Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) - events

Coeliac Day Run: A global movement for awareness and support

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:10:00 +0000

Time: May 10 – May 17
Location: Run, walk or cycle where you live.

The Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) invites people across Europe and beyond to take part in the Coeliac Day Run 2026, a virtual event taking place from 11 to 17 May 2026.

Open to everyone, the event encourages participants to walk, run or cycle wherever they are, while raising awareness of coeliac disease and supporting those in urgent need.

Move for a cause that matters

This year, funds raised through the Coeliac Day Run will support AOECS emergency initiatives, helping to provide access to safe gluten-free food for people with coeliac disease affected by ongoing crises, including in Ukraine and Gaza.

For people living with coeliac disease, access to gluten-free food is not a lifestyle choice but a medical necessity. In humanitarian emergencies, this need is often overlooked, putting already vulnerable individuals at serious risk.

“Through the Coeliac Day Run, we are not only raising awareness but also providing tangible support to people with coeliac disease in crises. Together, we can make a real difference,” says Veronica Rubio, Secretary General AOECS

How the virtual run works

The Coeliac Day Run is a virtual event, meaning participants can join from anywhere in the world.

Walk, run or cycle at your own pace
Choose a distance of 3 km or 10 km
Complete your activity between 11–17 May 2026
Participation fee: €10 (or local equivalent)

Whether you take part alone, with friends or as a company, every step helps raise awareness and support the coeliac community.

Join and share the movement

Participants are encouraged to share their experience on social media using the hashtag #together4coeliacs, helping to raise awareness and inspire others to join.

Italy’s Groundbreaking Mass Screening for Coeliac Disease

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:11:39 +0000

Time: Sep 24, 13:00 – 14:00 UTC
Location:

Join us for a special webinar to learn about the first results of Italy’s national paediatric screening programme, the first of its kind in the world.

In 2024, a pilot project involving over 5,000 children and 400 paediatricians across four regions tested the feasibility of screening all children aged 2–10 for coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes. The preliminary results show a 2.8% positivity rate for coeliac-specific antibodies, highlighting the potential of this programme to revolutionise early detection and treatment.

Speakers:

Giorgio Mulè, Vice-President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies and promoter of Law 130/2023 (introduction)
Olimpia Vincentini, Senior Scientist, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS)

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. This webinar is organised in cooperation with the Italian Coeliac Society (AIC).

Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia Returns for 2025

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:02:46 +0000

Time: Sep 27, 2025 07:00 UTC – Sep 28, 2025 15:00 UTC
Location: Radovljica, Slovenia

The Slovenian Coeliac Society is set to host the second edition of Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia on Saturday and Sunday, 27-28 September 2025, in the picturesque town of Radovljica. The main day on the 28th is a free-to-attend event that brings together producers, experts, and the public for a vibrant celebration of the gluten-free lifestyle.

Visitors will be able to explore a wide variety of exhibitors offering everything from traditional Slovenian gluten-free dishes to international products, including bread, pasta, desserts, and drinks. Throughout the day, there will be workshops, cooking demonstrations, and educational talks on topics such as coeliac disease, nutrition, and living well gluten-free.

Highlights include a rich children’s programme with creative activities, a Farmer’s Feast showcasing authentic Slovenian dishes, and a chance to sample gluten-free treats from local and international brands.

With its diverse programme and welcoming atmosphere, the Gluten-Free Expo is a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and taste the very best of the gluten-free world.

For more information and the full programme, visit: glutenfreeexposlo.com

Coeliac Disease Awareness Webinar - Coeliac Disease and Mental Health

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Fri, 16 May 2025 05:30:00 +0000

Time: May 22, 13:00 – 14:00 UTC
Location: https://riverside.fm/studio/veronica-rubios-studio

To mark International Coeliac Day, AOECS is arranging a series of free webinars throughout the month of May 2025.

In the 2025 webinar series, AOECS addresses two key challenges in coeliac care: the lack of structured follow-up after diagnosis, and the widespread misperception of the disease among healthcare professionals.

