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Home Β» Uncategorized Β» Food Blog Forum Orlando 2012

March 22, 2012

Food Blog Forum Orlando 2012

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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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.

FBFOrl Airport HotelWhen I landed at the Orlando airport, I headed right away to Disney's Magical Express.  They cheerfully shuttled me to where the event attendee's were staying, the Polynesian Resort.  It was fun to see the Mickey Mouse shaped towels on my bed upon arrival!

FBFOrl Welcome Reception FoodA few hours later, I met up with other food bloggers at the Welcome Reception where Disney served up an amazing spread of food.  Unfortunately, I didn't snatch enough photos and the one above is the only shot of food I have!  But, I remembered to get a few of the people...

FBFOrl JuliesHere are the two beautiful "Julies" and me (right).  The Julie pictured in the middle organized this whole event and did an outstanding job! The Julie on your left blogs at Table for Two and was gracious enough to introduce me to all her friends this weekend and even offered to let me stay in her hotel room Sunday night if a stand-by flight didn't work! 🙂

FBFOrl Krissy TinaI hate this picture of me (right) but I had to include it in this round up because I absolutely love these two gals!  Krissy (left) and Tina (middle).  It was a little spooky to hang with Krissy because not only did she look exactly like one of my friends from California, but she also talked exactly like her and had the same mannerisms.  (All great things, Krissy!)  And, Tina? I just loved how easy she was to talk to and get to know.  Her fun personality is certainly catching, too! Only wish we had more time!!

FBFOrl Novice ChefSeriously wish I had a picture WITH Jessica, because she was honestly the blogger I looked forward to meeting most this weekend. <gushing>  And, I wasn't surprised to find out that she is just as crazy and wonderful as portrayed through her blog.  Super sweet, as well!!

FBFOrl Welcome Reception

(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!

FBFOrl Magic Kingdom 1After the Welcome Reception, the six of us headed for The Magic Kingdom.  As part of the conference package, we were given 4-day park hopper passes!  (It was an amazing deal!)  Right when we walked into the park, we stopped to take shots of the castle...and food.

FBFOrl Group CastleI love this photo!  Thanks to Krissy!

FBFOrl Turkey LegRachel, the foodiest of all foodies, just had to gobble down a turkey leg at the park. (Yes, pun intended.)  🙂  If they weren't so messy, I would've definitely partook!

FBFOrl Dole WhipAfter strolling around, riding the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and It's a Small World, we found the popular Dole Whips before heading to watch the fireworks.

FBFOrl Castle Fireworks

FBFOrl Space MountainThen, before heading home for the night (it was late!) four of us made our way to Space Mountain.  It was so dark for the pic, but still turned out fun.

FBFOrl BreakfastThe next morning we woke up early for the day's sessions.  It started with a fabulous breakfast.

FBFOrl OXO CaramelsEach table was graced with an OXO container full of these addicting caramels! I just now remembered that I snuck two of them in my purse... pause for a minute while I go get them...  😉

FBFOrl SpeakersOur morning speakers were very inspirational.  Scott (top left) did an excellent job of hosting the show while his wife, Jaden, served on the panel with Rachel from KitchenAid, Arianna Bastianini from OXO, and Tom Smith from Disney (top right). Todd & Diane, my favorite food photographers, gave a very moving session about using your voice in photography and telling your story.  There were tears all around!  The ever-so-funny David Leite supplied us with a checklist to write better blog posts.  Lastly, I missed my opportunity for a photo of Dawn Viola, as she also spoke to the crowd about taking your blog to a professional level.

FBFOrl Disney LunchNext, we enjoyed lunch with the Disney chefs.  This was my favorite meal time experience during the weekend.  Stations were set up for us to sample (well, more than sample) the different dishes served at Disney.

FBFOrlAfter lunch, we broke out in smaller round table sessions.  We each signed up for four sessions among four different topics. My personal favorite was the time I got to spend watching Aran (top left) style food and Diane (top right) photograph it. Then, getting a photo with both of them! 🙂

FBFOrl Epcot Ball(left to right: angie, jenny, krissy, me) Photo by Krissy.

