My Transformative Journey at the Everything Food Conference 2018 in Salt Lake City
A comprehensive recap of an unforgettable experience, packed with insights on blog growth, networking, and culinary inspiration.
Friends, prepare yourselves, because my perspective on the world of food blogging has been irrevocably altered. Just last week, I had the privilege of attending my very first food blogger conference, and I can unequivocally state that my life will never be the same. This experience stands out as the absolute highlight of my year thus far, a truly pivotal moment in my journey as a content creator. Where does one even begin to recount such an impactful event? From the inspiring culinary experiences to the invaluable workshops and the profound networking opportunities, every single aspect was nothing short of life-changing.
Join me as I take you through a detailed account of my incredible week at the Everything Food Conference, held in the breathtaking city of Salt Lake City, Utah.
That image captures a moment of pure anticipation – specifically, my feet, poised and ready at the airport gate, awaiting the boarding call for my flight to Utah. The excitement bubbling within me was palpable. For months, I had heard countless glowing reviews about the Everything Food Conference, whispered among the blogging community as *the* premier event of its kind. Many seasoned professionals consider it the best food blogger conference available, a reputation that only amplified my eagerness. Furthermore, several of my most admired bloggers and YouTubers were scheduled to speak, presenting an unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from the pioneers and thought leaders in our niche. The prospect of absorbing their wisdom was incredibly motivating.
Upon my arrival in Salt Lake City, I was immediately captivated by the abundance of magnificent mountains! My initial reaction, perhaps a reflection of my Midwestern upbringing, was to exclaim, “Oh, I love these hills!” My Uber driver, however, swiftly and good-naturedly corrected me with an emphatic reply: “Those are not hills, those are mountains!” We shared a laugh over my geographical faux pas. Perhaps my perception was skewed by memories of Mount Fako in Buea, Cameroon, a truly colossal peak where I spent a significant part of my childhood. While these Utah mountains might have appeared relatively smaller in comparison, their sheer number and omnipresence were striking. I could spot impressive peaks from almost every vantage point in the city, a truly refreshing sight. It’s a stark contrast to my home state of Minnesota, which, while beautiful, is renowned not for its mountains but for its ubiquitous lakes – earning it the affectionate moniker, “the land of ten thousand lakes.”
Settled into my hotel room, the excitement was still surging. I couldn’t resist capturing the moment with a quick selfie, a snapshot of pure joy and readiness for the days ahead.
Later that evening, on the day of my arrival, I had the pleasure of sharing dinner with a wonderful group of fellow food bloggers. There were seven of us in total, and the experience was truly invigorating. To sit among individuals who share the same passion, navigate similar challenges, and celebrate similar successes in the food blogging sphere was incredibly validating and inspiring. We swapped stories, shared tips, and instantly forged a connection based on our shared craft. It was a shame we didn’t capture a picture of that memorable first dinner, but the conversations and camaraderie will remain etched in my memory.
Pre-Conference Networking: Building Bridges with Brands
The following day was critical, marking my entry into the pre-conference activities focused on brand networking. This session, often likened to a series of rapid-fire job interviews for food bloggers, was designed to connect creators with brands looking to collaborate. I dedicated significant time to preparation, researching each brand, understanding their mission, and identifying potential alignment with my own content. I had carefully printed out my business cards, ensuring I had a professional and concise way to introduce myself and my blog. More importantly, I practiced my pitches repeatedly, honing my ability to articulate my unique value proposition to each brand representative in a concise and compelling manner.
I engaged with numerous amazing brands, discussing potential collaborations that could bring exciting new content and products to you, my readers and viewers. Keep an eye out, as you might soon see the fruits of these discussions appearing both here on the blog and on my YouTube channel. By the end of this intensive networking day, I was utterly exhausted, but exhilarated by the possibilities that had opened up. These initial days, focusing on travel, arrival, and pre-conference networking, were merely the prelude to the main event.
The Heart of the Event: Everything Food Conference 2018 Kicks Off!
The following day, Thursday, marked the official commencement of the Everything Food Conference 2018. The atmosphere in the main hall as the conference began was absolutely electric. The air buzzed with excitement, amplified by pulsating hip-hop music, enthusiastic cheers, and an undeniable sense of collective energy. It was, without a doubt, the most epic and memorable start to any conference I’ve ever witnessed. What was even more astonishing was the sheer number of food bloggers gathered in one place – several hundred, a truly inspiring sight. While the majority hailed from various states across the United States, it was remarkable to see attendees who had traveled from as far as Australia and Dubai, all united by their passion for food blogging and their desire to learn and connect.
For three immersive days, the conference delivered a rich and diverse program, meticulously designed to empower and educate. We dove headfirst into a series of insightful workshops, hung onto every word during compelling keynote speeches, and maximized countless opportunities for meaningful networking. Each element was crafted to foster growth, spark creativity, and build community within the food blogging sphere.
