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Unlock Your Potential: Food Blog Forum Nashville 2011 – A Premier Event for Culinary Content Creators

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of culinary creativity and digital innovation! Following the resounding success of the Food Blog Forum in Orlando, we’re thrilled to announce our next groundbreaking event: Food Blog Forum Nashville 2011. Our esteemed web designer, Lindsay from Purr Design, envisioned Nashville as the perfect backdrop for our next gathering, and we couldn’t agree more. Join us on Saturday, October 8th, 2011, for an unforgettable day of learning, networking, and celebration.

This exclusive pre-sale opportunity offers tickets at just $99 per person, providing incredible value. Your ticket grants you full access to an all-day seminar packed with expert insights and two vibrant social parties, ensuring ample opportunities for connection and collaboration. If you’re passionate about food blogging and digital content creation, mark your calendar and secure your spot. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your craft and connect with fellow enthusiasts in the heart of Nashville! Purchase your tickets here today and join us for an inspiring weekend.

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Food Blog Forum Nashville Agenda: Empowering Food Publishers and Bloggers

Date: Saturday, October 8, 2011
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (CT)

We are delighted to present our fourth installment of the highly anticipated Food Blog Forum, this time in the vibrant city of Nashville! This comprehensive, full-day seminar on Saturday, October 8, 2011, is meticulously crafted for online food publishers and food bloggers based in Nashville and its surrounding regions. Designed to provide actionable insights and foster a thriving community, this event promises to be a pivotal moment for your culinary journey.

The Food Blog Forum Nashville event is proudly produced by Food Blog Forum, a collaborative effort spearheaded by some of the most influential voices in the food blogging sphere. Our esteemed organizers include Jaden Hair of Steamy Kitchen, Todd & Diane from White On Rice Couple, Lindsay Landis of Love & Olive Oil, Beth Sachan from Eat.Drink.Smile., and Leah Short of So How’s it Taste. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise and a shared vision to empower the next generation of food content creators.

Our curriculum is thoughtfully structured around critical areas essential for success in the digital food space, including:

This full-day seminar on Saturday, October 8, 2011, is tailor-made to address the most relevant challenges and opportunities facing food publishers and food bloggers today. We delve deep into practical topics, offering expert guidance that you can immediately apply to enhance your blog and broaden your reach. You’ll gain invaluable knowledge and skills, from mastering the art of food styling and photography to understanding the nuances of recipe writing and development, navigating blogging etiquette, and leveraging public relations strategies for maximum impact.

Beyond the rich educational content, Food Blog Forum Nashville is designed to be a vibrant hub for connection. Throughout the weekend, we’ve arranged several engaging networking and social opportunities, ensuring you’ll build lasting relationships with peers, mentors, and industry leaders. Prepare to connect, learn, and grow within a supportive and dynamic community!

Event Schedule: Your Weekend Journey at Food Blog Forum Nashville

Friday, October 7, 2011 – Kick-Off & Networking

Venue: Nashville Farmers Market
900 Rosa Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
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6:00 – 8:00pm – “A Taste of Nashville” Pre-Party Hosted by Nashville Farmers Market

Join us for an exclusive pre-event networking reception designed to kick off your Food Blog Forum experience. Attendees will enjoy a delightful array of hors d’œuvres and refreshing drinks, all while mingling with fellow food bloggers and industry experts. This isn’t just a party; it’s an immersive culinary journey through Nashville’s finest, featuring a sampling of exquisite local products and flavors, including:

Olive & Sinclair (Artisan Chocolates)
Mista Dale’s (Gourmet Preserves)
Goo Goo Clusters (Iconic Nashville Candy)
Corsair Artisan Distillery (Craft Spirits)
Yazoo Brewing Company (Local Craft Beer)
And many more local favorites!

The evening will also feature an exciting Chef Demo by Arnold Myint, a renowned Top Chef Season 7 contestant and a celebrated Nashville native. Witness his culinary artistry firsthand as he shares tips and techniques that embody the spirit of Nashville’s vibrant food scene.

Saturday, October 8, 2011 – Main Seminar Day

Venue: Lipscomb University Ezell Center
Located just off Belmont Blvd.
View Map

8:30am – Doors Open & Welcome Reception
Begin your day energized with complimentary coffee and a selection of delicious pastries, perfect for fueling up before a day of intensive learning and networking.

9:00am – Official Introduction
A warm welcome and overview of the day’s exciting agenda, setting the stage for an impactful seminar.

