I can’t believe one month has gone by since I attended the IFBC. This year’s “International Food Blogging Conference” was the best one ever. If you attended the conference, you will know why I say this. Being that it was my first, I don’t really have any frame of reference; but, judging by the happy faces I saw everywhere I doubt I will be getting many arguments. I had such a great time that I have already registered for next year’s conference. If you read my pre-conference post (that you can see here) you know that one of the reasons I attended was to make some new friends…mission accomplished! I can’t tell you how satisfying it was to be surrounded by so many people that share the same passion that I have for food. Food blogging isn’t easy…the rewards are few and far between. It’s tough sometimes sitting at your computer sending stories out into the Internet hoping to connect with someone out there, somewhere, but not always sure if you do. It’s reassuring to know you aren’t alone in that feeling. For that reason alone the trip was worthwhile…but there was so much more!
Inspiration
This year’s keynote speaker was Dorie Greenspan. I wish I had a video of her presentation so that I could watch it again and again. How can so much charm, wisdom and sincerity reside in one person? She reminded us all how important it is to be true to ourselves and write from the heart. Her advice was priceless. She encouraged us to write every day. She also reminded us how lucky we are to be living in an age where anyone can sit down and start writing and have it go out into the world to be heard. I can’t thank her enough for sharing her personal journey with us.
Connections
For someone as shy as I am, it is always difficult to put myself out there and meet people. I’m usually content to sit in the corner and observe while chronicling the world around me. There was plenty of time for that, but I was delighted to meet so many awesome bloggers and grateful for their advice and wisdom. When you are just getting started at blogging it can be overwhelming at times; but the support and affinity you get from being around others that share your passion is staggering. A big “Thank You” to all my new friends who have “liked”, “followed” and noticed what I do.
Ideas
As part of my obligation to the IFBC for my attendance at the conference, I was asked to write 3 posts about the conference or its affiliates and sponsors. After posting this I will have easily fulfilled that agreement. The hard part for me is going to stop talking and writing about it! I had such wonderful interactions with so many of the attendees and sponsors: Urbanspoon, Lágrima Vanilla, California Olive Ranch, Rogue Creamery, and so many more. I can assure you that you will be hearing more about them later!
Knowledge
The information and tips I got last month at the conference were invaluable. Technology, writing, photography, social media are all a part of writing a blog, and I learned so much! I would like to make a special ‘shout out’ to Andrew Scrivani and Chef John Mitzewich for the most entertaining and informative session of the weekend. I also would like to thank Barnaby Dorfman and Sheri Wetherell of Foodista for making this amazing experience possible. You did a fantastic job!
Seattle 2014 or Bust!
I am so happy to hear that next year’s conference is going to return to Seattle. I promise to come a few days early and stay a few days later to soak in all the great food and wonderful things Seattle has to offer. You have given me a lot to think about and plenty of things to keep me busy. See you in September!
Nice recap Tim! It was a pleasure meeting you in Seattle and I hope we run into each other at some of the food events in San Francisco. I’ve already signed up for next year’s IFBC, so I will definitely see you there!!
Thanks Jane, It was a pleasure. Let me know if you want to cover in foodie events in the city with me.
Great post, great pics, great times at IFBC
Thanks Vicki, I enjoyed meeting you as well. I am looking forward to seeing you in Seattle next year, if not sooner in NYC.