Unlocking Growth: Transformative Workshops and Expert Insights
I absolutely adored the conference workshops! The range of topics was extensive and incredibly relevant to the challenges and opportunities facing modern food bloggers. From mastering SEO for increased visibility to creating engaging food videos, refining photo editing techniques, and much more, there was something for every level of expertise. One workshop, in particular, stood out as my favorite: the session led by Nagi Maehashi, the brilliant mind behind the immensely popular food blog, Recipe Tin Eats. Nagi shared invaluable, actionable tips on how she meticulously grew her blog to an astonishing 7 million page views per month. Her transparency, willingness to share her strategies, and deeply motivating insights were truly refreshing and left a lasting impression.
That image captures Nagi and me, and as you can see, her vibrant and fun personality shines through even in a still photograph. Meeting her in person and absorbing her energy was an absolute privilege.
Another highlight was the comprehensive workshop dedicated to strategies for growing your YouTube channel. This session was particularly exciting for me because all the speakers were YouTubers whose content I genuinely admire and regularly watch. The panel featured an incredible lineup: Tatyana Nesteruk of Tatyana’s Everyday Food, Beth Le Manach of Entertaining with Beth, Sara Lynn Cauchon of The Domestic Geek, and Joanne of Fifteen Spatulas. Each speaker offered unique perspectives and actionable advice on various aspects of video creation, audience engagement, and channel monetization. Their collective wisdom provided a roadmap for aspiring and established food YouTubers alike.
I was absolutely thrilled to snap a picture with Tatyana Nesteruk; she truly possesses such a sweet and genuine soul, and her advice was incredibly practical and encouraging.
And let’s not forget Beth Le Manach – the depth of wisdom she imparted during her session was simply outstanding, covering everything from presentation to building a loyal audience.
Building Community: The Power of Personal Connections
Perhaps the most profound highlight of my entire conference experience was the invaluable time I spent with my dear friend, Imma, from Immaculate Bites. While we had been regularly connecting over the phone for quite some time, finally being able to spend time with her in person was an absolute joy. Her warmth, humor, and unparalleled knowledge made our conversations incredibly enriching. Imma generously shared so much about her journey, offering expert guidance on sustainable blog growth strategies, audience engagement, and navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. She truly is the absolute best, a genuine mentor and a wonderful friend whose advice I cherish deeply.
Beyond individual connections, it was also incredibly heartwarming and empowering to meet several other Black Food Bloggers. Coming together, sharing experiences, and celebrating our unique voices within the broader food blogging community was a powerful reminder of the diversity and strength found in unity. These moments of shared identity and mutual support are vital for fostering an inclusive and thriving environment for all creators.
A Feast for the Senses: Exploring New Cuisines and Conference Catering
And now, let’s take a moment to discuss the culinary aspect – after all, this was a food blogger conference! As expected, the event delivered an abundance of delectable food, turning every meal into an experience. I had the exciting opportunity to try Korean cuisine for the very first time! My plate was a vibrant medley of glass noodles, tender chicken, all generously topped with a spicy mayo and another intriguing sauce whose name, regrettably, escapes me. Initially, I hesitated with the mystery sauce, unsure if its flavor profile would suit my palate. However, the man serving the sauces, with a playful twinkle in his eye, asked me, “Are you crazy? This sauce is so good!” His enthusiastic recommendation was enough to sway me, and I’m so glad it did – the sauce was indeed incredibly delicious, adding a fantastic layer of flavor to an already delightful dish.
One of the evenings also featured an epic formal dinner, a truly elegant affair that brought everyone together for a shared gourmet experience.
I was particularly charmed by the innovative watermelon fruit bowls, a refreshing and visually appealing treat that perfectly complemented the meal.
For my main course, I opted for the salmon, and it was impeccably prepared – flaky, flavorful, and truly amazing.
The thoughtful curation of the menu was evident, offering diverse options to cater to various tastes and preferences. Here’s a glimpse of the detailed dinner menu:
Reflections and Recommendations: The Lasting Impact of EFC
In essence, my experience at the Everything Food Conference was a holistic triumph. I savored every delicious bite of the thoughtfully prepared food, absorbed every valuable lesson from the expert-led workshops, and cherished every moment of camaraderie and connection with fellow bloggers. I departed from the conference not just with a notebook full of ideas, but with a renewed sense of purpose and an incredible surge of motivation to push my creative boundaries and elevate my work to new heights. The energy and inspiration were truly infectious.
To any aspiring or established blogger seeking an enriching, empowering, and truly transformative event, I wholeheartedly recommend the Everything Food Conference. This exceptional gathering takes place annually, and I urge you to consider attending. Immerse yourself completely, soak in every piece of advice, engage in every networking opportunity, and allow yourself to be inspired. It is, without a doubt, an investment in your craft and your community that is profoundly worth it. The knowledge gained, the connections made, and the renewed passion you’ll find will propel your blogging journey forward in ways you might not imagine.
I sincerely hope you enjoyed this detailed recap of my transformative week. Stay tuned for my next post, which will be a brand new recipe, bringing some of that culinary inspiration directly to your kitchen. Wishing you all a truly lovely and productive week!