I received a discounted ticket to attend the 2013 IFBC conference in exchange for my honest views of the event.
I learned something about myself by attending the International Food Blogger Conference (IFBC) here in Seattle. That is, I am not a foodie. Sure, I like food, especially good food. But I do not delight in it the way that foodies do.
Foodie Conference not Food Blogger Conference
I blog about food – quick to the table and fresh food. I don’t know the difference between chanterelle and a truffles, though when I hear the later I always think chocolate. But I do know that a 8-course meal while a gastronomic orgy for some, is nothing but an endless list of foods I would rather not try, and hours spent at a table where I’m stuck chatting with whomever is within earshot instead of in an informal arrangement where I can move at will.
That’s not to say I don’t appreciate the art of food, because I do. But when I signed up to attend a food blogger conference I was hoping for something I could bring home. Some hints and tips on how to take better photos when you don’t have a window or even daylight most of the year in order to take those natural photos. Food bloggers like me live in the real world. We don’t have the luxury of cooking the same dish two to three times and passing out the food to the neighbors. We’re sharing what we’re having for dinner, but we’re expected to compete with the professionals who do this for a living.
One such professional is the top New York Times food photographer who headed a session. He was affable and fun, but few food bloggers have the equipment he has available to him at their disposal. I would have appreciated a session on how to get photos that are pinnable and attractive with the sparse amount of equipment I can afford as blogger. Or even suggestions on what to purchase – say the right camera or portable lighting that fits into a real world kitchen to make it possible.
I would have also like food styling help. Yes, there was a demo where a few foods were plated and then like the contestants on The Price is Right, a few chosen foodies we’re called on down to take photos. This is again when I realized I wasn’t a foodie. I didn’t care if I got photos or not. After all, it’s just food and since we eat three times a day, there will be another opportunity soon.
2014 IFBC – Who Should Attend?
Will I attend the 2014 IFBC? We’ll the location is perfect. It is here in Seattle again, but unless there are some improvements in the learning aspects of it I will probably skip it. There just wasn’t enough meat on the IFBC bone for me. But if you’re a foodie who blogs? Register now. You will love every moment of it and who knows, you may see me there.
I’m not really a foodie much myself either. I have never been to a blog conference, I’m still in the hobby stage of blogging. I have an office job that takes up most of my time.
Thank you for giving your opinion. I think I am a true foodie, so I think I will enjoy it, as I am signed up for next years event!
And as a foodie you will love it! Promise!
This is a great review. Thanks, Connie. I hope that they make it more “Blogger friendly” next year. Love the generous swag but I would love to hear more content for bloggers. Do they have a date set for next year’s conference?
Yes, 2014 has been set and registration is available now: http://www.foodista.com/ifbc
It sold out this year and there was a waitlist of over 100 people. They’re doubling the size for next year though an moving the venue.
This looks like so much fun. i hope that you enjoyed your experience.
I loved seeing old friends and trying new products. But otherwise it wasn’t the right conference for me.
Thanks for your honest review of this event. I’ve wanted to attend for years, but this makes me rethink going. I too, would prefer real world tips and tricks instead of watching a pro with thousands of dollars of equipment and assistants at their beck and call plate and photograph food. Sigh…seems to be the trend in conference lately.
There were many of us who were disappointed and just as many who loved it and signed up the same day for next year. Foodies will love it. Those who are not will meet us in the bar for REAL food at night 🙂