Coeliac Disease and Mental Health

Presenters: Ronia Schiftan, Psychologist, Ricardo Fueyo, Psychologist and Coeliac Youth of Europe
Language: English
Browser: please use Chrome or Edge for best experience

Contents:
The following questions will be discussed, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session for attendees:

What does science tell us about coeliac disease and mental health?
How can the lack of transitional care protocols or patient follow-up negatively affect mental health?
What could be considered warning signs, and how should one seek help?
What would be your message to policymakers?

Coeliac Disease Awareness Webinar - Misperception of coeliac disease in health care

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Thu, 08 May 2025 07:30:00 +0000

Time: May 15, 13:00 – 14:00 UTC
Location: https://riverside.fm/studio/veronica-rubios-studio

To mark International Coeliac Day, AOECS is arranging a series of free webinars throughout the month of May 2025.

Misperception of coeliac disease in health care

Language: English
Browser: please use Chrome or Edge for best experience

Description:
The following questions will be discussed, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session for attendees;

Is coeliac disease sufficiently recognised by healthcare professionals?
What are the main misperceptions, and what practical impact do they have?
What can be done to address and minimise these misperceptions?
Is there scientific evidence supporting the chameleonic nature of coeliac disease, or is this still a misperception?
What would be your message to policymakers?

Coeliac Awareness Day Webinars - Transitional Care

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Mon, 05 May 2025 20:35:09 +0000

Time: May 08, 13:00 – 14:00 UTC
Location: https://riverside.fm/studio/veronica-rubios-studio

To mark International Coeliac Day, AOECS is arranging a series of free webinars throughout the month of May 2025.

Transitional Care and follow-up after diagnosis

Presenters: Dr. Alfonso Rodriguez Herrera, Mariam Ghughunishvili and Coeliac Youth of Europe
Language: English
Browser: please use Chrome or Edge for best experience

Webinar contents:

The following questions will be discussed, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session for attendees:

What are the main deficiencies you have identified in coeliac patients’ transitional care and follow-up after diagnosis?
What missed opportunities do you think this gap leads to?
What would be the benefits of establishing a standardised protocol for transitional care and follow-up in coeliac disease?
Is it realistic to aim for a unified protocol that could be implemented across countries?
What opportunities should the coeliac community seize?
What would be your message to policymakers?

e-Conference on National Pediatric Screening for Coeliac Disease

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 07:10:00 +0000

Time: Nov 08, 09:30 – 15:30 UTC
Location: Online

The Italian Coeliac Society (AIC), a founding member of AOECS, is delighted to invite AOECS members and other stakeholders to the e-Conference entitled “The Iceberg of Coeliac Disease: The National Pediatric Screening Programme."

Background

The Italian Law 130/2023 was approved by the Italian Parliament on September 15th, 2023, concerning “Provisions for the Definition of a Diagnostic Program for the Identification of Type 1 Diabetes and Coeliac Disease in the Pediatric Population.” For the first time, a legislative act establishes mass screening for coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes in the general pediatric population. Expectations for public health and scientific knowledge are very high.

The conference will present

Preliminary data on the acceptability and sustainability of the screening programme, implemented in four Italian regions (Lombardy, Sardinia, Marche, and Campania)
The scientific framework of the mass screening of coeliac disease
The epidemiology and natural history of coeliac disease

Open conference with free registration

The conference will be streamed online in English for all international attendees. Registration is free, but no medical educational credits will be provided for online participants.

“This is without doubt a milestone for improving coeliac disease diagnosis through mass screening for coeliac disease in general pediatric population, and we are thrilled that other countries will learn and adapt this approach to their reality” – says Veronica Rubio, AOECS Secretary General.

GLUTEN-FREE EXPO SLOVENIA 2024

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:06:09 +0000

Time: Sep 28 – Sep 29
Location: Radovljica

RADOVLJICA, SLOVENIA – The Slovenian Coeliac Society is organizing the highly anticipated Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia 2024, set to take place in the charming town of Radovljica on Saturday, 28th, and Sunday, 29th September. This unique event promises a weekend full of discovery, education, and enjoyment for everyone who follows a gluten-free diet.