9:30 – 10:30am – PRspectives: Navigating Public Relations for Food Bloggers
Presented by Jaden Hair, Arianna Bastianini, & Maris Callahan
This crucial session offers a comprehensive lesson in PR 101, explored from diverse and insightful perspectives. Our expert panel brings together influential bloggers, leading brands, and seasoned PR professionals to provide an unparalleled, inside look into the intricate process of collaborating with brands. Learn how to forge meaningful relationships that create mutually beneficial opportunities for both bloggers and the companies they partner with, transforming your online presence into a powerful platform for brand engagement.

10:45 – 11:45am – Breakout Sessions: Deep Dive into Key Blogging Skills
Attendees will choose one of two specialized tracks for in-depth learning:

TRACK 1: Recipe Writing & Development
Led by Alison Lewis & Kelly Senyei
Unlock the secrets to crafting professional-quality recipes that captivate your audience. This session covers everything from initial concept generation to the meticulous process of testing, refining, and presenting recipes that stand out. Perfect for those looking to elevate their culinary content to a professional standard.

TRACK 2: Blogging Etiquette: Best Practices for the Digital Age
Led by Amanda Bottoms & Jenny Flake
Navigate the often-complex world of online interactions with confidence. This essential session addresses proper blogging etiquette, including vital topics such as giving appropriate recipe and photo credit, understanding copyright laws (and what steps to take if your work is stolen), effective link exchanges, constructive commenting strategies, and other best practices that ensure a professional and respectful online presence.

12:00 – 1:00pm – LUNCH: Nashville Food Truck Court Experience
Savor the flavors of Nashville with a unique lunch experience at our specially curated Food Truck Court. Enjoy a delicious sampling from some of the city’s best mobile vendors, offering a diverse array of culinary delights. Featured trucks include Riffs Truck, Yayo’s OMG, and many more local favorites, promising a true taste of Nashville’s vibrant food scene.

1:15 – 2:30pm – Food Styling & Photography: Mastering Visual Storytelling
Presented by Todd Porter & Diane Cu
Visual appeal is paramount in food blogging. In this highly anticipated session, learn from the masters how to expertly understand and utilize available lighting situations to transform your food photographs. You’ll be guided through basic food photography and styling techniques, gaining a fundamental understanding of lighting principles and achieving optimal exposure for truly stunning food images that tell a compelling story.

2:45 – 4:20pm – Experts Round Table: Personalized Advice & In-Depth Discussion
This dynamic session offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the topics that resonate most with you. Engage directly with our speakers and other industry experts during a series of four 20-minute “speed-networking” sessions. This personalized setting allows you to ask specific questions, receive tailored advice, and gain profound insights on a wide range of subjects, including:

Social Media Strategies & Engagement
Technology & Design Best Practices for Food Blogs
Advanced Food Styling & Photography Techniques
Working with Television & Traditional Media
Innovative Recipe Development
The Business of Blogging: Monetization & Growth
And many other specialized areas!

4:30pm – Closing Remarks
A summary of the day’s highlights and a look forward to future opportunities.

6:00 – 8:00pm – Official Afterparty: Celebrate & Connect
Sponsored by The Patterson House
Conclude your Food Blog Forum experience with an exclusive afterparty. Enjoy a sophisticated evening with an assortment of hors d’œuvres and a selection of drinks, offering a relaxed atmosphere for continued networking and celebration at one of Nashville’s premier venues.

Please note: The event schedule, sessions, and speakers are subject to change to ensure the highest quality and most relevant content for our attendees.

Meet Our Esteemed Speakers: Industry Leaders & Innovators

Prepare to be inspired by an exceptional lineup of speakers, each a recognized leader in their respective fields, ready to share their knowledge and insights:

Jaden Hair is a celebrated television chef, an acclaimed food columnist, and the award-winning force behind the immensely popular food blog, Steamy Kitchen. Audiences can catch her culinary demonstrations twice a month on the nationally syndicated Daytime Show, reaching over 120 markets. Jaden also contributes her expertise as a food columnist for prominent platforms like Discovery Health, TLC, and the Tampa Tribune. She is the accomplished author of The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook. With an impressive following of over 90,000 followers, Jaden is recognized as one of the most influential voices in food on Twitter. Her expertise has been featured on major national programs including the Today Show, CBS Early Show, Martha Stewart Living Radio, Oprah.com, and Parents Magazine. Jaden’s influence has also been acknowledged by SlashFood, which named her one of the hottest women in food in 2011, and Forbes.com, which recognized her among the best food bloggers. Follow her insights on Twitter: @SteamyKitchen.

