Last week, I received a phone call from Julie (organizer of Food Blog Forum Orlando) that there was a cancellation for the food blogging conference I wanted to attend, but was sold out by the time I heard about it. I was on the waiting list, and lucky for me, someone else backed out last minute which meant a spot opened up for me!
The event was held at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, so that meant I needed to fly. Since I was booking my flight only 5 days before the event, I found the return flights were sold out on my favorite airline (Southwest) and it would cost too much on any other airline. So, I reluctantly called Julie back and told her I couldn't go.
Thankfully, Julie talked me out of my nonsensical decision and convinced me to still come for the weekend and fly stand-by on the way home instead. I had never flown stand-by before, so I was hesitant. But, I'm so glad I listened to her, because this last weekend was one of the best! Great food, valuable lessons, and priceless friendships.
(left to right: me, krissy, julie, jenny, angie, rachel)
One of my favorite photos of the weekend (above). This was also at the Welcome Reception the first night and this group of gals ended up hanging together during our free time at the Disney parks all weekend. Amazing ladies, I tell ya!
Once the sessions were over on Saturday, we had a few free hours to enjoy the parks and find a place for dinner on our own. We stuck around Epcot and rode the ever-so-popular ride, Soarin' then rushed back to our after-party where we had a VIP front-row view to the Illumination fireworks show, along with dessert.
The next morning, I headed to the airport at the crack of dawn and finally made it home after 3 failed stand-by attempts! It was great to be home, but I must say the weekend won't be forgotten!
Much applause and thanks to the following sponsors of the Food Blog Forum Orlando 2012 event: Walt Disney World, Whole Foods Market, Land 'o Lakes, OXO, LeCreuset, Scharffen Berger, Bob's Red Mill, KitchenAid, GooGoo Cluster, Spice Islands and King Arthur Flour. Kudos to all of our speakers! And, special thanks to Julie, Jaden & Scott, Todd & Diane, and Dawn for organizing such a fabulous weekend!
Jessica @ Sunny Side Up says
Looks like such a fun weekend! So glad you were able to make the trip!
Jessica @ Sunny Side Up says
Looks like such a fun weekend! So glad you were able to make the trip!
Kelsey says
What a fun weekend. I'm so glad you went! And hello! Potato leek scones for breakfast? Yes please!
Kelsey says
What a fun weekend. I'm so glad you went! And hello! Potato leek scones for breakfast? Yes please!
Emily (New York, NY) says
Wow! Looks like you had a blast! Awesomeee 😀
Emily (New York, NY) says
Wow! Looks like you had a blast! Awesomeee 😀
michelle @ The Village Cook says
Nikki! My- almost roomie! I'm so glad we met as well! I wish we had more time to chat. What a whirlwind of a weekend! Excellent recap! I'm glad you made it home as well, I've never flown standby either, good for you for taking the gamble.
michelle @ The Village Cook says
Nikki! My- almost roomie! I'm so glad we met as well! I wish we had more time to chat. What a whirlwind of a weekend! Excellent recap! I'm glad you made it home as well, I've never flown standby either, good for you for taking the gamble.
Wanda says
Can't believe I missed you. You look and sound like my kind of friend. Love your post, fabulous writing and a perfect way to round up it all! Are you going to TECHmunch? If yes, well hope to meet you there and catch up!
Nikki says
Hey Wanda! I really wish we all had more time to meet each other! 🙂 Unfortunately, I won't be at TECHmunch. Hopefully we can meet at another event sometime! 🙂
Wanda says
Can't believe I missed you. You look and sound like my kind of friend. Love your post, fabulous writing and a perfect way to round up it all! Are you going to TECHmunch? If yes, well hope to meet you there and catch up!
Nikki says
Hey Wanda! I really wish we all had more time to meet each other! 🙂 Unfortunately, I won't be at TECHmunch. Hopefully we can meet at another event sometime! 🙂
brandi says
great recap! it was so nice to meet you!
brandi says
great recap! it was so nice to meet you!
Amy @ The Nifty Foodie says
So glad you were able to go! The conference looks like it was a blast! 🙂
Krista says
So so jealous! I'm glad you were able to go and hopefully next year I'll be right there with ya! You are just so adorable!
Monica says
We missed meeting eachother.. but I'm sure there will be other times in the future.. like many said here, great recap.. and aren't you glad that Julie is a very persistant lady? *Wink*
Pee Dee Foodie says
Wow, love the photos. Gotta get cracking on my own wrap-up post. Planning to do that this weekend. Thanks for the inspiration!
Jessica of My Baking Heart says
LOVE this, Nikki! So wish I could've been there... two of my absolute favorite things combined! 🙂
Krystal R. says
What an exciting weekend with a bunch of food celebrities!! AND you're one of them!! Glad you made it home safe, I don't know if I would ever have the patience for stand-by flights...I just want to get home after a long weekend away!
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
I'm seeing so many awesome pictures and recaps of the event. It looks like it was a blast and Kudos to Julie for changing your mind 🙂
Take care..
JulieD says
So glad you were able to come!! 🙂 I love all of your pictures!
megan @ whatmegansmaking says
So sad I didn't get a chance to meet you! I would have loved to. But wasn't it a wonderful weekend? Great recap! 🙂
Jessica says
I am SO glad you flew standby! It would not have been the same without you girl! 🙂
Savannah in September! It's happening!!
Breenah says
That looks like it was a ton of fun!
Stephanie says
Looks like so much fun! I'm hoping I can go to the next one!
Maria says
What a fun event! WIsh I could have been there!
Nicole, RD says
What a great time! Lots of new bloggers to check out 🙂
Julie @ Table for Two says
I'm so glad you decided to come! Seriously, it was one of the best weekends ever and I'm so glad we got to spend so much time together 🙂 if you're ever in DC area or Annapolis, MD -- let me know!! I would love to meet up 🙂
Heather says
Fabulous recap! I'm do glad you were able to attend & we met 🙂