Join the event for a weekend in September of eating, meeting, learning, and enjoying in Radovljica! Read more about the event here.

Event Highlights

Over 25 Providers of Gluten-Free Food: Sample and purchase from the best selection of gluten-free products available.
Food Trucks: Enjoy delicious offerings from two dedicated gluten-free food trucks.
Children’s Programme: Fun and engaging activities designed specifically for children.
Entertainment and Sports Programme: A variety of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Educational Programme: Learn from esteemed speakers from Slovenia and around the globe about the latest in gluten-free living and coeliac disease management.

Free entrance

The event is open to all. Whether you are living with coeliac disease, have gluten sensitivity, or are simply interested in gluten-free living, Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia 2024 is the place to be. Most event points are free of charge, but voluntary donations to the organizers are always welcome. However, some events require booking in advance due to a limited number of seats, and some events are paid. See more information on the event page: https://glutenfreeexposlo.com/...

International Collaboration

Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia is more than just an event; it's an initiative to put Slovenia on the world map as a safe and welcoming gluten-free destination. This Expo is a significant step towards fostering international collaboration, educating about healthy and safe gluten-free cuisine, and promoting gluten-free tourism.

Interested companies

If you are interested in being a partner or sponsor of Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia, or interested in having a stall at the Expo to promote and/or sell your gluten-free products, please send an email to: glutenfreeexposlo.com.

For more information

For additional details or media inquiries, please contact:Slovenian Coeliac Society, email: drustvo@drustvo-celiakija.si
phone: 386 (0)51 442 272

About the Slovenian Coeliac Society

On March 24, 1988, the Society for Coeliac Disease Maribor was established in Maribor, as the first coeliac society in Slovenia and also in the former Yugoslavia. The society is dedicated to supporting individuals with coeliac disease and promoting awareness about the gluten-free lifestyle. Through education, advocacy, and community events, the Society strives to improve the lives of those affected by coeliac disease. The Slovenian Coeliac Society is also a full member of the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS).

Gluten-Free Diet: How National Coeliac Societies support their members.

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Mon, 06 May 2024 15:07:31 +0000

Time: May 09, 11:00 – 11:45 UTC
Location: Online

Presenters: Gill Brennan, Irish Coeliac Society and Board Director AOECS; Susanna Neuhold, Italian Coeliac Association

Description:
It is not easy to maintain a strict gluten-free diet. National Coeliac Societies work in many ways to support their members in following their prescripted diet. Additionally, it will be possible to ask questions at the end of the webinar. The number of seats available is limited.

Diagnosing Coeliac Disease: What Are the Lessons Learned Across Countries?

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Fri, 03 May 2024 13:16:44 +0000

Time: May 16, 14:00 – 14:45 UTC
Location: Online

Presenter: Marilyn Geller, Celiac Disease Foundation

Description:
Delayed diagnosis of celiac disease can result in long-term health complications and increase the risk of developing other autoimmune disorders. Early management is crucial to prevent these potential outcomes.

To address this, the Celiac Disease Foundation has conducted a comprehensive analysis comparing diagnostic practices for celiac disease across the USA, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Join us for this insightful webinar where we will unveil the findings and discuss implications for improving early diagnosis rates globally.

A Cure for Coeliac Condition... where are we?

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Fri, 03 May 2024 12:58:39 +0000

Time: May 24, 11:00 – 11:45 UTC
Location: Online

Presenters: Prof. Riccardo Troncone, University Federico II in Naples

Description:
Potential treatments alternative to gluten-free diet: patients’ expectations. Note: the number of seats available is limited.

Edible Packing - What Is There For Coeliacs?

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:14:42 +0000

Time: May 31 11:00 UTC
Location: Online

Presenters: Tatyana A.Savitskaya, Belarusian State University; Iryna Kimlenka, PhD Chemistry, Belarusian State University

Description:
Food novelties and innovations bring new alternatives to the market for consumers. What can coeliacs expect? Additionally, it will be possible to ask questions at the end of the webinar. Note: the number of seats available is limited.