Todd Porter and Diane Cu are a highly sought-after professional duo specializing in photography, food styling, and filmmaking. As the founders of EvoMultimedia.com in Los Angeles, they bring a unique visual storytelling approach to food, travel, special events, and portraiture. Driven by a deep appreciation for local cultures and people, Todd and Diane are dedicated to documenting compelling food stories from across the globe. They generously share their personal culinary narratives and provide captivating behind-the-scenes glimpses of their professional endeavors on their acclaimed food and photography blog, WhiteOnRiceCouple.com.

Kelly Senyei serves as an Associate Editor for Gourmet Live, Condé Nast’s innovative digital platform designed to empower users to express, share, and explore their passion for food and food culture in groundbreaking ways. She is also the creative mind behind the popular food blog Just a Taste and is the author of the highly anticipated Food Blogging For Dummies (Wiley, 2012). Beyond her contributions to Gourmet Live, Kelly’s writing has graced prestigious publications such as FoodNetwork.com, Recipe Zaar, Food2.com, and Glamour.com. Her extensive experience includes an externship in the Food Network Kitchens, where she meticulously cross-tested recipes, prepared food for television productions and photo shoots, and even had the unique opportunity to cook in a practice battle of Iron Chef America. When not immersed in blogging or keeping abreast of the latest food media trends, Kelly can be found in her New York City kitchen, passionately experimenting with ingredients and crafting new recipes.

Alison Lewis is a nationally recognized journalist, prolific recipe developer, cookbook author, and a prominent television and social media food spokesperson and consultant. As a leading food educator and President of Ingredients, Inc., a Food Media Consulting company based in Birmingham, Alabama, Alison is known for her exceptional ability to create healthy, family-friendly recipes that are both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. She also shares fantastic entertaining ideas on her insightful blog, https://ingredientsinc.net. Her first cookbook, 400 Best Sandwich Recipes: From Classics & Burgers to Wraps & Condiments, was published by Robert Rose Books in April 2011, and her second cookbook, “Best of Ingredients, Inc.,” is currently in development. Alison’s professional journalism work has been featured in a diverse array of esteemed publications, including Cooking Light Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, Coastal Living, Diabetic Living, Clean Eating, Oxygen, Julep Online, Relish Magazine, and many others, solidifying her status as a respected voice in the culinary media landscape.

Amanda Green Bottoms is the talented author and photographer behind the widely adored blog, Kevin & Amanda. What began as a modest platform to stay connected with friends and family quickly evolved into a vibrant online destination, featuring her engaging photography tutorials, cherished family recipes, and innovative original kitchen creations. Beyond the diverse culinary content, readers can also explore her favorite fashion discoveries, inspiring home decor projects, and even a unique collection of free handwriting fonts she meticulously creates from her readers’ submissions. Amanda is deeply committed to interacting with her online audience, diligently working to ensure Kevin & Amanda remains an entertaining and educational space where visitors can learn, be inspired, and follow her captivating life and adventures.

Maris Callahan is a highly experienced public relations professional with five years of expertise in consumer brand marketing and lifestyle PR. In January 2011, she launched Maris Callahan Public Relations, building on her extensive background with global agencies such as Edelman and Burson-Marsteller. In these roles, she played a key role in leading media and blogger relations initiatives for major brands, including Starbucks, Canon USA, and Quaker Oats. Maris is an active and respected member of the food blogging community through her blog, In Good Taste, where she offers a fresh, behind-the-scenes perspective on effective blogger relations and consumer engagement strategies. Additionally, Maris is a versatile freelance writer and recipe developer, contributing to platforms like Diets In Review, Fabulous Living, Craft Magazine, Yahoo Shine, and Shape.com.

Jenny Flake is the creative force behind the family-friendly food blog, Picky Palate. A self-taught home cook and a busy mom to two young boys, she shares her culinary journey alongside her high school sweetheart. Before embarking on Picky Palate, Jenny had a diverse career as a Registered Dental Hygienist, a Certified Pilates instructor, and a competitive participant in cooking contests across the country. Her television appearances include Food Network’s Build A Better Burger and The Ultimate Recipe Showdown, and she has competed in prestigious events such as The National Chicken Cook-off and The Pillsbury Bake-Off. Creating original recipes and capturing stunning food photography has become Jenny’s new passion, which she enthusiastically shares with her dedicated readers. Jenny is excited to be writing her first cookbook, slated for release in 2012. Picky Palate has been prominently featured on renowned sites like Saveur.com, BettyCrocker.com, Finecooking.com, and Shine by Yahoo. Originally from Arizona, Jenny now resides in sunny Southern California, where she enjoys life with her Disneyland-loving, picky-eating beach bums!

