The important roles of carbohydrates in human homeostasis, immunology, allergy, transplantation, microbial and viral infection, host-microbe interaction, cancer, etc. have been increasingly recognized. However, detailed information on how carbohydrates are involved in these important physiological and pathological events at the molecular level is still limited. Significant advances have been made in various areas of carbohydrate research to bridge the gap. The 2019 Carbohydrates Gordon Research Conference brings together experts and emerging investigators to present cutting-edge research progresses and to openly discuss ideas and future directions in the carbohydrate field. Major topics range from carbohydrate structures and glycomics to synthetic strategies, carbohydrate biosynthesis and degradation enzymes, carbohydrate-based prebiotics and therapeutics, glycoimmunology and chemical glycobiology, human and microbial glycomes, and carbohydrates in host-microbe interactions. The conference features 30 invited talks, 14 short talks selected from submitted abstracts, and 4 poster preview sessions. The conference provides a friendly environment for exchanging ideas, building scientific networks, establishing collaborations, starting new projects, and initiating new research directions. The on-site meeting, discussion, interaction, and leisure activities are especially useful for newcomers to get familiar with the major players in the field and to explore new ideas and directions in the interdisciplinary areas of carbohydrate research. The goal of the conference is to advance the field of carbohydrates which will greatly facilitate the improvement of human health.