The Foodbuzz Festival
The Foodbuzz Festival is a food blogger’s dream. It is a weekend centered on food- food conversations, food demonstrations, wine, beer, food tastings, new brands, people, flavors, markets… It is a weekend of food. Come hungry.
I am a planner. I like to make lists and I like to be in control. Last year I was quite nervous as I didn’t really know many people attending and I didn’t know how comfortable I would be at each event. I quickly learned that most of us were in the same position, and by the end of the weekend we had all become fast friends. A bit of wine might have helped with that…
Anyway, for those who are attending for the first time this year, I thought I would put together a list to help you prepare.
Packing
- San Francisco is very walkable. Last year we walked miles upon miles exploring the city, and I was happy I had my walking boots on. Make sure you have comfortable shoes because San Francisco is beautiful and you will want to see it. Further, even though the Tasting Pavillion did not seem large, my feet were very tired by the end. You will be thankful if you wear your comfortable (but obviously cute) shoes.
- Pack a small extra bag that you could check if needed for your return flight. I got a bit out of control purchasing goodies from the Ferry Plaza market. There were also some fabulous samples given out that were liquids that I really wanted to bring home. I was happy I had the space and option to check a bag.
- You might want to bring a pair of elastic waist pants. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. π
Introducing Yourself
- Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to anyone and everyone. You might not have an instant bond with every person you meet, but the more you meet the better chance you have at making connections. You never know what you might learn or what friendship you might form. Note: I was not always as social as I now am. I learned how to be social from plenty of solo outings when I was in Italy for 8 months. Yes, there were some awkward moments, but they were worth the risk. If I can do it you can too. Don’t be afraid to say hello!
- When you do introduce yourself (to everyone!) be sure to say your name and your blog clearly. When the other person introduces himself or herself, repeat his/her first name so that you don’t forget it. And if you do forget it, don’t be embarrassed to ask him/her to repeat it. There are a lot of people to meet!
- Bring business cards, and keep them accessible. I was so thankful for all the business cards I received at the Foodbuzz Festival. I found so many great blogs and products that I would not have remembered without the cards. To this same point, carry a small notebook and pen in case you want to take notes. I learned a lot about wines, blogging, and cooking over the weekend, and I was thankful to have a notebook to write down what I learned.
- Know what you write about! Last year I didn’t know how to explain my blog without rambling and feeling embarrassed. My blog has a clear and direct focus, but I couldn’t put the words together. After fumbling all weekend I finally took some time (after the festival) to figure out how to explain what my blog is about in a couple of short sentences. Practice and know what to say when someone inevitably asks “What is your blog about?”
- If you see someone you recognize but have never met before, go and say hello! I was shy at first to do this, and I always regretted it, especially when I recognized the face but couldn’t remember which blog he or she wrote.
- A smile goes a long way.
Food
- This is not the time to be picky. This is not the time to be on a diet. There are incredible foods to taste in San Francisco and during the Foodbuzz Festival- open your mind a bit and try them.
- Come hungry. See previous point- the food will be incredible.
- Ask questions! At the Tasting Pavillion, there will be lots of new companies and foods present. If you are curious about ingredients, history, or anything about something you try, just ask! I learned a lot about the chocolate making process and about the Foodzie site just from asking questions (or listening to the answers of fellow foodies’ questions).
- You MUST visit the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market. I don’t know if it is part of the official schedule, but you must make it a part of yours. It is still my favorite market, and I look forward to visiting it again.
Miscellaneous
- Last year’s Twitter hashtag was #fbzfest. I assume that hashtag will continue this year. It was very useful when meeting up with new friends or figuring out the next item on our schedule.
- Be supportive of your fellow Foodbuzz Featured Publishers. Some of them will be showcasing their recipes at the Tasting Pavilion. Visit them all if you can. I was so thankful of everyone who visited me while I was demonstrating my winning Nature’s Pride Recipe.
Don’t forget- foodies are friendly! Say hello to everyone around you and share the foodie fun. See you there!
P.S. I just read all of my festival posts from last year and got so excited!!!!!! My goal is to meet every person there, so if you see me say hello!
Foodbuzz Festival 2009:
I so wish I could go! π
This post was SO helpful! I am nervous to go to the Foodbuzz Festival. I told Ashley from The Edible Perspective that I feel like I’m going to a high school reunion for a high school I didn’t go to. π And I wasn’t really sure what to pack. Is there any reason to bring something a little dressier (e.g. cocktail dress?) Thank you SO much for all this!
@Teri [a foodie stays fit], Yes bring a cocktail dress! I am not sure what the dinner is Saturday, but surely some people will be a bit more dressed up.. or at least I know I will be!
What a great post! I’m not able to attend the Food Buzz Festival (oh how I want to!) but do plan on attending at least one blogger conference next year. I think these tips will be good to keep in mind then too.
Very cute! I wish that I were able to go. Darn you job and your limited time off!! π
I love this post!! I’m so excited about Foodbuzz but I’m not quite sure what to expect, and from this post it sounds like it will be a blast!!
Hey! This post inspired me to bite the bullet and attend the festival. I had been on the fence since my blog is so new and I’m busy working/going back to school for my teaching degree. BUT I’m turning 30 next week and I’ve never been to San Fran…..so now I’m going!
