I've posted about the Gluten Free and Allergen Free (GFAF) Expo many times in the past. (You can check out those posts here and here.) So what else can I tell you about this awesome expo designed just for those with Celiac disease and other food allergies?If you don't know, this year's NYC-area expo is October 15 and 16 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ. (I'll be there again as an official blogger!) The show is a great resource for parents because you get to talk to representatives from the companies that exhibit there and ask questions about the food they're making. There are more than 80 exhibitors attending this year's expo! You get to attend different seminars/classes to learn tips on living, traveling, and cooking when you have Celiac disease.
So how can you have the best GFAF Expo experience? Here are a few tips:
1. Come hungry!
Each exhibitor gives out samples, and you'll want to stop by each booth to make sure you get a taste of it all. The Exposition Center has concession stands but only for beverages during the GFAF Expo. So that means, the samples are going to be your main sustenance.
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| Exhibitors at the 2015 NJ GFAF Expo ready for the show to start |
You can also purchase directly from the exhibitors, sometimes at discounts that you won't find in the supermarket. This is also a great way to have lunch while at the show. But not everyone accepts credit cards, so make sure you have cash on-hand just to be safe.
3. Bring the kids!
Kids are, of course, welcome to attend the show. It's like one big playground for kids with Celiac disease because they're surrounded by food they can actually eat! Even the little one can attend, but if they're in a stroller, you're advised to only bring single strollers. Double strollers (or larger) will be too big to fit down the aisles.
4. Bring a notebook and pen!
You'll want to take notes from all of the classes you take while you're there! You can find this year's class list here. There are four classes each day. I took the one from Peter Green, MD, last year, and it was really good.
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| the 2015 NJ GFAF Expo |
Before you and your kids attend the show, you should know that the expo is not 100-percent free of any potential allergen because it is a multi-use facility. All products are gluten-free but many booths do contain other allergens. These allergens will be listed at each exhibitor's table. Don't take samples of products you can't have, take appropriate precautions, and carry necessary medication. If you have any other questions about the GFAF Expo, visit its FAQ page.
And most importantly, have fun! This is a great show. I always learn a bunch of new things and discover lots of new brands every year. I expect that this year's expo will be no different!
If you still need to purchase tickets, you can do so by clicking right here. You can save 30% on your ticket by using the promotional code EARLYBIRD (good through 9/14).
Or you can try to win tickets right here! I've got five to give away! From now through September 14, enter using the Rafflecopter below! Winners will receive a promo code via email to enter when they order their tickets online. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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