Last year was my first year attending the Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly (GFAF) Expo in New Jersey as both an official blogger and a regular attendee. When I wrote my required pre-Expo post, I really didn't know what to expect from the event aside from the information provided to me on the official website.But now with one year under my belt, I know what to expect, and as an official blogger for the second year in a row, I'm ready to tell you the five BEST things about the GFAF Expo.
That's right! It's back! The Expo is held in several locations throughout the year, but the one I'm attending is in Secaucus, NJ, at the Meadlowlands Exposition Center on Saturday, October 3, 2015 and Sunday, October 4, 2015. Event times are 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days, and you can save 20% through October 2 when you order tickets online using this link (or wait until the bottom of this post for a chance to win a one-day ticket!).
So, if you're part of the Celiac disease community or allergen-free community, why should you attend the GFAF Expo?
1. Free Samples
Come hungry! The Expo is host to more than 100 gluten-free and allergen-free vendors, and they're ALL giving out free samples. This is your chance to taste test some amazing new foods that are all safe for you to eat!
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| Some of my favorite free samples from last year! |
2. Discover New Products
And while you're sampling, you'll hopefully discover some new favorite products to add to your regular grocery shopping list and new brands that you never knew existed.
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| Was so excited to see the unveiling of ShopRite's new gluten-free pasta at last year's Expo. |
3. One-Stop Shopping
If you like what you sampled, there's also the chance to purchase products direct from the manufacturers! And some vendors offer show-only promotions and deals, so you won't want to miss out. Just make sure that you bring some cash because not all vendors will accept credit cards or checks.
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| Show day-only specials at the GoPicnic booth. I hope they're back this year! I'm going to stock up! |
4. Help Support Local Gluten-Free Companies
Last year I was so surprised and impressed by how many local NJ and NY companies were present at the event. And the chance to buy direct from these companies at the Expo is a great way to support local business, especially a local business that is taking your food restrictions seriously. You definitely don't want companies like that to go away! They can be hard to find!
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| NJ-based Hoboken Farms and its very delicious sauces! |
5. Informative Seminars
Off the show floor, there are a variety of seminars happening throughout the day at the Expo. Whether you're a newbie to eating gluten-free or you've been doing it for years, these seminars offer lots of great information from experts in the field. Speakers at this year's event include Jenna Drew, Silvana Nardone, Amy Fothergill, and more! Plus, you never know what kind of surprises will be in store at the seminars. Last year, there was a marriage proposal!!
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| Amy Fothergill of The Family Chef speaks at last year's Expo |
Want to go? You can purchase tickets to the Secaucus Expo at a 20% discount here (through 10/2) or use the Rafflecopter below to enter for your chance to win one free one-day ticket to the Secaucus, NJ Expo (good for Saturday OR Sunday, but not both days). This giveaway runs from September 3, 2015 through September 10, 2015. Winners will be announced on September 11, 2015.
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