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!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jessica @ Sunny Side Up says

    March 25, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    Looks like such a fun weekend! So glad you were able to make the trip!

    Reply
  2. Jessica @ Sunny Side Up says

    March 25, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    Looks like such a fun weekend! So glad you were able to make the trip!

    Reply
  3. Kelsey says

    March 23, 2012 at 5:20 pm

    What a fun weekend. I'm so glad you went! And hello! Potato leek scones for breakfast? Yes please!

    Reply
  4. Kelsey says

    March 23, 2012 at 5:20 pm

    What a fun weekend. I'm so glad you went! And hello! Potato leek scones for breakfast? Yes please!

    Reply
  5. Emily (New York, NY) says

    March 23, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    Wow! Looks like you had a blast! Awesomeee πŸ˜€

    Reply
  6. Emily (New York, NY) says

    March 23, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    Wow! Looks like you had a blast! Awesomeee πŸ˜€

    Reply
  7. michelle @ The Village Cook says

    March 23, 2012 at 6:04 am

    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.

    Reply
  8. michelle @ The Village Cook says

    March 23, 2012 at 6:04 am

    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.

    Reply
  9. Wanda says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Nikki says

      March 22, 2012 at 8:47 pm

      Hey Wanda! I really wish we all had more time to meet each other! πŸ™‚ Unfortunately, I won't be at TECHmunch. Hopefully we can meet at another event sometime! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  10. Wanda says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Nikki says

      March 22, 2012 at 8:47 pm

      Hey Wanda! I really wish we all had more time to meet each other! πŸ™‚ Unfortunately, I won't be at TECHmunch. Hopefully we can meet at another event sometime! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  11. brandi says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    great recap! it was so nice to meet you!

    Reply
  12. brandi says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    great recap! it was so nice to meet you!

    Reply
  13. Amy @ The Nifty Foodie says

    March 22, 2012 at 5:46 pm

    So glad you were able to go! The conference looks like it was a blast! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  14. Krista says

    March 22, 2012 at 5:38 pm

    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!

    Reply
  15. Monica says

    March 22, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    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*

    Reply
  16. Pee Dee Foodie says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:40 pm

    Wow, love the photos. Gotta get cracking on my own wrap-up post. Planning to do that this weekend. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  17. Jessica of My Baking Heart says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    LOVE this, Nikki! So wish I could've been there... two of my absolute favorite things combined! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  18. Krystal R. says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:58 pm

    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!

    Reply
  19. Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    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 πŸ™‚
    Take care..

    Reply
  20. JulieD says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:08 pm

    So glad you were able to come!! πŸ™‚ I love all of your pictures!

    Reply
  21. megan @ whatmegansmaking says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:07 pm

    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! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  22. Jessica says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:05 pm

    I am SO glad you flew standby! It would not have been the same without you girl! πŸ™‚

    Savannah in September! It's happening!!

    Reply
  23. Breenah says

    March 22, 2012 at 11:07 am

    That looks like it was a ton of fun!

    Reply
  24. Stephanie says

    March 22, 2012 at 11:04 am

    Looks like so much fun! I'm hoping I can go to the next one!

    Reply
  25. Maria says

    March 22, 2012 at 10:20 am

    What a fun event! WIsh I could have been there!

    Reply
  26. Nicole, RD says

    March 22, 2012 at 8:23 am

    What a great time! Lots of new bloggers to check out πŸ™‚

    Reply
  27. Julie @ Table for Two says

    March 22, 2012 at 7:03 am

    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 πŸ™‚ if you're ever in DC area or Annapolis, MD -- let me know!! I would love to meet up πŸ™‚

    Reply
  28. Heather says

    March 22, 2012 at 6:39 am

    Fabulous recap! I'm do glad you were able to attend & we met πŸ™‚

    Reply

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