Premium workshops are separately ticketed events within the Expo. They are longer length and attendance capped to ensure all attendees enjoy a more intimate setting. Each workshop start time requires its own individual ticket and entrance to any premium workshop requires an Expo general admission ticket purchased separately.
Free workshops are open to anyone that has entered the expo hall with a general admission ticket. Free workshop access is on a first come, first served basis until the room reaches capacity.
Dr. Courtney Conley:
Dr. Courtney Conley is a distinguished figure in the field of foot and gait specialization. She holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine as well as two Bachelors degrees in Kinesiology and in Human Biology. In her over 25 years of clinical experience, she has had the privilege to work with a wide variety of foot and ankle patients, including professional athletes from organizations not limited to the Phoenix Suns, New York Yankees, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers.
Dr. Conley is the founder of Gait Happens, an education enterprise that is leading a paradigm shift in foot health education and intervention, offering innovative solutions to reclaim optimal foot function and training that optimizes gait mechanics. Through science-backed professional education, consumer training, personalized consultations with top-of-field practitioners, and cutting-edge protocols, Gait Happens empowers individuals worldwide to address foot and gait issues with research-based confidence and efficacy. With a focus on natural approaches and preventative measures, Gait Happens fosters a community dedicated to prioritizing foot health and overall well-being.
Dr. Conley also co-founded The Healthy Feet Alliance, a pioneering initiative which unites global practitioners committed to promoting natural footwear and preventing unnecessary surgical interventions. Through collaborative research, advocacy, and education, the alliance empowers individuals to prioritize foot health and embrace holistic approaches to foot care. The Healthy Feet Alliance serves as a beacon of knowledge and support, fostering a worldwide community dedicated to preserving and enhancing foot function for generations to come.
Beyond her pivotal roles at Gait Happens, Dr. Conley is Head of Patient Care at Total Health Solutions and Total Health Performance, premier healthcare destinations renowned for their comprehensive and personalized approach to patient care. With a team of rehabilitation-focused medical professionals, the THS companies deliver cutting-edge treatment and therapies to optimize foot and gait health and wellness. From preventive medicine to advanced diagnostic services, THS Clinic is steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the well-being of each patient it serves.
Dr Conley’s global influence extends beyond her teaching and treating as she is an internationally recognized authority on foot mechanics and gait dynamics, captivating professional and consumer audiences alike through her comprehensive in-person and online lectures on foot function and strategies for mitigating foot and gait discomfort. Dr.Conley’s scholarly contributions encompass authorship, mentorship, educational program development, and the formulation of pioneering foot and gait methodologies and her private client list includes numerous professional teams, A-list celebrities, global experts in medical care and heads of state.
Dr. Jen Perez:
Dr. Jen Perez is co-owner and Vice President of Gait Happens. As both an educator and a clinician, her mission is to empower as many people as possible to take charge of their lower body health so they can get back to doing what they love.
Dr. Perez holds a BS in Kinesiology-Sports Medicine and a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. She has lectured internationally on foot and gait biomechanics and helped clients across the globe live healthier lives from the ground up. She completed her clinical residency in Jamaica working with Olympic and professional track and field athletes. She is credentialed in several movement assessment and treatment techniques such as Functional Movement Assessment, Fascial Distortion Model, Functional Movement Specialist, Dry Needling, etc.
Dr. Perez knows what it’s like to have pain stand in the way of your goals. This is what drives her to help as many people as possible get back to doing what they love. It’s this drive that inspired her to partner with Dr. Conley in creating Gait Happens for online courses, memberships and virtual consultations. In addition to her contributions to Gait Happens, Dr. Perez, along with her husband, Dr. Mark Perez, owns and operates Kinetic Chiropractic, in Lafayette, CO where she helps patients of all ages, backgrounds, and athletic abilities. No matter what your goals are, whether it's to improve your clinical skills or your physical abilities, Dr. Perez wants to support you and guide you forward.
Come dressed to move and ready to explore.
Exercises may be modified to be performed in a chair. Verbal instructions and visual demonstrations will be provided.
Premium Workshop Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Contact us at info@barefootshoeexpo.com to request a cancellation and refund of your order.
Refund requests must be sent no later than 24 hours before the start of the expo.
Premium workshops are repeated on both Expo days.
Each premium workshop start time requires its own separate ticket. Purchasing a ticket for the first day does not provide entrance to the same workshop on the following day.
Premium workshop attendance is capped to ensure everyone has a good experience. There will be no additional workshop opportunities beyond the dates and times listed on this website. We recommend purchasing your tickets early.
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Hear From Attendees of the 2024 Chicago Expo Workshops:
"I’m someone who researches every barefoot brand’s site but hesitates to buy because of sizing uncertainties—mistakes can be costly. This expo was a dream come true! I got to try on nearly every brand present. Now, I know my favorites for fit, quality, and construction, and I have notes to make future purchases easier. Thank you!"
"Anya’s Barefoot Shoe Expo was a highlight of my year. As a barefoot shoe consumer, I loved experiencing so many shoes and foot-first products in person. It created a much-needed level of accessibility. Meeting the educators and colleagues I admire was a dream come true. I’m beyond grateful and excited for future expos!"
"The expo was an incredible opportunity to explore and learn about a wide variety of barefoot shoe brands, products, and educational tools, while also gaining insights from experts in several informative workshops. Meeting like-minded people and seeing the latest in barefoot living made the experience unforgettable!"
"As silly as it sounds to most people, barefoot shoes and the lifestyle/movement principles taught by Katy Bowman and others have changed my life. Having the chance to meet Anya, who I have followed for years, as well as many others in the barefoot shoe world was a great experience! And all the shoes! The Chicago Expo was incredible!"
"When I learned about the Chicago expo, I booked immediately! The atmosphere was vibrant and the workshops and booths were so accessible. It catered to both newcomers and long-time barefoot enthusiasts. Friends on different parts of their barefoot journey came with me, and everyone had a fantastic time. I can’t wait for next year’s event!"