In 2005, an international group of exercise and sport nutrition scientists and practitioners met in South Africa (prior to the International Congress of Nutrition’s meeting) to discuss interest in establishing a world‐wide organization to promote the field of sports nutrition. The idea was spearheaded by Hattie Wright, Advanced Practicing Dietitian (AdvPD), who at the time, had limited access to sports nutrition information and limited opportunity to connect with other sports nutrition professionals to gain support and mentorship. (This was before LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)   The concept of a global organization for sports nutritionists had been supported by dietitians in over 20 countries who had been surveyed at that time. Attendees at the initial meeting included Samantha Steer (UK), Nanna Meyer (USA), Melinda Manore (USA), Tim Noakes (SA), Shelley Meltzer (SA), Julia Goedecke (SA), Ron Maughan (UK), Robert Carter (US), Jeni Pearce (NZ), Anthony Meade (AUS), Mindy Millard-Stafford (USA), and Kasturi Sen Ray (INDIA). 

Further discussion occurred with a steering committee created in 2006. Then, at the American College of Sports Medicine Meeting (ACSM) in 2007 in New Orleans, PINES was formed. The original board consisted of Nanna Meyer (USA), Karen Daigle (USA), Krista Austin (USA), Louise Burke (AUS), Melinda Manore (USA), Mindy Millard Stafford (USA), Nancy Clark (USA), Ron Maughan (UK), Samantha Steer (UK), Susie Parker-Simmons (USA/AUS), Robert Carter (USA), Susan Shirreffs (UK), Fiona Pelly (AUS), Helen O’Connor (AUS), and Jeni Pearce (NZ). The name PINES was selected after much discussion during a brainstorming session. We needed to include nutrition and exercise professionals, not just practicing dietitians—as well as have the acronym be easy to pronounce and remember!
In 2024, we can proudly announce that PINES is almost 20 years mature and is a US‐based 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization. We currently have 400+ members from 47 countries and representatives from 8 countries on our board. PINES members are part of an international network of sports nutrition professionals. Our materials have been translated into several languages (Spanish, Japanese). PINES does not replicate the essential role and services provided by national sports nutrition/dietetic associations but rather promotes improved global communication, education, and awareness of sports and exercise nutrition. Over the past 20 years, PINES has had many international sports nutrition experts volunteer their time to PINES. In recognition of this service, PINES current Life Members are Nanna Meyer, Jeni Pearce, Louise Burke, Melinda Manore, Susie Parker-Simmons, Ron Maughan, Liz Broad, and Nancy Clark.

PINES mission is to promote the interaction of Nutrition Professionals in Exercise and Sport and the sharing of resources and experiences. The aim is to achieve excellence in sport nutrition be achieved worldwide and to promote optimal performance, health and injury prevention for active and athletic individuals. This requires adoption of evidence‐based practice and stimulation of nutrition and exercise research, education and practice by all qualified nutrition and exercise professionals. The PINES Board of Directors includes representation from a variety of countries. Support for PINES has been provided through collaborations with the Gatorade Sport Science Institute, the ACSM, PowerBar, Unit Nutrition, and SportsOracle Limited. PINES is also recognized by in-country professional bodies, such as Japan Sports Nutrition Association, Sport Dietetics Australia, Association of Sports, Nutrition and Fitness Science (India) and others in Mexico, United States, and Canada

Member benefits include a monthly e-Newsletter, access to an email chat group that enables members to ask questions and communicate information of interest to other members, a presence on social media, access to a resource-filled website with International Food Fact Sheets, a calendar of sports nutrition educational events, information about how to further one’s own education, webinar recordings, and many articles on topics of interest to sports dietitians, including the latest research and practice tips. PINES regularly offers online mentoring sessions and networking opportunities, as well as Present & Connect Sessions during which a member presents on a topic of interest. This year (2025) marks the 3rd Annual PINES Virtual Symposium.

PINES is known for its popular 10 Questions-10 Experts session, which started in 2009 at the ACSM Annual Meeting and had continued yearly since then due largely to the commitment of Professor Louise Burke (AUS) and Professor Melinda Manore (USA). Ten high-profile sports nutrition researchers and/or practitioner each briefly addresses a hot topic in sports nutrition (three minutes, three slides) followed by three minutes of questions from the audience. The audience leaves this fast-moving session feeling up to date on the latest sports nutrition myths and trends. These sessions are a key resource on the PINES website.

Since 2007, another ongoing project driven by PINES has been the external independent review of the food provision for the Olympic and paralympic Games on behalf of the International Olympic Committee.

PINES works hard to fulfill its vision that active individuals and athletes worldwide, regardless of country or economic status, will have access to evidenced‐based nutrition and exercise education and advice from qualified nutrition and exercise professionals.