Today was the Phoenix Gluten Free Expo presented by the Greater Phoenix Chapter of Celiac Disease Foundation. I was so excited to have my own table at the event – as this is my big hometown show. I really like being a part of the Phoenix chapter of CDF and love being a part of the organization and helping out with the event. Here’s a shot of my booth before all the craziness happened!
We even had show specials – which several guests took advantage of! Make sure you visit us at upcoming expos to take advantage of our sales! We officially sold out of our green shirts – except for the XL on Manny. Until we figure out what to dress him in, he’ll be rocking the green shirt signaling to GO visit Celiac and the Beast!
Also, we are still featuring the Erica’s Favorite Things promotion and giveaway. Everyone at the expo had a chance to enter to win an big box of prizes that were part of my favorite things from 2012 – like subscription boxes (Taste Guru was featured here), Attune Foods, Crave Bake Shop, Allermates and Red Apple Lipstick. One lucky winner will be chosen soon and emailed! Keep an eye on that email, Phoenix!
I didn’t have a ton of time to look at the vendors, since our booth was so busy the whole time (thank you Phoenix), but I did get to stop at a few of my favorite booths. Here are some pictures of what I found!
Way Better Snacks (you can see my past review of them here) was there with new stickers, and I thought they were the cat’s meow! GF is our BFF too!
Linda was there being awesome as usual and giving away great samples of these sprouted chips to the Phoenix crowd. We loved seeing her at Expo West, and it looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of her. So happy to see them at all the expos, they are an awesome product.
I think it was fate that I was placed next to Tito’s Vodka at the expo, and the whole time I thought of Gluten Dude. Unfortunately, they didn’t get a permit to sample, but since I know what it tastes like – I was happy to score a few buttons and stickers for my giveaway. On our other side are the great ladies from Go Picnic. They have been rocking the social media for the brand – and I loved getting to know them (and their new products) better!
The whole Delight Gluten Free team was there! And yes, so they stopped yelling at me, I finally renewed my subscription! I love Delight, I’m so sorry I let my subscription lapse! Love those guys – if you don’t have this magazine, you need it!
Our Tucson friend Emily was sampling for Udi’s – so good to see her! I finally got an adorable pic of us together for the blog! If you’re in Tucson, connect with her – she is a mover and a shaker in the GF community!
New Planet Beer was there (one of our personal favorite brands) sampling their new varieties – the new Belgian Ale and Amber Ale. I loved the Belgian Ale – expect a review when they actually have them in-stock – because they are soooo new and selling out everywhere!
I got a chance to see a ton of other vendors – and I loved seeing all of the local favorites – Jewel’s Cupcake Shop, Rhonda’s Cooking, Picazzo’s. Also, I won a book from Jules Shepard – way cool! I’m super happy with my time at the expo, and I want to thank the Phoenix CDF chapter for putting this on, allowing me to be a part of the team, and and extra big thanks to all the volunteers that helped put the big event on. THANK YOU!
Up next – the giveaway! Here’s YOUR chance to win goodies from the expo!
HOW TO WIN A GLUTEN FREE BOX OF GOODIES FROM THE PHOENIX GLUTEN FREE EXPO:
PRIZE:
Enter to win a box of assorted gluten-free goodies from the Phoenix Gluten Free Expo (and a few goodies from Expo West too) – for US residents only
WINNER:
2 winners, picked randomly (via Rafflecopter) based on valid entries.
HOW IT WORKS:
Each person can be entered into this contest via Rafflecopter.
CONTEST ENDS:
Friday, April 26th 2013 at midnight EST
Thank you so much for the recap! My family and I were so saddened that we couldn’t attend this year (for the first time in 4 years) due to sick kiddos. My favorite product included in your recap is Way Better Snacks. Can’t wait to review them myself 🙂
Of course, I am sure these would be awesome with Tito’s vodka! Picturing a bloody mary party with Way Better Snacks already!
Also want to say the pictures of your booth and those with Emily are my favorites!
