Last month,we were ecstatic to be among more than 100 vendors at the San Francisco Gluten & Allergen Free Expo where we connected with thousands of attendees and learned what they're looking for in gluten-free products and companies. Getting to connect with bloggers, companies, and other gluten-free rock stars was something out of a fairy tale — a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Representing Taste Guru at the February 9-10 gluten-free fete was Andrew Yeum, Taste Guru's director of operations, who started the weekend off with an amazing lunch — described as the "longest lunch of his life" — at The French Laundry with other gluten-free personalities that we all know and love. If you want to read about how fabulous the meal was, visit Frannycakes blog or read Zest Bakery’s post about the 11-course experience, but be prepared to salivate!
As one of the few non-bloggers invited to attend Friday night's blogger event, Andrew was able to get a small glimpse into the mind of the gluten-free blogger, and he even picked up some tips and tricks along the way! There were three presenters at this special event, including Frannycakes, Mrs. Northwest International 2013 Brandy Wendler (the gluten-free community’s very own beauty pageant winner), and the well-known Celiac Diva. Bloggers took home tips, advice on how to set up their webpage, and the etiquette of the blogging world. For entrepreneurial minded gluten-free foodies, there also were tips on how to increase their following, build relationships with influential individuals and consumers, and the Celiac Diva, one of the most successful gluten-free bloggers out there, offered advice on blogging as a source of income.
During the expo — our very first — Andrew manned the Taste Guru table in the company of some of the most well-known gluten-free vendors, giving him the chance to chat with passersby about our premier box-of-the-month club. We nabbed many new customers at the expo and received gobs of excellent feedback. The expo also gave Andrew the chance to connect with many bloggers and brands in person for the first time after months of being in contact electronically.
Taste Guru couldn't be happier to be part of an industry so committed to the gluten-free consumer and health-minded living. Whether it is the passionate owner of the small, startup brand or the new-to-the-diet gluten-free consumer, Taste Guru strives to help all gluten-free foodies on their journey. We take pride in our ability to help grow brands, awareness, and the love for the gluten-free life!
Did you attend the GFAF Expo? We'd love to hear about your experience!
"Gluten-Free Foodies" is a collection of amazing, informative, and innovative gluten-free blogs and websites handpicked by Taste Guru for your reading pleasure!
