My First Food Wine Conference: Orlando, FL

This weekend I got to attend the Food Wine Conference here in Orlando at the Rosen Shingle Creek for the first time. The Food Wine Conference brings together bloggers, small business owners, winemakers, chefs, public relations professionals, traditional media, new media, authors and brands.

I wasn’t originally planning to attend, due to a couple of reasons, but when I was asked to volunteer at the event in exchange for a ticket I decided to go. I was only able to attend on Saturday, but I am so glad that I did!

Food Wine Conference is full of great sessions, amazing speakers, bloggers, chefs, and of course loads of food and wine. With sponsors like CK Mondavi and Family, Certified Angus Beef, Florida Dairy Farmers, and Florida Strawberry Growers Association, how could you not have an amazingly tasty weekend!?

We started the day with a documentary about the amazing Ina Pinkney and followed it up with amazing speakers, fabulous food, and more knowledge than you could ever imagine cramming into one day.

We finished off the day with the Sunday Supper Dinner and the Florida Strawberry Jam Sock Hop. The 1950s theme of the evening meant that I had the opportunity to get a little crafty and dress up. I made a poodle skirt, painted some sneakers to look like saddle shoes, and finished off my outfit with some pieces from Goodwill. I think it turned out great and I’ll be sharing more details on my DIY projects later on.

Spending time with friends, old and new, at dinner and the party was the perfect way to cap off the day. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend the 2nd day, but I know for sure that I will be back again next year. Even if you aren’t a food blogger or chef, you can still learn so much from this event and have a wonderful time.

The planning for next year has already begun, so follow Food Wine Conference on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube to stay up to date.