International Symposium

Thousands of scientists, practitioners, students and patients from around the world will gather in Chicago from Sept. 22 to 25, 2013, for the 15th International Celiac Disease Symposium (ICDS). Hosted by the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, ICDS 2013 is a unique opportunity for the global celiac disease community to come together and share new developments regarding the world's most common genetic autoimmune disease, affecting nearly 1 in 100 people living with the disease.
While celiac disease has become more recognized across the U.S. in recent years, it is still underrepresented – and often misrepresented – in the national health dialogue. The Center believes that ICDS 2013 will be the tipping point that brings a greater understanding of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity to the United States, and helps attendees separate science from myth.
"This year's conference will expose the newest science behind the notion of gluten sensitivity and gluten-related disorders, and we're excited to be presenting groundbreaking research," said Stefano Guandalini, MD, founder and medical director of the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center and co-chairman of ICDS 2013. "The dual-track nature of the conference will provide robust information tailored to key members of the celiac disease community, making it an invaluable event for all attendees."
ICDS 2013 follows the success of the symposium in Oslo, Norway, in 2011 and is expected to attract an estimated 2,000 attendees, representing all parts of the celiac disease community around the world. The conference will be held at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, which will have its kitchens accredited by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. ICDS is not expected to be held in the United States again for at least another 10 years.
ICDS Program: Care, Cure, Collaboration, Cutting-edge.
Throughout the three days of the conference, leading researchers will present breakthrough research on a variety of health issues related to celiac disease and gluten-related disorders, including advances in prevention options and, ultimately, in finding a cure. ICDS will comprise two distinct educational tracks – scientific and clinical – making the conference accessible to not only researchers, academics and health care providers, but also patients:

• The Scientific Forum is designed for those in active research roles in the area of celiac disease and gluten-related disorders. This is a forum for the debate and discussion of new theories and data on topics selected by the Scientific Committee.
• The Clinical Forum is designed for clinicians, such physicians, registered dietitians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses, as well as people living with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This forum will allow participants to learn about the latest research and scientific advances from the world's leading experts – the same experts who will be presenting in the Scientific Forum. The information presented will be relevant for practical application in both clinical settings as well as everyday living.

"ICDS 2013 will address the critical issues of all of those affected by celiac disease and gluten-related disorders, while illuminating cutting-edge research from the field," said conference co-chairman Bana Jabri, MD, PhD, Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Cancer Research and the University of Chicago and director of research at the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. "The Center is thrilled to provide this platform for attendees to share expertise, experiences, opinions, triumphs and struggles with their peers, with the goal of improving the quality of life for those who are afflicted until the day a cure is found."
How To Get Involved
ICDS offers exposition opportunities for a diverse group of small and large companies, from food to diagnostics. As part of this, the "Gluten-Free Marketplace" will feature 48 exhibitors sharing their products and services with attendees.
Additionally, ICDS has a range of sponsorship opportunities available, including four levels of elite sponsorship packages as well as individual, customizable options.
"The Center is thrilled to have the support of elite sponsors, including General Mills, Enjoy Life Foods, ImmusanT, Quest Diagnostics, Inova, BioCodex, ANI Biotech and Dow Wolff Cellulosics - Food & Nutrition, a division of Dow Chemical, for the 2013 conference," said Carol McCarthy Shilson, executive director of the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. "We are bringing together the best of the best. We hope to make this one of the most memorable events to date with the help of our sponsors, leading researchers in the field and engaged attendees from around the world."