Celiac Disease Foundation's National Conference & Gluten-Free EXPO

"Welcome to the club!" were the words of another member of an online celiac forum... after I shared my very-telling, blood test results. Welcome to the club... the nicest club I never wanted to join. But, if I must join (and I must), at least it is a club with friendly, helpful members and awesome conferences like the Celiac Disease Foundation's 2015 National Conference & Gluten-Free EXPO... coming May 2-3, 2015 in Pasadena, CA.

I've had my eye on this conference since Miss E was diagnosed before me this past November. The months have flown by and we've settled into our new gluten-free life, with much help from the information on the Celiac Disease Foundation's website, and it is finally almost time to attend my first national conference on celiac disease. My expectations are high. I'm especially looking forward to hearing from Dr. Sheila Crowe, a relatively nearby GI who specializes in Celiac Disease at UCSD. I have been wondering if she's worth the drive to San Diego, and I plan to find out during her session titled "A Balancing Act: Women's Health & Celiac Disease". Other sessions include "Celiac Disease 101: Going Gluten-Free" with Joseph Murray from the Mayo Clinic and "Expert Nutrition for Your Gluten Free Family," featuring a panel. Yes, please! Nearly five months into this lifelong journey, we still need all the help we can get.

Here's what's included in your $45 ($19 for children 3-12 yrs) conference & expo registration:

All-day EXPO access (think Costco samples, but gluten-free!) plus private viewing on May 2nd from 10-11am
All education sessions
Opportunity for one-on-one dietetic or mental health consultation
Gluten-free breakfast buffet
Swag bag filled to the brim with gluten-free goodies

If you can't make the whole conference, there is a $20 ($10 for children) one-day EXPO-only pass for either Saturday, May 2nd, 11am-4pm, or Sunday, May 3rd, 10am-4pm. The EXPO will feature 100+ G-free companies, gluten-free samples, and coupons, new products, discounts on products purchased at the EXPO, cooking demonstrations, and more.

There is also a magical evening planned on Saturday night. The Celiac Disease Foundation's 25th Anniversary Gala is the perfect excuse to dress up and support the Celiac Disease Foundation to the tune of $125 per person.

The event includes a cocktail reception, live auction, an elegant dinner, entertainment, and the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award. While this gluten-free girl loves any excuse to fancy up, the thought of a gala where all food served is worry-free and gluten-free blows my mind. Cinderella, you can go to the gluten-free ball!

Tickets to the Celiac Disease Foundation's National Conference, Expo, and Anniversary Gala are available for purchase on the Celiac Disease Foundation's website.

I am attending the conference on a media pass, so I will be posting updates with conference highlights. Check back on Go Gluten Freely the week of May 3rd for a recap. Better yet, buy your ticket and let me know. I'd love to meet you there!

Updated: read Celiac Disease Foundation Conference recap here and check out my Expo product reviews!

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