Arianna Bastianini is a pivotal figure in managing Brand Communications for OXO, a leader in kitchen tools and housewares. Her expertise ensures OXO’s brand message resonates effectively with consumers and partners, driving engagement and brand loyalty within the culinary community.

Arnold Myint (our featured Friday night celebrity chef demo) is a culinary visionary and the Executive Chef and Owner of three highly acclaimed restaurants in Nashville, TN: PM, Cha Chah, and Suzy Wong’s House of Yum, all consistently recognized as “best of” in local polls. He recently expanded his culinary empire with a fourth venture, AM @ FM, a gourmet grab ‘n go located within the Market House at the Nashville Farmers’ Market. In 2009, GQ Magazine celebrated Arnold as one of the nation’s most inspired bartenders. His national profile rose further in 2010 when he competed on the 7th Season of the popular television program Top Chef. Beyond his significant contributions to the food scene, Arnold is also a skilled event planner and a masterful mixologist. Outside the kitchen, he remains deeply committed to his community, actively supporting various charities and fostering the growth of Nashville’s vibrant independent dining scene.

Additional Round Table Speakers & Experts:

Our Experts Round Table will feature even more industry leaders providing specialized insights:

Lindsay Landis – Renowned Web/Graphic Designer and Food Blogger – Purr Design / Love & Olive Oil
Tami Hardeman – Highly sought-after Food Stylist – Running with Tweezers
And more inspiring experts to be announced soon!

Your All-Inclusive Ticket: Experience the Full Food Blog Forum Nashville

Your ticket provides complete access to an enriching and unforgettable weekend, offering exceptional value and a host of exclusive benefits:

Friday Pre-Party: “A Taste of Nashville” at the Nashville Farmers’ Market
Enjoy a vibrant evening of networking, local culinary delights, and a celebrity chef demo. All delicious hors d’œuvres and refreshing drinks are included.
Saturday All-Day Seminar at Lipscomb University Ezell Center
Immerse yourself in a full day of expert-led sessions, breakout discussions, and invaluable learning opportunities. Your seminar experience includes complimentary morning coffee & pastries and a delightful lunch at the Food Truck Court.
Saturday Wrap-up Party Sponsored by The Patterson House
Conclude the event with an elegant afterparty, providing a perfect setting for further networking and celebration. Hors d’œuvres and drinks will be provided, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day’s insights.

Beyond the scheduled events, every attendee will receive a fabulous swag bag, brimming with exciting food and cooking goodies! While we can’t reveal all the surprises just yet, rest assured, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re traveling from afar, we highly recommend leaving some extra room in your suitcase to take home these delightful treasures! 🙂

For those wishing to share the social aspects of the weekend, we also offer “companion” tickets. These are perfect for spouses or friends who would like to join the evening festivities and parties but may not wish to attend the full conference seminar.

Interested in sponsoring this event? We welcome partnerships that align with our mission to empower food content creators. For exciting sponsorship opportunities, please contact Leah Short at [email protected].

Accommodation Information: Your Stay in Nashville

To enhance your Food Blog Forum Nashville experience, we have secured a special group rate of $119 per night at the conveniently located Hilton Garden Inn hotel, situated at 1715 Broadway in Nashville.

This hotel offers exceptional convenience, being just a 10-minute drive from our main conference location at Lipscomb University Ezell Center (get driving directions here). Furthermore, it is within comfortable walking distance to our exciting Saturday night cocktail party location, ensuring easy access to all event activities.

Reservations for individual bookings can be made by calling directly at 615-369-5900 or toll-free at 877-245-8854. Alternatively, you can book online by visiting https://www.nashvillevanderbilt.hgi.com. When making your reservation, please remember to mention the exclusive group code FBF to secure your discounted rate.

Please note that reservations must be made by Wednesday, September 7th. After this date, the special group rate will no longer be guaranteed, so we encourage you to book early to ensure availability and secure your preferred pricing.

Should you prefer to arrange alternative accommodations, hotels located in the Downtown, Vanderbilt, or Belmont areas of Nashville will also offer convenient access to the conference location and various city attractions.

Show Your Support: FBF Banners

Proudly display this banner on your blog to let the world know you’ll be part of the inspiring Food Blog Forum Nashville on October 8th!

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Secure Your Spot: Food Blog Forum Nashville Tickets

Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to connect, learn, and grow your food blog. Purchase your tickets today at Eventbrite and join us for an unforgettable weekend in Nashville!