I read somewhere about a slow food conference(?) in Turin sometime in October. Do you have to be a member of the slow food movement or can anyone attend?

Gloria, check out theSlow Food Website for announcements about the annual Slow Food Conference in the Fall. If you don't find what you need, there is an e-mail contact facility on the site, plus there is the Italian version of Gambero Rosso, which publishes the annual guides and notices about conferences, tastings, etc., all over Italy. The English version of their site is still "under construction." You can get on an e-mail list as well; it's very active (beware of what you ask for, you may get it).

It is every other year.. there is CHEESE in the town of Bra in september!
Slow Food is open to everyone, you pay to get in and there is a discount if you are a member.
This year was the Tuscan 4 day festival.. that alternates with the Torino one.

Cooking in Florence
www.divinacucina.com