I’ll be in Orlando, Florida as a brand ambassador of the Third Annual Food and Wine Conference this July! If you’re a food blogger, recipe developer, chef, food writer, wine enthusiast, food business owner, or just a foodie with a streak of social butterfly, then you need to be a part of this event! You can even save $50 on your conference ticket with promo code: FWC15Aceve!
So, if you’ve followed along at all, you might know that the first anniversary of this little blog’s appearance on the internet is drawing near. In July, to be exact. July 9th, if you’re wondering. In the last ten months, I’ve made strides with two newish hobbies that I never thought possible. Cooking and baking, those are old hat; but food photography is something that was totally foreign to me this time last year. And, as for blogging…well, let’s just say I never thought I’d be sharing my life with so many people so openly.
In spite of the newness, I quickly realized how much I love doing all things food blog-related. Being the Type-A perfectionist I am, as well, it didn’t take long before I knew that I wanted to do everything in my power to make my recipes spread as far as possible across the internet. So, the past year has been spent improving my photography, developing and perfecting the best and most original recipes I can think of, opening up and getting to know my readers, optimizing my posts so they can be found more easily, and attempting to be a social media socialite.
And, doing lots and lots of networking. Because, let’s be honest, as a blogger, you get by with a little help from your friends.
I’ve already been lucky enough to attend one incredible food blog conference this year, and the week after my blogiversary, I get to be a part of another one! And it’s a pretty big one, at that!
The Food & Wine Conference came to be thanks to Isabel Laessig, the wonderful founder of the Sunday Supper Movement, another project I’m happy to be a part of. I just started participating a couple of weeks ago (and have one coming up this Sunday as well), but I love the family feel of the #SundaySupper community, and I’m truly looking forward to meeting Isabel and my fellow foodies at the conference!
The conference is tailored perfectly to a food blogger’s passions. A three-day long marathon of knowledge, socialization, wine tastings, influence, deliciously prepared food, elbow-rubbing with brands (like Dixie Crystals and Cabot Cheese), wine pairings, food selfies, workshops, networking, food demonstrations, wine, making new friends, food talk, social media, and last but not least, WINE.
Yeah. We food bloggers got it like that.
Seriously, though, the schedule for the conference is shaping up better every day, and it looks like it’s going to be crazy fun, crazy informative, and crazy delicious! The speakers roster includes some of my favorite bloggers, like Krayl Funch of An Appealing Plan, Joan Hayes of Chocolate Chocolate and More, and Brianne Izzo of Cupcakes & Kale Chips. And the sessions! There’s going to be so much to learn, I might need to bring a tape recorder to capture it all!
Another perk of attending is all about location, location, location! Yes, I know, it’s being held one of the most fun cities in the United States, but that’s not what I mean. The Rosen Shingle Creek Resort: by far, one of the nicest hotels in Orlando (Mr. Crumby and I actually looked in to holding our wedding reception there!), and they’re hosting us for two-thirds of the conference (the third day is spent entirely at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality!) That means great restaurants (if you are somehow still hungry after a full day of food), rooms with a view, a beautiful pool, and a spa that I plan on hitting at some point during my stay. Not to mention the sweet room discount they’re offering to conference attendees!
I really excited to hang out poolside with my girls Lara, Lisa, Wanda, & Krystal (and the rest of my fellow ambassadors and attendees), cocktails in one hand and Instagram mobile lit up in the other. Just sayin’.
For once, I won’t be judged for taking photos of my food in public!! And tweeting about them will be encouraged!! THESE ARE TRULY MY PEOPLE!!!
If you’re still on the fence about attending, but you know you’ve got mad kitchen skills, then why not enter one (or all) of the recipe contests sponsored by Idaho Potatoes, Wisconsin Cheese, or Angus Beef? Winning first, second, or third will not only get you in to the conference for free (flight & hotel also in the case of cheese!), but you also score a cushy gift card (or steak from Angus), and the chance to have your recipe featured on their respective brand websites!
It’s nothing out of the usual for us, anyway. If you’re gonna post a recipe, why not try to win with it? I entered the Dixie Crystals contest, and got a gorgeous cake out of it whether I place or not. So even if I lose, I won!
July is creeping ever closer, and I’ve already started counting down the days until #FWCon weekend! If you’re interested in keeping up with the exciting announcements about speakers, sponsors, recipe contests, and the ever-growing schedule of events, follow the conference on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+, as well as the conference hashtag, #FWCon. Now GO! Pop over to the website to register, and use my promo code to save yourself $50: FWC15Aceve.
Also, If you are looking to promote your brand and are interested in becoming a conference sponsor, there are opportunities for companies or all sizes – it’s not too late. Shoot me an email and I’ll hook you up with Isabel for more info.
I hope to meet you there!
Disclosure: As a brand ambassador for the Food & Wine Conference 2015, I received a discounted ticket, and will receive a commission if you use my discount code to purchase a ticket. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
Amber @ Slim Pickin's Kitchen says
I sooooo wish I could go to this!!! The schedule looks amazing. I’m going to be stalking you like an Orca on IG while you’re there. Is Mr. Crumby going to?
Shaina says
Looking forward to meeting you there. Last year was a blast, and I know this year is going to be even better!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Can’t wait to meet you, Erica! See you in July!
Cellars Wine Club says
A perfect event where you can test your wine tasting. Pairing the wine and food isn’t that hard when you have lots of experiences due to traveling around as a wine taster. Making the perfect combination where the people would love it is a great thing. People will be favorable on which of the wine and food were paired perfectly.
Kareem says
I make it today as you tell the really awesome taste. I first time make this wine slushie and it’s just amazing in taste.