Food and Wine Conference Recap #FWCON Recipe
A whirlwind weekend filled with the absolute best food bloggers just ended. My brain is still trying to absorb all that I learned. It is an impressive event that takes an army to coordinate.
Held every year in July at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in sunny Orlando Florida, it’s event not to be missed.
What you discover is more than just information. It’s forever friends whom you may not ever had the opportunity to meet or get to know, like Laura, Melissa, Lisa, & Faith, as well as seeing friends you made from the past Food and Wine Conferences such as my roomie, Wendy.
I have so much to tell all of you about this event that I don’t know where to begin.
Pre- Conference Fun – The beginning. I had the privilege to partake in a TV segment on Good Day Orlando. They promoted the Food and Wine Conference. We had massive amounts of fun.
Next on the list, a group of nine bloggers took a drive to Kissimmee to dine at the famous Shubee’s Coastal Bar & Grill. If you ever have the opportunity to be in Kissimmee, please stop by Shubee’s. Their food is outstanding. The crab cakes, divine.
All that and the conference hadn’t even started yet.
Registration – We received gigantic swag bags that weighed more that 5 pounds, filled with so many goodies from all the wonderful sponsors.
Dixie Crystals Sugar hosted a make your own sugar scrub event which was a great way to mingle and relax. It was fun to meet so many Sunday Supper tastemakers, and a great ice breaker to make new friends.
Reception – A fun cocktail party sponsored by Florida Strawberry Growers which included a signature Strawberry Shortcake cocktail and of course lots of chocolate from the Soresen Shingle Creek’s Master Chocolatier. I couldn’t stop eating the chocolate, especially the peanut butter bacon bon-bons.
Next, we had the opportunity to experience a Taste of Rosen, sponsored by the Rosen Hotels. An abundance of appetizers, and treats. All items you can find on the menus of many of the restaurants throughout the Rose Shingle Creek Resort.
The next morning we all gathered in a conference room to hear keynote speakers Andrew Wilder and Monica Bhide who enlightened us on how everything in life is “Subject to Change”. These two dynamic speakers enrich your soul and open your eyes to enormous imagination.
Throughout the day we listened to panels of bloggers discuss their successes in their niche on the internet. We even Played the Price is Right with hostess Michelle Northrup and there were prizes to be had and hot sauce too.
A morning break of cheese and chocolate, yes more chocolate, sponsored by Cabot Creamery and Pacari Chocolates.
Lunch proved to be an incredible hit with a Poutine Bar, sponsored by Wisconsin Cheese and Idaho Potatoes.
Fun activities sponsored by Fields Auto Group got us to pose in front of their luxurious BMW. with lots of fun props.
An afternoon break of Strawberry Cookies and Peach Smoothies sponsored by the Georgia Peach Council and Parksdale Market.
The “Sunday Supper” family style dinner, sponsored by Certified Angus Beef and Premier Beverages, with wine pairings from the Hess Collection, was heavenly in every sense of the word.
Award winning desserts and more fun activities.
And if we didn’t think we had enough chocolate yet, we returned to our rooms only to discover this incredible chocolate treat for all attendees.
On the last day of the conference we gathered for brunch sponsored by Duda Farms, who surprised us all with selfie sticks and a fun contest.
We proceeded to the Rosen Hospitality for live food demos and informative information on my favorite protein — beef. Check out this graphic and you be the judge of how you choose your protein.
We had many breakout sessions on taking our blogs to the next level, such as a wine and cheese pairing session, writing with your senses, vidography, WordPress know how, food styling, Facebook insights, Food Photography and more.
As you can see from the photos, it was a huge success. I can’t say enough great things about this event. If you were there with me ten you know what a success it was. If you missed it, there is always next year.
Thank you to you and your team Isabel.
See you all next year.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.
Marlene
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