Insights from My IFBC Experience

Returning from Seattle, the vibrant host city of the Independent Food Bloggers Conference (IFBC), has left me with a whirlwind of inspiration and actionable insights. It’s been a couple of weeks since Mr. Allie and I immersed ourselves in this food blogger’s paradise, and the experience was so profoundly positive that I needed a moment to distill my thoughts. This post aims to capture the essence of my journey, sharing the invaluable lessons I’ve taken away and how they’ve reshaped my approach to blogging.

The Transformative Power of a Blogging Conference

For quite some time, I harbored a strong desire to attend a blogging conference, driven primarily by a thirst for knowledge. The landscape of blogging is vast and complex, encompassing far more than just creative ideas. While passion and innovative content are undoubtedly prerequisites, success in the digital realm demands a diverse skill set. Bloggers today must be adept at social media engagement, possess technical savvy, excel in photography, understand the intricacies of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), grasp web design principles, craft compelling narratives, and exhibit marketing prowess.

When I first ventured into blogging, many of these facets felt like uncharted territory. Even now, the digital space can often feel like a formidable, unfamiliar domain. I recognized that a dedicated blogging conference could provide the essential roadmap I needed to navigate these waters effectively. The IFBC did not just meet this need; it exceeded all expectations, offering a comprehensive deep dive into the business of blogging.

Sharing the Knowledge: Insights for Every Blogger

I understand that attending a conference, especially one that requires travel, isn’t always feasible for everyone. I was incredibly fortunate—thanks to my father-in-law for the airfare, my mom for looking after our kids, and the generous sponsors of IFBC for making the cost so accessible. Recognizing that travel can be a significant financial and time investment, I’d like to extend the benefits of my Seattle experience to you, hoping these shared insights will empower and inspire your own blogging journey.

Key Learnings from My First Blogger Conference

1. Embrace the Power of Community: Be Social!

My initial arrival at IFBC was far from smooth. I missed the welcoming events—the wine tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery and the luncheon provided by Chipotle. I found myself tiptoeing into a bustling conference room moments before the revered Dorie Greenspan delivered her keynote speech. Overwhelmed and knowing absolutely no one, my natural shyness took over, and I retreated to a quiet corner.

However, by the next morning, a crucial realization dawned: I was missing a monumental opportunity—the very reason I wanted to attend in the first place! The chance to connect with fellow bloggers, expand my network, and forge new friendships. It was then that I spotted Alice Choi of Hip Foodie Mom, a blogger whose work I had admired from afar for a long time. Despite my trembling knees, I took a deep breath, extended my hand, and introduced myself. This decision proved to be one of the best I’ve ever made.

Alice was incredibly gracious. She immediately took me under her wing, introducing me to her wonderful group of friends. These women were not only intelligent and fun but also incredibly supportive. We spent hours discussing blogging strategies, sharing advice, and laughing. They made sure to save a seat for me at every session and event throughout the rest of the weekend. Though we are now spread across the continent, we’ve committed to staying in touch, a task made effortlessly easy by the nature of blogging itself.

IFBC vividly demonstrated that we are all in this together. The blogging community thrives on mutual support and collaboration, working towards the greater good of blogging as an industry. We share common challenges, triumphs, and passions, making these connections both professionally enriching and personally fulfilling.

Don’t let the incredible talent of these “rockstar bloggers” intimidate you. Despite their impressive skills, they are genuinely down-to-earth, approachable, and eager to help. I am so grateful to have connected with them:

• Hip Foodie Mom
• Gotta Get Baked
• The Urban Mrs.
• Sweet Lab
• Food Wanderings
• Camera in Tow
• That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Chow Studios
• Damn Delicious

The core message is simple: the blogging community is an incredible resource. Actively engage within it. Take the time to comment thoughtfully on other blogs (the list above is an excellent starting point!). Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and equally important, make sure to reply to every comment you receive on your own blog. Building genuine relationships is paramount. I personally use a plugin called “Comment Reply Notification” to ensure commenters see my responses directly in their email inboxes, fostering a continuous dialogue. It’s truly rewarding to have forged so many wonderful friendships through blogging.

2. Elevate Your Visual Storytelling: Step Up Your Photography Game

When I first embarked on my blogging journey, my understanding of photography was virtually nonexistent. My academic background was in art and architecture; I could draw, and quite well, a skill I heavily relied upon in my professional and creative life. The idea of grappling with technical camera settings and various lenses seemed daunting and unnecessary. However, I quickly learned a powerful truth: compelling visuals are a gateway to engagement. A beautifully captured image is incredibly effective at drawing readers in, compelling them to click, explore your content, and absorb your message. For food bloggers, photography isn’t just an asset; it’s the cornerstone of attracting and retaining an audience.

