Why You Should Attend the Gluten Free Food Allergy Fest in Columbus, OH

In just a few days an amazing event is coming to Columbus, OH-  The Gluten Free Food AllergyFest.  The GFFA Fest, which will be held on April 30^th and May 1^st, is a must do if you are managing food allergies or Celiac Disease.   

I attended the GFFA Fest, hosted by Gluten Free and More, for the first time in 2015.  I learned so much and found so many great products- all catered towards those with food allergies and Celiac- I knew I would be adding it to my list of events to attend each year. 

Here are three great reasons you should plan to attend this weekend:

Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Products Galore!

As you walk into the GFFA Fest, you will see aisle after aisle of products, vendors and companies all focused on helping those with Celiac and food allergies.  Get ready to sample great foods, discover new products and talk with companies that get it.  Some companies sample their foods and products and some even sell things.  Be sure to grab your complimentary sample bag when you enter the GFFA Fest and be prepared to leave with more than came with!

Education Sessions and Cooking Demos Throughout the Day

In between sampling tasty foods and finding your new favorite gluten-free products you can attend one of the many lectures or cooking demos offered at the Fest.  All day long chefs are cooking up allergy-friendly and gluten free bites in the demo kitchen.  You can attend a live cooking demo and then head to the lecture area to hear from medical, Celiac and food allergy experts on how to manage and thrive with food restrictions.

This year, I am honored to be representing my company, Thrive On Consulting and speaking on Traveling with Food Allergies and Celiac Disease.  My session will be the first of the day on both Saturday and Sunday.  I will be sharing tips and advice for traveling safely with food restrictions.  Come join me for an informative session just in time for planning that summer vacation!  And, one lucky attendee at each of my presentations will win a prize bag with great accessories for traveling with food allergies or Celiac generously donated by my partners at AllerMates, Allergy Apparel and I.C.O.E. Bracelets.  You don’t want to miss the chance to win these great prizes!

Connections, Community and Advice

When you have food allergies and Celiac Disease often times you feel like the outsider at an event- making special meal requests, brining your own safe foods, feeling unsure sometimes if the situation will be safe.  This is one event where you will feel at home and be surrounded by others who also have the same concerns and take the same precautions.  You will talk to people throughout the day- company representatives, chefs, fellow attendees- that all get it.  You will be part of the gluten free and food allergy community, and you will fit right in. 

There will also be people there to provide advice and support.  There is an authors booth where you can meet and talk to leading authors – and buy some of their wonderful books and cookbooks.   After my talk, I will be in the author booth to discuss any questions you may have about managing food allergies.  My friend, and fellow AllerCoach, Tiffany Monroe, who owns Ingredients for You,will also be at the GFFA Fest to talk all things food allergy- you can find her at the booth with Soodles Bake Shop, an allergy-friendly and gluten free bakery who will be serving up some delicious and safe samples.

Cannot wait to connect with you the GFFA Fest!

Safety Note: As a food allergy coach, a little advice to help you Thrive On at the Fest- if you are managing food allergies do still bring your emergency medications.  No matter how safe or comfortable you may feel, you should never leave home without your emergency medications.  Be sure to read labels and inquire about ingredients before sampling products as your allergens may be present in some of the products.   

Tami owns Thrive On Consulting, which helps families and individuals managing food allergies.  You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter