Free From Show and Allergy Show

With more than 4 million Australians living with an allergic disease1, the demand for an event catering to allergies and food intolerances has never been stronger. This July 12 – 14, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) will play host to Australia's first ever Free From Show and Allergy Show, two events designed to empower and educate those living exclusion lifestyles.

The two shows are conveniently co-located, and will prove that living with allergies, intolerances or preferences does not have to come with compromise in an impressive showcase of products, services and educational advice.

A ticket will provide visitors with passes to both shows, product samples and access to all five feature areas including
Smart Food – what's new in functional foods, vitamins, and sports supplements,
Home & Living – product ranges that eliminate harmful chemicals used in the home,
Let's Get Personal – ethical, cruelty free and sustainable options in skincare, hair and beauty,
Allergy Learning Centre – a program of free seminars from leading allergists,
and the Health and Wellness Centre – tips and insights from industry experts and accredited professionals.

With studies showing increased rates of anxiety prevalent in those with food allergies, and severe allergy affecting 250,000 teens and young adults3, CEO of IEC Marie Kinsella believes the events will attract thousands.

"The Allergy Show and Free From Show were created to inspire, equip and inform the increasing number of Australians living with allergies, food intolerances and lifestyle preferences. People are placing greater importance on what goes onto and into their body, and this has had a profound influence on food, beauty, household products and the health industry".

The three-day Free From Show will cater to those with dietary needs and exclusion lifestyles spanning gluten, dairy, peanut, tree nut, parabens, fructose, sugar, egg, soy, GMO and even cruelty. There will also be a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly brands and education, as well as FODMAP friendly foods.

The Allergy Show is the chance to hear from leading experts in a dedicated forum and speak one-on-one with Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia health educators. Topics covered in the Allergy Learning Centre include Challenges of current food labelling, hosted by A&AA CEO Maria Said, Infant feeding resources by National Allergy Strategy Coordinator Sandra Vale, and Thunderstorm Asthma by Asthma Australia.

The Free From Learning Centre will similarly be a hub of valuable information as industry experts provide insights a number of topics including: The role of the gut microbiota in allergic disease from Mimi Tang, Professor at The University of Melbourne's Department of Paediatrics, and Paediatric Immunologist Allergist for the Royal Children's Hospital, and An introduction to plant-based nutrition and its benefits presented by Plant-Based General Practitioner, Dr Malcolm MacKay.

Visitors will enjoy samples of Twobays Brewing Co.'s famous gluten-free beer; cult classic Ben & Jerry's Non-Dairy Flavours; a gluten free Asian Hawker-style zone from New Chinese Garden and a range of skin-sensitive beauty products. The robust list of confirmed exhibitors includes: Bakers Delight, Orgran Health & Nutrition, Rebel Kitchen, Schar, New Chinese Garden, Tumerix, YUM. Gluten Free, Weis, Organic Formulations, Nestle Health Science and JellyFish Mattress.

The Allergy Show is proudly supported by peak consumer support organisation Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA), as well as industry leaders Asthma Australia and The Eczema Association of Australasia Inc. The Free From Show is made possible with partners Asthma Australia, Monash University – FODMAP, and Yum. Gluten Free.

Dates: Friday 12 July – Sunday 14 July 2019
Times: Open 9am – 5pm daily (closing 4pm on Sunday)
Venue: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf
Website: www.freefromshow.com.au/ & www.allergyshow.com.au/