So, this last weekend I attended my first-ever food blogger’s conference in Orlando with my pal, Megan. The conference was organized by Food Blog Forum (special thanks to Lindsey and Julie, Love and Olive Oil + The Little Kitchen) and they all really did an amazing job! I can’t imagine the hours of work that must have gone in to planning such an event, but it really showed. It was fun…and hot…and informative…and hot. We boarded a plane in Detroit in the wee hours and touched down in Orlando just in time for lunch and plenty of poolside lounging before the welcome reception.
The grounds of the Grand Floridian were so beautiful and lush… and Megan tried to make friends with every tiny lizard she spotted. Those cute little dudes move fast! However, the staff uniforms were HORRID and we definitely felt for the employees — there really are few things less attractive than ankle length, baby pink, lace trimmed, petticoat-ed, maid’s uniforms. Also, there was a khaki coolot spotting in the Canada section of Epcot that we won’t delve too much into. I’m scarred. Hideous uniforms aside, we hit up the pool and pool bar immediately, followed by 3 trips in a row down the waterslide — cause we had to.
Then it was the welcome reception where we met our new homegirl, Erika of Southern Souffle. Erika offered us a ride to the closing brunch at Whole Foods weeks before the conference and we totally hit it off! It was cosmic. We mingled, sipped on wine and beers while tasting the tiny bites of food the Disney staff kindly prepared for us. After, we headed over to Epcot to find something to eat. In our hangry-crazed state, we ended up eating the most expensive spaghetti and meatballs ever, served by really nice waiters who said “prego” every 3 seconds, before slipping into a carb-induced-coma. Oh, and we also popped into the Mitsukoshi shop so I could buy my husband a Totoro plushie, and myself a pen and bag and penguin shaped dish sponge…1 for you, 3 for me! Treat yo’self!
During the actual conference, I learned a ton and took 6 pages of notes! Only to leave them on the desk of our hotel room…sad trombone. After, we headed to the dessert reception held during the Fantasmic show, and then we hit up the Tower of Terror where we scream-laughed with Charles from Local Forkful. The photo was priceless with the angsty-teen-version of Megan and maybe my clutch totally knocked her in the dome when we hit the free fall. Hazards, man! Then we went to the Magic Kingdom in search of the infamous Dole Whip — which we found in Tinkerbell’s Nook, you better believe there was a LOT of innuendo/punning happening. Had to. We also took a whirl through the ever-weird and creepy It’s a Small World ride and my childhood favorite, The Haunted Mansion, before crashing out in our room at about 2am.
The next morning was the brunch, kindly hosted by Whole Foods. They did it up right with lots of different things to try, including a tower of pulled pork and greens on a round of cornbread followed by treats from a gelato truck. Class act. We finished the trip by eating a magnificent rainbow of a salad and hitting up the pool deck before flying home, exhausted and inspired. I really enjoyed the conference, geeked out about meeting Diane and Todd of White on Rice Couple, Elise of Simply Recipes, and Jaden Hair of Steamy Kitchen — who were all super nice, easy to talk to, and great about answering all of our questions. If you’re a blogger and you haven’t been to a conference yet, this one is great! I learned a lot and made a homegirl for life, which makes it totally worth it in my book! It’s small and intimate, AND next year it will be in Asheville, NC…I’m already making plans (ps, Billy, we’re looking at you boyfren).
You had me at “tower of pulled pork.”
Yup, it’s settled. I need to go to that next year.
haha, yes! that’d be amazing!
I have not heard or read the word “coolot” in quite some time and I’m very glad you brought it back for laughs!! The food and fun times sound excellent! I super love that pic of you and Megan in the elevator 🙂
to make it even better…the coolots were paired with buffalo-check, lumberjack flannel.
Glad you survived the Magic Kingdom Whirlwind Tour! 😛 So great meeting you!! xo
yes! you too!
Coolots YES!!!! Had an amazing time with you ladies..Hugs!!
I’m just 1 pair of coolots short of enthusiasm!
It better work out so we can all go next year!! I can’t waaaiiit!!
hell yes! I will move the Sierra Nevadas to get you there!
We totes bonded on this trip! I loved it. I can’t wait for next year. Farms. BBQ. Billy.
we did! it was great! we know what we want now and we’re gonna GET IT!
Looks like an amazing time and I wish I could have been there! So glad you had the time of your life!
yes! It would be great to see you at a conference one day!!
I am SO happy you were able to get away to a conference about the things you’re most passionate about, Cindy 🙂 It sounds and looks like you had a blast. Let’s plan a sushi or lunch date soon. There’s a new place here in Grand Rapids that I know you would love xoxo
Thanks, Rhi! and, definitely! I’m always up for some girl time! I will email you soon 🙂
Disney does have some outrage prices when it comes to food… pretty crazy for a food blogger (as in every time I ate, I kept thinking to myself “I could totally make this for less thank 20 dang bucks” LOL. So sorry that you left your notes 🙁 that’s no fun!
haha, yes! I felt the same way…I could TOTALLY do this myself 🙂 Thanks, Angie! It was nice to meet you, albeit briefly!
It sounds like you had an awesome time! It’s always fun going to Disney.
thanks, Laura!
Wow, your trip sounded like so much fun! I haven’t been to a food blogger conference yet either – a combination of being terrified that I’m not a “proper” food blogger and being in Australia where there aren’t that many happening. Hopefully I can have an experience somewhat like yours soon! Your photos look gorgeous and fun, too 🙂
thank you! I hope you get to make it to something like this, the networking is great! I wouldn’t even worry about feeling like you are not a “proper” blogger, you’re doing it! 🙂
Looks like an awesome time! Wish I could have been there with you all! Next year!
Sounds like a total blast! I have never been to a blogging conference before, but this one sure sounds wicked!
it was!