Thanks for the info! Can’t wait to meet you and other new friends! It’s my first blogger conference and I’m so excited. I don’t know anyone in real life going!
this is why i love you…so kind to perfect strangers by making this list! i so wish i was going so i could meet you π
This post is great! I’m a little nervous about foodbuzz but I know it will be a lot of fun
Thanks for the tips! I live only 30 minutes from S.F. and I will be attending {just not staying over nights} and can’t wait to experience it all! Looking forward to meeting you and so many others in person:)
i really wish i was going!!! hopefully next year and i will certainly keep these tips in mind!
Great post! I’m so excited to see your posts from this year’s fest. If I’m able to go one year, I’ll totally keep this list in mind. π
I am so excited now! As if I wasn’t before…
but I just registered last night and I am so excited to meet you and so many wonderful foodie bloggers.
Great tips! So glad you are going again, see you there!
i am so excited about this! π and especially excited that it’s in my city.
This makes me so incredibly excited!!! I cannot wait to hang out with you!
What a great post. Thanks for all the advice. Can’t wait to be there and meet you!
Ohhh my gosh. Now I am even MORE excited, which I didn’t think was possible. So, you said to bring an extra small bag to check going home. This means that somehow you squeezed all of your belongings into a carry-on, on the way there?? How is that possible? π The camera + lenses + computer take up SO much room! hehe Great post girl! SO excited to finally meet you!
These are WONDERFUL tips and make me so that much more disappointed that I can’t attend because of a family wedding! (but family comes first)
I can’t imagine meeting everyone! How fun!
Thank you thank you for doing this post. I am freaking out about the festival…I am scared, nervous, but excited too. I cannot wait to hang out with you again, because I feel like the first time we met was not my best impression. Lori and I were still learning a lot about us, our blog, etc…so I hope I will do better this time around ; )
Oh, and can I be your twin for the weekend???
What a great guide – so smart of you to post it. I’m sad I won’t be there, but I’m looking forward to your interesting recaps of the action.
Thank you SO much for this post! It answered SO many questions that were floating around in my scattered brain hah! Come stop by the Electrolux booth and visit Teri and I (I’m totally nervous about demo-ing my recipe!) Any tips from your experience last year??
@Kristina (My Life as a Mrs), okay… i’m an idiot. Confused Teri with The Sweets Life that will be with me at the Electrolux thing. goodness. hah
Thank you for such a helpful post. This is will be my first time going and I am just going to absorb everything I can and taste anything that comes my way…..then think about it later
I completely agree with the farmers’ market. It is amazing! don’t eat before you go because you’ll want to taste one of everything there!
FANTASTIC Write up Sabrina!! Can’t wait to see you again this year π
Danica
What a helpful post! It will be my first time attending and I can’t wait to meet you and so many others! I know SF and the tip about comfy shoes is the best, lots of walking.
Thank you so much for this! I’m going this year for the first time and will not *actually know* a single person there! I’m excited to meet new people and learn new things though.
Thanks for answering the little questions that were giving me some anxiety (what to wear, what to bring, etc.) I look forward to meeting you π
this is so helpful! foodbuzz is gonna be my very first blogger festival and i’m very excited – can’t wait to meet you too!
See you there girl!
I love that you posted this! I am so excited about the festival but also so nervous! I don’t know anyone and am very new to the blogging world but I know it is going to be awesome!
Hope to meet you there!
What an awesome post Sabrina, loved it! Can’t wait to see you again in SF. π
Thanks for this helpful post! I’ve been on the fence, since I wouldn’t know anyone, but your tips and info get me a little closer to going. Now, it’s the money in relation to “necessary” expenses — Hhhhmmmmmm. I’d better make a decision fast, since it’s probably getting more expensive to fly. Anyone want to drive from So Cal? Just adding that as a potential option.
I’ll be bummed if I miss it again. π Last year I was soooo envious of the good time (and food) y’all were having. I realllllly wanted to win a sponsorship, but would’ve been nervous about the demo, hahaha. Hoping to win the drawing, if Foodbuzz is still having one?! Positive thinking, although who isn’t hoping for that. Congratulations on last year.
Okay, this is more than a comment, way too long. π Hope to meet you and everyone else in San Francisco!
Shelly π
Thank you SO much for posting this! Although I love food and meeting people who share the same feeling, I am incredibly nervous about going to the Foodbuzz Festival. It didnt’ dawn on me that some people may be in the same position as I am (lost and anxious). I will definitely take your tips and advice to heart. Hope to see you there!
brilliant post! I really wish I could be there, but travel that far is not in my future right now. Have fun π
I just registered for the festival.
I’m so excited!
Hope to meet you and many other bloggers there.
π
Excellent tips! This is my first Foodbuzz festival and I can’t wait to meet you!
@Liren, I can’t wait to meet you either!!!!
I was in exactly the same situation as you last year – didn’t know many people, really nervous. I also had a great time and can’t wait for this year’s festival. Great recap – thanks for helping with both my packing list and my countdown! See you there….
This was so helpful, thanks for the post, can’t wait!!