International Food Blogger Conference 2010
Like a lot of food bloggers I encountered a week ago, I feel as though I am finally coming back down to earth. If you follow Novel Eats on Facebook or Twitter, you will know that I went to Foodista’s International Food Blogger Conference (IFBC) in Seattle. I had never attended a food blogger conference before, so I was not entirely sure what to expect, but based upon what I had gleaned I would be seeing Morgan Spurlock, drinking a goodly amount of wine, sherry and beer, and potentially networking with some of the best and brightest of the food blogging world.
It was an overwhelming weekend with back to back workshops on things like how to word recipes that actually make sense to the average cook (should I write, “1 cup chopped onion” or “1 medium-sized onion”?), wading through the legal issues of food blogging, and the challenges and joys of writing for those with dietary restrictions. That last one was a session I was particularly looking forward to because of Alexandra Jamieson, a well-known vegan chef and nutritionist who first received national attention through her appearances in Super Size Me, a film documentary about the hazards of regular fast-food consumption. (I actually got to meet her and while I only spoke with her for a brief minute or two, she’s on my good list – sweetest person ever!)
I would be remiss if I did not mention Penny de los Santos, a professional photographer who makes pictures instead of takes pictures, a concept I must say I really love. Her presentation earned her the one and only standing ovation from a moved and teary-eyed crowd, partly from the eloquence of her words, but mostly from her clear passion for her art. (As a small aside, I have to say I am embarrassed that I didn’t know who Penny was before this weekend. I met her briefly the day prior to her presentation and didn’t bat an eye when she said her name, which I think she found to be a little humorous. I also admit that this has happened to me before. Oh Samantha.)
There have been many bloggers like Melissa from Gluten Free For Good, Denise from Wasabi Prime, Mardi from Eat. Live. Travel. Write., Jennifer from The Merry Gourmet, Mindy from A Balanced Kitchen and Anne from Bring To Boil, just to name a few, who have taken the time to write thoughtful and descriptive posts about the weekend. I am not interested in reinventing the wheel, especially since you come to my blog for posts primarily about recipes. But I do want to put down a few thoughts about some key points that really resonated with me.
Morgan Spurlock discussing his thoughts on the food blogging community
Morgan Spurlock, director and star of Super Size Me, spoke at length on Friday evening about how he feels that food bloggers have a unique opportunity to influence the public and the culinary world in positive and long-lasting ways. He believes that Americans are still too consumed with eating on the cheap, which usually means costly health issues sooner or later. He challenged those of us who were there to step away from our computers and really try to make a difference in each of our own communities through in-person events and activities. As someone who finds comfort in the anonymity and security of the computer screen and Internet, it’s hard for me to want to put myself out there, but I do understand his point. He said more than once that we are preaching to the choir through our blogs, because most of the time the people that come to our websites are people who already care and think about the food they put in their bodies.
Some food bloggers at the IFBC 2010
The next day as I was sitting in the Theo Chocolate factory (where the bulk of the conference was held), and I was looking out across the room at the many people that were there, I suddenly had a moment where I realized that we bloggers are reaching a lot of people. There were at least a couple hundred food blogs present, so I quickly did the math. Let’s say that each blogger there reaches on average at least 10,000 people a month (and obviously some reach more and some less) – that’s at least two million people who read or visit this small roomful of foodies’ blogs every month.
When I realized this, I understood more the underlying theme in Morgan’s words: responsibility. Each of us has a responsibility to our readers and to the people we meet on a daily basis to get others to care about food as much as we do. It’s not as though we should become self-righteous and hit people over the head about how important it is to purchase and eat good quality food, but we as bloggers – and yes, you as readers – have a lot of opportunities to impress upon others the value of a good meal. (As I write this I find it ironic that a “value meal” is typically based upon how much money you save rather than the nutritional or community value gained, yet many many people are more concerned with their wallet than with their health.)
I’d love to open this up for discussion because I don’t feel like I have the answers on how best to get people to care about what they eat or to become more invested in eating well (and, in an ideal world, locally). So what do you think? Are there ways that we can get more people to care? Or do you think they already care, but feel like there is some sort of barrier between them and a good meal?
I just want to do a quick shout out to a few companies that I encountered this weekend that I think deserve specific recognition. Many thanks to Rolling Fire – they made an awesome vegan pizza at my request. It tasted amazing and I loved their dough! Wheatless In Seattle, a gluten-free restaurant, worked very hard to accommodate the dietary needs of the gluten-free attendees. I also want to express my appreciation for including vegan dishes! Bambu provided some wonderful and sustainable alternatives to styrofoam and plasticware through their plates and utensils. Readers to Eaters was a constant presence at the IFBC. As someone who started a blog from a love of both food and books, I am completely on board with what they do as a bookstore. Last, but not least, I enjoyed watching Today’s Special (you should go see it – opens nationwide on October 8, 2010!), listening to the filmmaker, and I loved eating the delicious Indian food from Cedars Restaurant while it was playing (their papadum was amazing!). Thank you to all of the vendors and restaurants I did not mention!
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Great recap, Samantha, and glad to see you writing about more than just the fancy food we enjoyed at IFBC. :)
I’m constantly striving to find ways to increase my positive impact in the world, especially regarding food & nutrition. I’m working with a large Boy Scout camp in Southern California to revamp the menu, making it more nutritious — and to incorporate nutrition education into the program. (If you’re interested in helping out on this, I could use all the help I can find! It’s a big project!)
The other project that I hope will have an impact is “October: Unprocessed.” I’m trying to get as many people as possible to eat no processed foods whatsoever during the month of October. Already over two dozen food bloggers have signed up to participate! Might you be interested, too? :)
http://www.eatingrules.com/october-unprocessed
I was so encouraged by Morgan Spurlock, and totally nervous to share how I’ve been helping people care about what they eat in my community. But his encouragement in that has definitely spurred me on even more in my quest to change the eating habits of the low income families in my city. I teach free cooking classes, do demos at health fairs and speak at functions for non-profit organizations. I’m working with the Food Bank, Local Farms, City Hall and other non-profit organizations to see how we as a community can help everyone eat better. It’s overwhelming at times but each time just one person changes their eating habits, it’s worth it. By the way, I have a video clip of Morgan’s challenge to us on my blog (in my Morgan Spurlock post) if you want to see it!
Hey Diana,
I remember your speaking about what you do during the Q&A with Morgan Spurlock, and I was so impressed. What a wonderful initiative. It really makes a difference, and good for you for your persistence and dedication.
Samantha,
One guy spoke about how we have to connect with people through food. He said everyone eats, and therefore everyone cares about food to some degree, so we have to start there and talk to them on the grounds they care about. That comment resonated with me. I don’t know who it was (maybe you or someone else reading this can fill in that blank), but I think he’s right. Diana’s initiative, as well as Sean’s willingness to “pass it on” are great examples.
I enjoyed the conference so much as well — and am so glad for attendee recaps like yours. I’m saving them all and adding to my notes do I don’t forget anything. Re food and responsibility, I spoke with forager extrodinaire Langon Cook, who turned me on to the seabeans growing right down at the water. While I was gathering them to pickle some high school age kids came over to talk about it. So that was my little moment of “pass it one,” hopefully more will follow.