Ep 117 CCA Conference Goes Virtual in 2020

Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –

This has been a year when plans of all kinds have had to change and adapt to our current social distancing practices.  The Canadian Celiac Association had planned a conference for the beginning of June in Regina, and the plans of attendees were well underway before the stay-at-home orders were invoked.  The CCA has taken the progressive step of mounting the conference virtually, meaning anyone who registers can participate from their own home via their computer, ipad or even a phone.  Registration has a suggested cost of $20, but if you are not comfortably able to contribute, you can still register.  Also, you don’t have to be a CCA member.  You can find out more information and register at www.ccaconference.ca

Sue’s Websites and Social Media –

Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com

Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com

Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast

Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA

Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com

Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com

Instagram – @suesgfbaking

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL

Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com

Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com

My Thoughts –

This conference is going to be very different from the many I have attended over the years.  There are lots of things I will miss, mostly the cheerful faces of CCA members and volunteers from across Canada.

If you’ve never been to a CCA conference, this is your opportunity, but keep in mind it’s so much more than an information session.

I can organize my celiac life and understanding around the many conferences I’ve been to.  There is a long list of important things I learned and questions I had answered.  Here are just a few –

• One presenter spoke about having non-celiac gluten sensitivity when most of us in the audience hadn’t even heard the term before.
• The gluten free certification program for grocery store items was introduced at a conference.
• The definitive information surrounding the safety of pure oats was presented one year.
• New regulations for food labelling in Canada were presented by the CCA members who made it happen.
• One presentation was on the variety of symptoms that replaced the old-fashioned knowledge of celiac just being a gastro issue.
• The idea that dental abnormalities could be a sign of celiac, especially in children.
• The right to safe food movement was introduced to heighten our awareness of contamination of many of our single ingredient foods.

These are just a few that immediately come to mind.  I mentioned the people, but I also identify the people with the places.  Every group that hosted a conference did such a great job to infuse the atmosphere and entertainment with local flair. 

There are so many memorable things about going to a CCA conference, but there has always been one drawback.  At our group meeting after the conference, I and the others who attended, shared what we had learned.  And we always tried to bring back some of the gluten free goodies that were often handed out to also share with our local members.  This year, anyone with a computer and internet, or a smart phone, can attend.  I was happy to hear about the “door” prizes.  Hopefully that excitement will make up for not actually coming away from the conference with a bag full of goodies.  Way to go CCA, for taking a difficult situation and making it into an inclusive learning event.  This one I can say, I will certainly remember!