International Celiac Disease Symposium “Once in a Lifetime” Opportunity

In just over a week, the best-of-the-best in celiac research will come to Chicago from around the globe to take part in what is being called a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Americans.  I call it a celiac newsie’s heaven!

The International Celiac Disease Symposium (#ICDS2013) will be held in Chicago from September 22nd-September 25th.  It brings together the top researchers in celiac disease for a few days so we can get the latest news in celiac and gluten-free living.  The reason why it’s considered so rare?  The Symposium only happens every 2-4 years and has only been in the US twice before in its 44-year history (New York in 2006, Baltimore in 2000).  So unless you plan to travel to Prague in 2015, this is your shot!  Download larger view of historical ICDS map here.

Previous ICDS locations

I recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Stefano Guandalini of the University of Chicago’s Celiac Disease Center (the place that does the cool care packages for newly-diagnosed celiacs).  The school is the host of the ICDS this year.  Here is how the conference will work:  There is a scientific forum and a clinical forum.  He says “The scientific forum is meant for those involved in active research roles to share, debate and discuss the latest scientific advancements.  The clinical forum delivers this same breaking news but in a way that can be applied to a practical setting.”  I know it is the clinical forum I will be attending when I go next week.  Dr. Guandalini says it is a chance to set the record straight where you can “have all one’s questions answered in a satisfactory, fully reliable way.”

There will be breaking news in celiac research and treatment to come out of this meeting as well as “new information that will help those with celiac disease lead better lives,” says Dr. Guandalini. Some of the information presented will include information on the new FDA rule on gluten-free labeling.  Representatives from the FDA will be there for part of the event.

What’s great is that this is an opportunity to listen and learn from the world’s leading experts in celiac disease.  You can still register for the conference by clicking here.   But you’ll want to hurry, the price increases on September 16.  Gluten-free food breakfast, snacks and lunch will also be part of this event.   Follow the event on social media at #ICDS2013.  I hope to see you there, but if you cannot make it, most of the presentations will be available for purchase after they symposium has ended.

 By the numbers:

6 — people to coordinate this event since 2010

15 — times the event has happened since 1969

38 — countries represented at ICDS 2013

845 — registered for ICDS 2013

Tags: #ICDS2013, celiac, gluten-free, International Celiac Disease Symposium, research