IFBC Bound…Why I Write

I have always loved food. Helping out in the kitchen or just hanging out waiting for something to come out of the oven are some of my earliest recollections. I recall growing organic vegetables, making things from scratch, and exploring and trying to master exotic cuisines since I was a kid. I was a “foodie” before they had a name for it. It isn’t surprising that cooking and entertaining for friends is probably my favorite pastime.  Since I am so fond of cooking, you would think I would have chosen a career in the catering or restaurant business. As glamorous as that sounds, I know that the reality of the restaurant business is a much harder way to make a living…more than anything I am up to.  I never aspired to be a chef or given much thought about writing a book.

 

Yet, still I write. It isn’t because food blogging has become so popular or trendy (that, if anything, I find discouraging). There are so many beautiful blogs out there…how could I dream of throwing my hat into that ring? I’m not in it for the money, that’s for sure. As far as attention goes, that is something I never sought either (OK, maybe an award would be nice). Maybe I just get the same joy from blogging that I get from cooking; the joy I get from sharing.

 

IFBC or bust!

 

This path has now led me to the IFBC. What is the IFBC you ask? It stands for the “International Food Blogging Conference” that is taking place this year in Seattle, and I am going! I never really imagined myself blogging let alone attending a blog conference after only a year at it. I don’t really know what to expect, but I am excited. It looks like I picked a good one too! The IFBC, which is organized by Zoodista.com and Zephyr Adventures, is the first food blog conference of its kind. According to former attendees, it is the best blogging conference around. How can 95% of former attendees be wrong? Just check out the long list of sponsors, and incredible agenda for this year’s conference (which you can see on the website here). My only wish is that it lasted longer than three days, so I can learn, savor, enjoy and squeeze in even more. From what I can see, there is something here for everyone (except maybe an award ceremony). If you are a blogger (or thinking of starting a blog) I would encourage you to attend. Unfortunately, if you haven’t already registered, the conference is sold out for this year. IFBC takes place every year in September, so you better mark your calendar and start planning for next year.

 

So what am I planning to bring back you ask? Foremost, any help I can get figuring out what I am doing here will be very much appreciated. I have so much to learn. There is no doubt I will find inspiration in abundance. I have been advised to bring an extra bag to haul all the “swag” goodies back…that works for me! The great food and wine I am planning to enjoy doesn’t sound too bad either, after all, the only thing better than cooking, writing and photographing food is eating it. If I am going to be perfectly honest however, I have to confess that the thing I am most looking forward to doing is making some new friends. I guess when it comes down to it, friends are the reason I cook, why I write, and as it turns out, why I am attending the IFBC. If that is one of the reasons you are going, I hope you can find me and say hello. I would love to meet you. This is going to be a blast! There will be time for awards later.