Only four sleeps until I get on a plane to Adelaide for Eat.Drink.Blog, the annual conference for Australian food bloggers. AND I CAN’T WAIT!
This will be my third food bloggers conference and I would like to say I’ve learned from the first two. Which I have.
But perhaps one of the most important things I’ve learned is to be a bit organised before I go. And to find out who will be there and get to know a bit about them.
This was highlighted to me at the first conference I went to – BlogHerFood 2010 in San Francisco – after a delightful conversation with the absolutely charming Dorie Greenspan. Except I had no idea who she was. Until later. Much later. When I got back to Australia later. I may have even bragged about my baking ability. I’m blushing just thinking about it. She was very gracious. And no doubt stifling a few giggles during our chat.
So my #1 tip before you go to a food bloggers conference is check out who else is going! For Eat.Drink.Blog. you can find this out here. Check out their blogs, write a few comments, say hi via twitter [using #edb2012 so others can follow along] or on facebook.
Tip #2 – pack appropriately – don’t forget to take a camera, phone, necessary charging devices, business cards (or installing the app Bump on your iPhone). I have been known to pack, and carry, every electronic device I own. All I plan to take to Eat.Drink.Blog is my iPhone, a small point and shoot camera [although I am so in love with instagram/hipstamatic/pixlromatic and the camera feature on my new iPhone I may not even bother with my real camera], my iPad, and a small notebook and pen. Gone are the days of lugging my laptop around at conferences. Especially as at BlogHerFood I think I was also carrying about 8kg of conference loot around! [thank you sponsors!]
Don’t forget to pack comfy clothes – we will be eating. A lot!
Tip #3 – be willing to talk to people and get to know them. Work out how to describe yourself and your blog with confidence – have a bit of an “elevator pitch” so you can describe your blog in about 10-15 seconds. A food bloggers conference is not the time to be shy! Dig out your inner extrovert and say hi to people – even if you have no idea who they are! Also be willing to try new things – including new foods. One of the social events at BlogHerFood was sponsored by the American Pork Board – I tried [all in the name of research of course!] bacon ice-cream, chocolate coated bacon, chocolate bacon martini, amazing pork bellyΒ Β and more…
Still not sure about Bakon Vodka… |
How beautiful are these slices of golden beetroot?Β |
Tip #4 – familiarise yourself with the program and work out what sessions you want to go to – especially if there are concurrent sessions. Especially familiarise yourself with the food bits. Don’t eat too much for lunch, or too many cakes at afternoon tea, if there is a massive dinner planned [yep, learned this one from experience…]
The FABULOUS food styling session at EDB 2011 |
Tip #5 – be well rested! Something I preach but don’t practice. I was severely jetlagged at BlogHerFood [not a great idea]. I also suspect I’ll be quite sleep deprived at Eat.Drink.Blog as my final uni assignment is due the day before. And it’s barely started. And yes, I should be writing it now, instead of writing this post!
Conference treats – soooo yum! |
Are you going to Eat.Drink.Blog? What are you most excited about? What do you want to learn from it? The whole program looks absolutely fantastic – a massive thanks to the whole organising team, and of course to the wonderful sponsors without whom this just wouldn’t happen. Special thanks to the gold sponsors, the South Australian Government and the SA Tourist Commission.
Brisbane Devoured says
Yay! I cannot wait for this weekend. The only thing is… eeeeep…. I don’t have business cards and didn’t even think about being prepared with them… thats such a good idea. oh well.
Natasha @ Playing House says
Love the article. Can’t wait to welcome all the bloggers to Adelaide and kick off the amazing weekend we have planned.
Although reading your article I’ve also realised I have forgotten to have some business cards organised. Looks like I’ll be doing a last minute run to Officeworks on Thursday.
Melissa L says
I’ve never attended a conference as an attendee, so really appreciate this post. And it’s good to know the I was right to get business cards made. Cannot wait for the weekend!
Mel Kettle says
Thanks everyone – looking forward to meeting/seeing you all!!
Kirsty says
great post Mel – we’re all excited to be welcoming you to our fair city. Counting down the days… π
Missy Piggy says
I’m busily going through the attendees list looking at all the blogs I’ve not come across before! I hope we get to meet over the weekend (I’ll be the one in the baggy “eating dress”).
Anna @ The Littlest Anchovy says
Great post! I was wondering about what I needed to bring as this is my first ever blogging conference! I am so excited to meet everyone and cannot wait until Saturday!
Megan Young says
Thank you so much for the post. Great tips. Looking forward to meeting you over the weekend π
Megan – Veggies & Me
Kyrstie @ A Fresh Legacy says
I am really looking forward to this weekend, especially to meeting lots of the bloggers I have been following this year and sampling some fine SA produce. The session I am most looking forward to is the Food Styling Session. See you there!
Christie @ Fig and Cherry says
Great post Mel! I am travelling solo (sans baby) so am really looking forward to enjoying flying for once! So your well rested tip is very good advice and something I intend on doing (as, I’ll have a hotel room where I can sleep uninterrupted ALL night. Heaven π
Mel Kettle says
Haha! I’m packing my baggy pants Missy Piggy π
Thanks Kirsty – I love Adelaide and have been spoiled by having 2 trips over this year. Am so excited about going back to the Central Markets – they are always my first stop on any trip over.
Anna, Megan, Kyrstie – will be lovely to meet you all too.
Christie, you must get getting excited about a baby-free sleep!
Is anyone else flying from Brissie on Friday morning?
Jane @ Shady Baker says
Thanks Mel, this is very helpful as this will be my first conference of this type! I look forward to meeting you.
lau@corridorkitchen says
I’m going to pack at least 3 ‘eating dresses’…
Can’t wait!
Mel Kettle says
Oh I like that Lau! I’m trying to find an “eating dress” for a dinner tonight – luckily I have a few more casual ones for EDB π
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Thanks for all the tips Mel! I think I’ve picked out my best stretchy and loose outfits. So looking forward to meeting everyone.
Rachel says
This will be my first blog conference, so I am so excited/nervous! I’m not taking my camera either, just my iphone as i’ll have to take a halloween costume in my bag.
But yes thanks for the post! so helpful!
The Food Sage says
Go bloggers! Have fun. Wish i could make it. Someone eat my share, please!
Simon Leong says
great tips. i’ve just packed some business cards which you’ve reminded me to do. i’m looking forward to watching all the SLRs come out to photograph the food hehe. i think it would be a perfect opportunity for Canon or Nikon to get on board as a sponser π
Mary @ beyondjelly says
Thank you! *runs off to add bump app*
Anonymous says
thanks for sharing.
annabanana says
Hi Mel! Great meeting you last weekend! I missed some bits from Tip#4! I ate too much I had to drag some extra kilos back to Sydney! That was the most exciting weekend I’ve had in a long while! xx
Lizzy (Good things) says
Excellent post, Mel. So lovely to meet you!
Pia (Life of Pia) says
This is a great post!
Thanks for the handy tips! π
Mel Kettle says
glad you like them Pia – have a great time at EDB. Wish I was going this year too!