Coeliac Day Virtual Run 2024

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 07:30:00 +0000

Time: May 12 – May 19
Location: Virtual/everywhere

Coeliac Day Virtual Run 2024

Join us for the Coeliac Day Virtual Run, a pan-European exercise event taking place from May 13th to May 19th, 2024

By registering for this event, you're becoming a vital part of a community rallying to support the shipments of gluten-free food to those in need in Ukraine.

How does the Virtual Run work?

A virtual run means you can walk, run, or cycle from any location around the world. While the exercise is physical, the participation is virtual. Whether you're in your neighborhood or on vacation, you can join in. Choose to cover a distance of 3 km or 10 km between May 13th and May 19th. Participation costs 10€, or the equivalent in your local currency.

It's easy to join

Simply register online, perform your chosen activity anywhere you like, and if you wish, share and compare your results on our race page. Though it's not primarily a competition, we welcome all who want to challenge themselves and others. It's a fantastic way to show support for Ukranian coeliacs in need and raise awareness about coeliac disease.

Let's Raise Awareness!

Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 1.5% of the global population. The only known treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. Every May 16th, on International Coeliac Awareness Day, the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) and our national member societies organize events to educate and advocate.

Join the Movement

When you participate in the Coeliac Day Virtual Run or any related events, share your experiences! Post a photo on social media with the hashtag #together4coeliacs to help spread the word about coeliac disease. Together, we can make a difference. Let's make some noise for coeliac disease!

Topics

CYE Summer Camp 2024

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:01:20 +0000

Time: Aug 15 – Aug 21
Location: Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Are you between 18-30 years old and member of a National Coeliac Society? Apply to join the Coeliac Youth of Europe's Summer Camp for coeliacs in the Netherlands before 15 March 2024.

The Coeliac Youth of Europe (CYE) arranges a a gluten free camp for 18 – 30 year old coeliacs from all over Europe.The CYE Summer Camp 2024 will be hosted in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Every year, a summer camp is hosted in a European country, especially for coeliacs to get to know each other and enjoy a holiday with other young coeliacs, without having to worry about the food.

This camp will take place from 16 – 21 of August 2024. Accomodations will be at the Hostel Ani & Haakien, right in the center of Rotterdam. The price for this camp is €500,-. This includes the accommodation, activitities, and food. Travel to and from the camp from participant's country is not included.

To join the CYE Summer Camp you have to be a member of an AOECS National Coeliac Society. Only 50 places are available at the camp. Apply before March 15, 2024.

AOECS General Assembly Conference - for the first time open for public

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 13:48:41 +0000

Time: Nov 03, 07:30 – 12:00 UTC
Location: Hotel Royal Olympic 28-34 Athanasiou Diakou Str. 117 43, Athens, GREECE

35th General Assembly Open Conference

Take the rare opportunity to mingle, meet and make connections with delegates from the worldwide coeliac community in Athens, Greece on November 3rd, 2023.

At this half-day conference, AOECS expects over 100 delegates from +40 countries representing more than 300,000 active members of national coeliac societies. This makes the event probably the largest coeliac society convent in the world and the perfect opportunity to connect and liaise with the coeliac community.

The conference is arranged by the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) which is the owner of the AOECS Gluten-Free Standard and caretaker of the Crossed Grain Trademark for pre-packaged food products in Europe. The Crossed Grain Trademark is used by over 23,000 gluten-free products in Europe. This year the conference is hosted by the Hellenic Coeliac Society in Athens, Greece.

Outline agenda

08:30 - 09:00 Registration and welcome reception
09:00 - 09:30 Opening and new book release
09:30 - 10:00 Panel discussion
10:00 - 11:00 Issues with gluten free beer
11:00 - 12:00 Coffee break & networking time
12:00 - 13:00 Biodegradable Food Contact Materials

Price

50 € (excl. VAT)

Note: The number of seats is limited. First come, first served.

Sponsors

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please read more here.

Journalists

If you are a journalist and want accreditation for the open conference day, please contact AOECS here.

