We are back
at home and my head is still spinning from all of the information
that got crammed in there at the Food Blogger Forum in Nashville
yesterday. I left there with 9 pages of notes and a full brain, now
I just have to sort it out and apply it.
It wasn't
just learning valuable insider information from a combination of
successful bloggers, public relations firms, and food companies. The
seminar and sessions were also inspirational, which is something I didn't expect.
Jaden of Steamy Kitchen and Diane and Todd of White on Rice Couple opening the conference. These people aren't top notch food bloggers by accident, they are dynamic and motivated.
First was a panel discussion of Public Relations 101 with Steamy Kitchen (blogger), The Andrews Agency (PR firm), and OXO (food tool company). Very insightful.
I got some great tips and tools for cleaning up my recipe writing from "the published" and a publisher.
There were giveaways about every 30 seconds throughout the day....or so it seems. They were serious prizes too, KitchenAid, Calphalon and more. Jaden said, "I feel like Oprah! You get a blender! You get a toaster!"
Lunch was provided by three Nashville food trucks. It was my first time eating at a food truck and I loved my lunch from the @Happy_Eating truck. Knoxville so needs food trucks. We're years behind every trend here.
After lunch, Todd and Diane delivered a hilarious and informative presentation and demo on food photography and styling. See my crappy picture of my mongolian taco below. They did the same ingredients and came away with a magazine quality shot of the same product.
There was the ubiquitous socializing and networking between breaks.
The day ended with your 4 choices of 10 available mini-sessions with topic experts. These were nice because the small size let you have more direct discussions with the expert. Jaden took her "Blogging As A Business" session outside because it was so gorgeous (and not freezing) outside.
I also opted for
Food Styling - Diane Cu
Working With Brands - Arianna Bastianini of OXO
SEO for Food Blogging - Geoff Allen of ZipList
It was an exceptional event but I am glad to be home this morning. I haven't cooked in two days and I'm ready to fire up the grills.
This sounds like such an awesome experience!
ReplyDeleteWhat an event! A couple of days ago you mentioned smoked salt. When you get caught with things I'd like to know what you can me about it. The most important question I have is can I smoke salt in my wok? It's not a low temp environment. scrout1944@msn.com when the time is right.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a nice experience and hoping you'll teach the rest of us via your blog.
ReplyDelete@Girlichef - you would have loved it and been right in your element.
ReplyDelete@Stephen - I will follow up with you on it. I'll be smoking my own in a few weeks, peppercorns too!
@Larry - I haven't posted the parts you will like most yet....Alexis I hit Martin's BBQ and Timberloft BBQ on the way.
Seems like such a great event!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like so much fun! Can't wait to hear more about it!!
ReplyDeleteSucks we do not have these events. They have them in NYC and I guess we are expected to up and go there.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great time. Give me BBQ too!
What fun! Did you win anything?
ReplyDeleteEvents like this are priceless learning experiences - it sounds like they shared a wealth of information. I've NEVER eaten from a food truck! There are none where I live either.
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous... I've never made it to a food blog conference. I bet you learned so much!
ReplyDeleteNine pages of notes?? Geez Wasn't there an open bar somewhere?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fantastic experience!
ReplyDeleteSO JEALOUS! I thought about it but just couldn't pull the trigger for the plane ticket...next year maybe. Nice Coverage as always.
ReplyDeleteNice, succinct recap! :) What a weekend, right? Really appreciated your insightful questions in the big sessions as well as the breakouts.
ReplyDeleteThese events can be so inspirational, just to know that we are not alone. At this was a revelation the first time I attended one. GREG
ReplyDeleteIt all sounded great - I "met" Diane and Todd 3 years ago and love them! When I posted on my blog that my mom was turning 75, Diane sent her a box of clementines from the tree in their backyard! She's a sweetie! Can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteOh man- what a fantastic event to be a part of. Can't wait to attend a food blogger event and take my blog to the next level. Nashville, I have never been and I am going there in a few weeks to run a race. Restaurant recommendations, or did you just eat at the forum? I am looking forward to a good run, followed by some good food and music Nashville style.
ReplyDeleteSounds like so much fun! I wish something like this would come to Cincinnati! I'd be all over it. I have so much to learn!
ReplyDeleteI'm so loving all the different trucks I have available here in San Jose. Must be at least 15 different ones that gather here and there. Some of the food isn't all that but some are dang good!
ReplyDelete