2018 National Conference & Gluten-Free EXPO Draws Over 2,700 People to Pasadena

Over 2,700 patients, family members, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, biopharmaceutical and diagnostic company representatives, and gluten-free foodies attended the Celiac Disease Foundation’s National Conference & Gluten-Free EXPO on May 5 & 6, 2018. Hosted annually at the Pasadena Convention Center, the Celiac Disease Foundation National Conference & Gluten-Free EXPO is the leading national event for celiac disease, bringing together a diverse range of innovative researchers, and pioneers in the gluten-free food industry.
Now in its 13th year, the event kicked off with the National Conference featuring keynote speaker, Dr. Sheila Crowe, and a world-renowned panel of biopharmaceutical and diagnostic industry leaders discussing cutting-edge advancements in celiac disease research. Video recordings of these presentations will be made available on our website in the coming weeks – be sure to check them out!
The Gluten-Free EXPO celebrated the newest and best gluten-free options for people with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and others who seek benefits from the gluten-free diet. While more than 90 companies featured their tastiest products, attendees enjoyed keynote presentations, cooking demos, exciting raffles, and much more! “This is my favorite expo,” says Lindsey, founder of XO Baking. “The people are passionate and receptive. Everyone is so excited to try all of the gluten-free samples!”
Year after year, the Celiac Disease Foundation National Conference & Gluten-Free EXPO is a success story. For many of the attendees, this was the first time they were surrounded by a community of people living with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
The Celiac Disease Foundation is incredibly grateful to everyone who made this event possible. To the participating companies, attendees, National Conference speakers, Expo Hall speakers, and volunteers, we thank you for your support and dedication to the gluten-free community.
Thank you to the following sponsors for their continuing support: General Mills, Chex Gluten-Free, Nature Valley, Progresso, Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Immaculate Baking, Dr. Schar, Snyder’s of Hanover, Lance, Pretzel Crisps, Eat Right Snack, Dole Packaged Foods, Barilla, Wasa, Udi’s Gluten-Free, Glutino, Blue Diamond, Enjoy Life Foods, Cream of Rice, TH Foods, Pamela’s Products, PepsiCo, Frito-Lay, Quaker, Bfree Foods, Trans-Ocean, Mission Foods, Jones Dairy Farm, Bob’s Red Mill, and Canyon Bakehouse.
Ariel Spiegelman receiving the Celiac Disease Foundation Volunteer of the Year Award.
Two local bakers, Kirari West and Mercedes Binge, keep attendees full and smiling with their delicious baked treats.