Plastic food materials are getting replaced by plant-based alternatives: What is at stake for coeliacs?

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Thu, 18 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Time: May 25, 11:00 – 12:00 UTC
Location: Online

The use of gluten and other allergens in Food Contact Materials has been researched for decades, even though it has not been put into any larger use. But since the EU decided to ban many plastic materials, the demand and use of plant-based alternatives to plastics have literally exploded. What are the risks for coeliacs and other people suffering from allergies?

How can we support the industry in taking gluten and other allergens into consideration when developing these plastic-free materials?

How is dietary fashion affecting coeliacs?

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Tue, 09 May 2023 12:38:05 +0000

Time: May 16, 11:00 – 12:00 UTC
Location: Online

With the rise of many new dietary fashions about healthier food, HORECA sector and legislators, may get 'coeliac disease' off their radar minimizing the adverse impact cross contact may have for coeliacs. How can we improve communication?

To mark the International Coeliac Day AOECS arranges a series of free webinars all through the month of May. Everyone is welcome to join, but make sure to register for the webinar(s) you want to attend well ahead. There are a limited number of seats for each webinar.

What needs to be done to make coeliac disease more attractive to researchers?

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Thu, 04 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000

Time: May 11, 11:00 – 12:00 UTC
Location: Online

Today, there is no cure for coeliac disease. The only treatment is a long-life strict gluten-free diet. This situation affects around 1,5% of the population. What is needed to get researchers interested in this collective?

How is inflation affecting people dependent on gluten-free food?

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Time: May 04, 08:00 – 09:00 UTC
Location: Online

An overall rise in prices in the last month has reduced the purchasing power of consumers. How inflation has affected coeliacs in different countries?

Can biodegradeable food packages contaminate gluten free food?

Association of European Coeliac Societies — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 16:04:54 +0000

Time: Feb 07, 14:30 – 15:30 UTC
Location: Online

Three independent studies conducted by different European coeliac societies reveal that gluten can migrate from biodegradable containers into packaged gluten free food.

The results of the studies showed that gluten free food was contaminated with gluten with values well over the maximum gluten threshold allowed for coeliac food consumption.

At the moment, European legislation does not regulate the use of allergens in Food Contact Materials (FCM) such as packages and tableware.

In this webinar, we will present the findings from the studies to the public to start a debate about the risks of using biodegradeable packages containing gluten and seek for possible ways forward.

Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) - events

Coeliac Day Run: A global movement for awareness and support

Move for a cause that matters

How the virtual run works

Join and share the movement

Italy’s Groundbreaking Mass Screening for Coeliac Disease

Gluten-Free Expo Slovenia Returns for 2025

Coeliac Disease Awareness Webinar - Coeliac Disease and Mental Health

Coeliac Disease and Mental Health

Coeliac Disease Awareness Webinar - Misperception of coeliac disease in health care

Misperception of coeliac disease in health care

Coeliac Awareness Day Webinars - Transitional Care

Transitional Care and follow-up after diagnosis

e-Conference on National Pediatric Screening for Coeliac Disease

Background

The conference will present

Open conference with free registration

GLUTEN-FREE EXPO SLOVENIA 2024

Event Highlights

Free entrance

International Collaboration

Interested companies

For more information

About the Slovenian Coeliac Society

Gluten-Free Diet: How National Coeliac Societies support their members.

Diagnosing Coeliac Disease: What Are the Lessons Learned Across Countries?

A Cure for Coeliac Condition... where are we?

Edible Packing - What Is There For Coeliacs?

Coeliac Day Virtual Run 2024

Coeliac Day Virtual Run 2024

Related links

Topics

Categories

CYE Summer Camp 2024

AOECS General Assembly Conference - for the first time open for public

35th General Assembly Open Conference

Plastic food materials are getting replaced by plant-based alternatives: What is at stake for coeliacs?

How is dietary fashion affecting coeliacs?

What needs to be done to make coeliac disease more attractive to researchers?

How is inflation affecting people dependent on gluten-free food?

Can biodegradeable food packages contaminate gluten free food?