{The Sunday Supper Gang photo provided by Gerardo Luna Photography}
I may have finally recovered enough to write again… My body AND brain were equally exhausted and elated at the same time, three days of listening and talking about two of my favorite things, FOOD and WINE. The inaugural Food & Wine Conference presented by Isabel Laessig {aka Family Foodie} founder of the #SundaySupper Movement, just a handful of the group is pictured above, was nothing short of fantastic. And I mean that in every way. The location was fantastic, the food was fantastic, the wine was fantastic but what really stands out are the fantastic speakers and attendees. Never before have I attended a conference and felt that everyone was truly there to bring out the best in each other.
The speakers not only provided excellent content in their sessions, each and every one of them, but they were also there to interact with the attendees. Pose for the usual pictures of course, but more than that, to actually take time to answer questions or simply talk with the attendees. Frequently I would see a speaker and blogger in the hallway chatting and laughing, really connecting.
The attendees, about 125 in total, were equally engaged. While I went into the conference knowing a few of the bloggers from the #SundaySupper group, there were MANY new faces, all just as eager to get to know me and find out more about where I was from, what I am passionate about and to build a support network beyond the Sunday closing session.
{Me and Harris Rosen, Founder of the Rosen Hotel’s}
We started the weekend on Friday night with a cocktail party and scavenger hunt {with yours truly winning Third Prize, I am sure due to the above picture with owner Harris Rosen. NOT}.
Saturday and Sunday were pack with all-star panels, sponsor breaks, car rides, contests and unbelievable meals.
{Me and my good friend the @SaucyQueen herself, Michele Northrop of Intensity Academy}
LOVE her!!
{ Isabel Laessig, Niki Miller and Me, right after Nik Snacks won the Dixie Crystal’s Dessert Award!}
Sure it was about the tasting and business of food and wine, but in the end this weekend was about SO much more. For me it was about connecting with the real people behind the Twitter handles and Facebook pages, something we all to frequently forget the importance of. A sincere thank you to everyone involved.
I am already packed for next year!
What wonderful memories. Thank you so much for all your help with the Food and Wine Conference…. it would not have been such a huge success without you!
I totally agree with everything you wrote. Great people, food, wine, sessions, and location. The best part was the people and I’m so glad I got to meet and work with you there. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event!