Programs

FAACT's Teen Retreat

FAACT's Teen Retreat 2024

JULY 18-21, 2024
The Hyatt Lodge & Hyatt Lodge Conference Center, Oak Brook, Illinois

FAACT's Ninth Annual Teen Retreat will be held Thursday, July 18, through Sunday, July 21, 2024 at The Hyatt Lodge & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.

FAACT's Teen Retreat weekend is all about tweens, teens, and college students, their siblings, and their parents/caregivers - managing food allergies, asthma, eosinophilic disorders, FPIES, mast cell diseases, and Celiac disease. The weekend offers an informative program full of fun activities. Teens will learn about managing their food allergies and, more importantly, spend time with peers who have food allergies (and siblings who do not). Siblings are also affected when a family member has food allergies. Our Teen Retreat is a safe place for them to discuss their concerns with a group who not only understands but can share their own experiences, advice, and solutions.

Teens, college students, and siblings must be between the ages of 11 and 23 to attend the Teen Retreat. It is important for college-aged teens and young adults to be included as well – they act as mentors to the younger teens and also have the opportunity to connect with their peers and discuss managing food allergies in college. All teens will be together for some sessions for mentoring aspects, and then there will be breakout sessions by grades.

Parents/Caregivers are in session on Saturday learning from healthcare professionals, parent/caregiver advocates, teen advocates, and they have time to bond and share stories during both evenings, as well, while the teens are participating in their social events.

There will be an Expo set up all weekend and additional sessions for parents/caregivers while the teens are in session on Sunday. The Expo features FAACT's sponsors who distribute literature, materials, and samples.

To close the weekend, there will be a special parent/caregiver and teen session together, which is very moving and a wonderful way to end the weekend. It is an inspirational and empowering weekend for the entire family that you will not want to miss!

REGISTER TODAY!

Check out our slideshow to see what a great weekend we had in 2023.


For sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, please contact Eleanor Garrow-Holding.

CZ

Curtis Zimmerman Returns for FAACT’s Teen Retreat

As a keynote speaker, best-selling author, and host of the top-rated podcast, The Next 24 Hours, Curtis Zimmerman has impacted over one million people around the globe with his life-changing message. People connect with Curtis through his high energy as he incorporates the skills he gained from over twenty-five years in the entertainment industry as a nationally-recognized mime, juggler, and fire-eater into his powerful programs.

But don’t be fooled by the fun: With the perfect interactive keynote to open or close a conference, Curtis mobilizes audiences to manage rapid change, invigorate their company culture, lead with integrity, and engage customers.

Curtis is a highly sought after speaker among Fortune 100 companies including Kroger, Proctor and Gamble, Johnson & Johson, Pepsico, Coca Cola, Duke Energy and Walt Disney Resorts, along with Universal Orlando Resorts and the United States Air Force.

He is also the author of three books, including his #1 nationally best-selling book Life at Performance Level. Curtis is a member of the Global Speakers Federation (GFS) and the National Speakers Association (NSA), from which he has achieved the highest-earned recognition reserved for the top ten percent of professional speakers across the nation, the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation.

Curtis Zimmerman, “Living the Dream,” returns for FAACT’s Teen Retreat. Curtis has always been a huge hit with parents/caregivers and teens. Having celiac disease himself, Zimmerman relates to the challenges faced by food-allergic groups and is very engaging. “We are thrilled to have Curtis join us again this year for FAACT’s Teen Retreat in Oak Brook,” says FAACT CEO Eleanor Garrow-Holding. “Not only will Curtis be delivering the keynote at the Opening Ceremony, he will also be conducting interactive sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings – with the teens and the parents/caregivers. It is definitely going to be an inspirational, empowering weekend for all.”