.
- Option to purchase a recording of the session. Where applicable, recordings may be made available through the CNS Educational Portal following the conference.
- Opportunity to purchase additional dedicated promotional communications, where available.
The Sponsored Satellite Session Fee Does Not Include
- Speaker travel, accommodation or related expenses.
- Speaker honoraria.
- Preparation or distribution of meeting agendas, handouts or other materials beyond those expressly identified as included.
- Session recording unless purchased separately.
Arrangements for speaker travel, accommodation, reimbursements or honoraria are the responsibility of the sponsor. Any financial relationship between a sponsor and a speaker related to participation in the session must be appropriately disclosed by the speaker.
Sponsors and their guests must register for the Annual Conference as full-conference or one-day attendees. Separate Sponsored Satellite Session passes will not be issued. For sessions supported by multiple sponsors, at least one representative from each sponsoring organization must register for the conference.
Hosting & Logistics
Venue & Session Logistics
Function Space
Room setup will be dictated by available space. Typically, rooms are set in classroom style and/or rounds. Room setup and capacity limits are subject to change. Specific requests for room setup must be submitted in writing no later than February 12, 2027, are subject to approval and additional room setup fees, and are not guaranteed.
CNS will strive to provide satellite session organizers with access to rooms at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. A prompt exit of satellite session organizers and speakers after the program will be required due to the conference schedule.
Audiovisual
Function space will be set with standard meeting room audiovisual equipment: LCD projector, screen, laptop, one aisle microphone, head table with one table microphone, lectern with one microphone and laser pointer.
Due to time and cost constraints, equipment cannot be moved, disconnected or reset. Requests for additional equipment must be submitted in writing no later than February 12, 2027, are subject to approval and are not guaranteed. The sponsor will be responsible for expenses for any additional equipment ordered.
Video recording is available for an additional fee. Following the conference, recordings will be housed in the CNS Educational Portal, with sponsors able to link directly to their session recording.
Food & Beverage
Sponsored Satellite Sessions are typically scheduled during designated breakfast and lunch periods. A portion of the sponsorship fee helps CNS offset the food and beverage costs associated with these conference meal periods.
CNS will coordinate the standard food and beverage offering, which is included in the sponsorship fee. Sponsors wishing to enhance or supplement the standard offering may do so at their own expense, subject to CNS and venue requirements.
Additional costs will be billed by CNS or directly by the host facility, as applicable. CNS will facilitate introductions to appropriate food and beverage contacts where required. Conference delegates may access the designated meal offering, including lunch, whether or not they choose to attend the Sponsored Satellite Session.
Shipping
Shipping and receiving of sponsor materials and all associated expenses are the responsibility of the sponsor.
Materials should not be shipped to CNS or the conference venue without prior authorization. CNS will provide applicable shipping instructions in advance of the conference.
Promotion & Branding
Session promotion will take place through the CNS website, eblasts, printed conference materials, the online/mobile program and communications to pre-registered conference attendees. CNS is not responsible for attendance or audience generation and does not guarantee attendance levels at Sponsored Satellite Sessions.
Sponsored Communications & Promotional Materials
- Sponsored Satellite Sessions must be clearly identified as sponsored in conference communications and materials.
- Sponsors may promote their Sponsored Satellite Session, subject to CNS requirements and applicable conference guidelines.
- Any promotional or communications materials developed by a sponsor that reference CNS, the CNS Annual Conference or a Sponsored Satellite Session must be submitted to CNS for review and approval before publication, distribution or dissemination.
- Sponsor communications must not imply that CNS endorses the sponsor, its products or services, or the scientific content or conclusions presented during the session.
- Sponsors must respect the independence of speakers and must not use promotional materials or communications in a manner that suggests that a speaker’s presentation, findings or conclusions have been developed, directed or endorsed by the sponsor.
Use of the Society Name or Logo
The Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) name, logo or other identifying marks may not be used in signs, advertising or promotions in any media, or on product literature, without CNS' prior approval and express written permission. CNS will supply approved Sponsored Satellite Program promotional language and branding that organizers may use.
Sponsor Marketing of Sponsored Satellite Sessions
All sponsor-developed promotional materials referencing CNS, the CNS Annual Conference or a Sponsored Satellite Session must be submitted to CNS for review and approval before dissemination.
CNS may require changes to promotional materials to ensure consistency with its branding, conference requirements and principles governing Sponsored Satellite Sessions. A minimum of three business days should be allowed for CNS review.
Sponsor communications must not imply that CNS has developed, endorsed or approved the scientific content of individual speaker presentations, nor may they imply that CNS endorses the sponsor, its products or services, or the scientific content or conclusions presented during the session.
Sponsors must respect the independence of speakers and must not use promotional materials or communications in a manner that suggests that a speaker’s presentation, findings or conclusions have been developed, directed or endorsed by the sponsor.
Sponsor Logo
Sponsored Satellite Sessions may include the sponsor logo to clearly identify the sponsoring organization(s). Where more than one sponsor supports a session, a single graphic identifying all participating sponsors must be supplied to CNS.
Use and placement of the sponsor logo must be approved by CNS. Product or brand promotion is not permitted in promotional, educational, verbal or printed materials. Where reference to a specific company, product or brand is scientifically relevant—for example, in relation to methodology or transparency—the reference must be non-promotional, identified to the Session Chair and disclosed to CNS in advance..
Signage
CNS will provide one session sign for display onsite. Signage will clearly identify the session title and sponsoring organization(s).
Additional signage is subject to CNS and venue approval. A minimum of three business days should be allowed for CNS review. One sponsor logo may be displayed. Where more than one sponsor supports the session, sponsors must provide CNS with a single graphic identifying all participating sponsors.
Maintaining Scientific Independence
CNS values the contribution that responsible partnerships can make to scientific exchange and knowledge translation. The Sponsored Satellite Session model enables external organizations to bring forward relevant topics and support their inclusion within the Annual Conference while maintaining clear roles and responsibilities.
Sponsors propose and support → CNS reviews and provides oversight → Session Chairs coordinate and support → Speakers independently determine and deliver their scientific content.
This separation of roles supports transparency, speaker independence and the integrity of scientific exchange at the CNS Annual Conference, while demonstrating how responsible partnerships can contribute to high-quality scientific and educational opportunities.
Ready to Submit Your Proposal?
Once you have reviewed the Sponsored Satellite Session requirements, guidelines, fees and logistics above, please proceed to the online CNS Conference Proposal Submission Tool to complete your submission.