As a food blogger, you get pretty immersed in food, recipes, other food blogs and bloggers, chefs, social media, cookbooks and conferences. It’s a whole other world let me tell you.
Seriously, before I started my food blog, I had no idea all of this even existed. But why would I? When we find things/interests we enjoy, we go for it. At least I do. I dive in – head first- and try to absorb and learn as much as I can. Whether it be a new hobby, sport, activity, whatever. I always try to challenge myself, learn, grow and most importantly – just have fun.
Over the past year, I’ve met so many great bloggers online, some awesome chefs, joined some foodie and baking groups, purchased my share of baking pans and supplies, worked with some great brands and companies, taken some cooking classes and learned more than I want to know re: social media. So, what’s left?
My first food bloggers conference!
It seems fitting that the International Food Bloggers Conference (IFBC) is being held in Seattle, WA. The city where it all started for me. The city I love so much and hold close to my heart. The city that I am now leaving. . Â but not before attending this conference.
Organized by Foodista.com and Zephyr Adventures, IFBC, was the first-ever conference for food bloggers, first held in May of 2009. This conference will focus on three themes: Food, Writing, and Technology. So what happens at a food bloggers conference?  There will be educational and informational sessions, food photography and cooking demonstrations, technology seminars, food sessions, writing sessions, A Taste of Seattle and Gourmet Fair!, personal networking opportunities with brands and companies, the opportunity to meet so many bloggers I’ve gotten to know IN PERSON and last but not least, lots of food, eating and instagramming.
But do you want to know why I really signed up for IFBC?
Two words. Dorie Greenspan.
Dorie Greenspan will be the keynote speaker at IFBC. True, I will only hear her speak for like an hour, but hey, that’s good enough for me. I wouldn’t miss this opportunity for the world.  Dorie Greenspan needs no introduction. Around My French Table is one of my favorite cookbooks and she has inspired me so much in the kitchen. Helping me to conquer gougères, this tart and chicken in a pot and much more.
I am so thrilled that she is going to be the keynote speaker.
And 319 other people agree with me. Because IFBC sold out a full four months before the conference. There’s a wait list if you’re interested. Now, this is the first ever food bloggers conference I am attending, so I don’t really know what to compare it to but let me tell you this: IFBC is organized. They have sent out emails to all the attendees every step of the way, keeping us informed on things, updating the agenda and events and even complied a complete list of all the attendees, which I think is fabulous.
Feeling bummed that you can’t attend? Don’t worry, there will be lots of posts about the conference floating around from now until the end of September I’m sure. In fact, this is the first of my 3-series posts for IFBC. Â So, check back here. . Â I’ll be honest and will tell it like it is.
So, until September 20th y’all. . . take care and see you soon at IFBC!
We are going to have so much fun! I can’t freaking wait! Dorie-Freaking-Greenspan, baby!
Woot woot!!
I’ve never been to a food bloggers conference and can’t wait to experience it vicariously through you! I’m also glad you’ll be going back to Seattle again ;). I have a really good high school friend who lives there, and I hope to visit the city soon. I know what you mean..blogging opened my eyes to soo many things…wonderful things…and things that make me want to pull my hair out (all the techy stuff). I never thought I’d be tweeting, and here I am…I try to keep up with social media as much as possible, but that’s a huge challenge for me.
Anyway, hope you and your family are doing well! I enjoy following you on Instagram! Have you had enough cheese yet? 😉
Hi Min!
I’m actually here in Seattle until the end of October. . everything worked out beautifully. . I was only in Madison house hunting for a week but am now back until we move. Going to take it in and enjoy for as long as I can! I love Seattle!!! And yes! will be instagramming and tweeting like crazy during the conference! 😛
Can’t wait to see you again! IFBC will be my first food bloggers conference also. Which sessions are you planning to attend? I definitely want to go to the photography workshop. I’m also going to the wine excursion on Thursday. So excited!
Hi Bee!
oh cool! I wanted to go to the wine excursion too but no babysitter. . I will definitely see you Friday!!
I hope to see you there! I am sssooo nervous, so would love to meet other local foodies going to the conference. My 2nd post about IFBC posts tomorrow, and I have so many questions for readers and fellow bloggers on how to prepare and what to wear! Would love to meet you @ IFBC. See you Friday! Woohoo!
Hi Kristi!
This is my first foodie conference . . but I’ve heard: bring your camera, laptop, and business cards, dress comfortably, bring a big suitcase because we’ll be leaving with a lot of swag. . and most importantly, just have fun and enjoy! And the food. . I am so excited about the food and all the events they have planned. . I love Seattle. . it’ll be so much fun! If you see me, come say hello! 🙂