I wasn’t at the conference (wish I could have been). I really like all the vendors, but I would have loved to see if Udi’s had some new and tasty products.
Was awesome to see you today! Can’t wait to see who wins 🙂
I did not attend, but I will be at the Chicago expo! I love following your journeys! 🙂
I wasn’t there but I really liked the one variety of Way Better snacks I’ve tried so far. (Sweet Chili.) Glad they’re keeping up the good work.
Good morning! I was not at the Phoenix expo (I live in NC), but due to following your blog I looked up local events in my state and went to the Gluten &Allergy Wellness event/ expo in Charlotte, NC yesterday:). Love your blog!
Sounds neat, wish it was closer!
Thanks for the love, Erica!! And yes, anyone in Tucson feel free to contact me… Especially those at the U of A!
Your booth looked awesome and i’ll post a pic of my new shirt soon – soo excited! Can’t wait to see you again and discuss future endeavors!!! 😀
Ahhh looks like so much fun!!
Ahh I love it! Wish we had more GF events where I live
I am so grateful for your blog. Looking forward to finding these great products during my next shopping excursion. 🙂
no, I have not gone to any expo’s but I wish I could, so I could see you guys, But red apple lipstick sounded like a fun vendor (aside from you 🙂 )
So cool! I always love your posts and it’s so nice of you to have this contest! One day I will make the GF expo circuit!
The Expo sounds like it’s a fantastic event! I am 3 months into my new lifestyle of GF goodness. I am celiac sensitive, and since going GF/WF/EF/SF/CF, I feel so much healthier. I discovered your blog this week, and I’m looking forward to your writings.
Thank you for this giveaway!
Really wish I could have been there!
I was not at the Phoenix expo but I did get to go to the San Francisco one. I started following your blog after attending that expo. Thank you for all the updates and reviews you do for the gluten free community!
Wish there was an expo in Alaska
I missed the expo and was heartbroken. Would have loved to sample and connect with the fabulous GF tribe. I herd it was amazing and a great turn out. I am still dying to get my hands in a cute teeshirt from you, and some fab. Red apple lipstick to ware also. Tanks for being amazing.
I didn’t go, but I would have loved to been there to than k the Udi people for their bread. My 9 y/o son is GF and we almost thought all was lost for him to eat sandwiches until we found their bread & muffins. Can’t forget their muffins. He devours them for breakfast. Just wish the packages came in 5 so we had enough for M-F each week. lol
I’m dying to try new planet!! I can’t wait til there is an expo closer to home so I can go!
I was not able to attend, but the whole event sounded great! Looking forward to the fall event in Dallas. Erica’s Favorite Things sounds like a great assortment and Tito’s always is perfect for any party.
It all sounds fantastic!
Wish I could attend one of the expo’s. Maybe one day I will hear about one close to Kansas. It would be great to get to meet you.
Unfortunately I couldn’t go…but would love to try the New Planet Beer!! 🙂
I’m hoping to attend the NJ expo!
I really wish I could have been there. I’d love to go to an expo some day!
I live too far away to have made it to the expo but I love reading your blog! Looks like it was a blast!
I would loved to have seen your booth in person and tried something at Jewel’s cupcake booth!
Can’t wait to be in the states this summer so I can hopefully attend one of these! Udi’s is always coming up with new stuff so I’m most excited about them 🙂
You have inspired me to search for expos near me! I would love to meet the glutino team! I love their products!! I would also love to try some of those cupcakes! I went into a cupcake shop the other day because I saw that they offered gluten free cupcakes. I was so excited, but then I discovered that they only serve them on Tuesdays, bummer! I love following your blog! 🙂
I used to live in Phx and would have LOVED to come visit and sample some of the GF items! I am sure there are a lot of GF items I don’t know about and I would love to try to make it next year. What a great idea for the giveaway….thanks!
Would have loved to try the sprouted chips. Would have loved to attend the expo. Some day!
I couldn’t attend but would have loved to visit the booths for Crave Bake Shop and Red Apple lipstick. Those are two products I’m looking forward to trying!