Andrew Scrivani, a renowned professional photographer who regularly shoots for the New York Times Dining section, delivered several highly informative sessions on food photography. While some concepts were initially beyond my immediate grasp (understandable, given his professional caliber and his own photography blog being secondary to his commercial work), I still gleaned a wealth of practical and inspiring advice. Here are some of Scrivani’s most impactful photography tips:

• Creating Desire: Beyond the Plate. Photography isn’t just about showing food; it’s about evoking emotion. Strive to capture a specific mood, connect with a memory, and highlight the inherent beauty of your subject. The goal is to build anticipation, making your reader want to taste that food so intensely they can almost feel it on their tongue. A captivating first image is crucial—it grabs your audience and holds their attention throughout the entire post, and hopefully, for many more to come.
• Mastering Light: Your Most Powerful Tool. Natural light is almost always preferred, ideally coming from a Southwestern-facing window. Focus on capturing the subtle gradations of light, from bright highlights to deep, evocative shadows. The current trend in food photography is shifting away from overly bright, “blown-out” images towards a more moody, perhaps even “masculine,” aesthetic that adds depth and drama. If your setup appears too shadowy, use a sheet of white cardboard as a reflector or fill card. Conversely, if the sunlight is too harsh, a thin sheet or scrim can effectively diffuse it, creating softer, more flattering illumination.
• Strategic Propping: Food as the Star. When selecting props, remember that their role is to enhance, not overshadow, the food. Opt for smaller items that allow your dish to remain the undeniable focal point. Duller finishes tend to photograph better than shiny or highly reflective surfaces, which can create unwanted glare. Seek out elements like tarnished silver, salt-glazed pottery, textured backgrounds, and neutral colors. These choices ensure the food’s vibrancy and appeal are maximized, making it the undisputed star of your composition.
• Capturing Detail: The Macro Advantage. A macro lens is an invaluable tool for capturing intricate details in close-up shots. This allows you to highlight the texture of a crust, the glistening of a sauce, or the delicate sprinkle of herbs—elements that make food truly irresistible. I currently shoot with a “nifty-fifty” (50mm prime lens), but I am eager to invest in a macro lens and experiment with different focal lengths to broaden my photographic capabilities.
• Post-Processing for Perfection: Editing Essentials. Scrivani highly recommends shooting in RAW format. While I have a rudimentary understanding of RAW, I haven’t fully incorporated it into my workflow yet. RAW files offer significantly more creative freedom during editing, preserving a greater range of image data. However, they do consume more memory card space and necessitate specialized software for viewing and editing. I am committed to learning the ins and outs of RAW processing and aspire to join the Adobe Lightroom bandwagon. I believe this will unlock a plethora of new possibilities for my photography, allowing for more precise adjustments and professional results. (Currently, I use PicMonkey, which is user-friendly and free for beginners, but I feel I’ve outgrown its capabilities.) Lightroom would also significantly improve my ability to tag and organize my extensive photo library. Speaking of which – a crucial and often overlooked tip: delete outtakes immediately! This seems perfectly logical, yet it’s a habit I haven’t consistently practiced. If an image wasn’t good enough for your blog, it’s unlikely to serve any other useful purpose. Purging these unnecessary files streamlines your workflow and keeps your digital space organized.

3. Savor the Experience: Taste, Trends, and Treasures

Admittedly, I missed out on some of the culinary delights and beverages offered at the conference, prioritizing time to explore the beautiful city of Seattle with Mr. Allie. However, next time, he is absolutely coming as a full attendee! IFBC excels at providing an exceptional culinary experience, offering every single meal to conference-goers. The food is consistently amazing, and there’s an abundance of it. The cost of admission truly pays for itself by the end of day one, thanks to the incredible provisions.

IFBC goes above and beyond, partnering with Seattle’s finest restaurants and food purveyors to showcase the best the city has to offer. Beyond the meals, there’s a generous stream of snacks and delightful “swag” to take home. Plan accordingly for your return journey; you’ll want to check a bag to comfortably accommodate all the complimentary wines, juices, smoothies, and unique sodas you’re sure to collect.

For a food blogger, staying abreast of current culinary trends is essential. A clear focus at IFBC was on high-quality, organic, vegan, nutritionally-dense, and non-GMO products. This emphasis reflects the evolving consumer palate and the growing importance of conscious eating. While there, I had the pleasure of sampling some truly remarkable foods. I’ve listed my favorites below, and if you encounter any of these products at your local market, I wholeheartedly recommend picking them up. They come with the “Allie tested and approved” seal of deliciousness!

• Annie’s Homegrown Berry Patch Fruit Snacks: A nostalgic treat with a commitment to quality ingredients.
• Brookside Dark Chocolate Covered Acai and Blueberries: A delightful blend of antioxidants and rich chocolate.
• Manuka Doctor Bio Active 10+ Manuka Honey: Known for its unique properties and distinct flavor.
• Fever-Tree Mixers: Elevating cocktails and mocktails with premium, natural ingredients.
• Happy Squeeze Twist Smoothies with Supergrain Salba: Convenient, nutritious, and packed with superfoods for on-the-go energy.
• Chateau Ste. Michelle Wines: A taste of Washington’s renowned winemaking tradition.
• Shanley Farms Finger Limes: An exotic and exciting citrus bursting with flavor.
• Lagrima Vanilla Extract: A staple for any baker, offering rich and authentic vanilla notes.
• Dry Soda Co. Soft Drinks: Unique, less sweet soda options for sophisticated palates.
• Scharffen Berger Chocolate: Premium chocolate, perfect for baking or simply indulging.
• Nature’s Path Organic Love Crunch Granola: A delicious and organic breakfast or snack option.
• Cosmos Creations Baked Corn Snacks: A light and crispy, naturally flavored snack.

Concluding Thoughts: A Worthwhile Investment for Your Blog

All in all, the Independent Food Bloggers Conference was an unequivocally fantastic experience. The insights and opportunities extended far beyond what I’ve been able to share here; these were truly just the highlights that resonated most deeply with me. For a more comprehensive overview of this year’s conference, you can delve into the full agenda here.

If you’re contemplating attending a blogger conference—and especially if you’re eager to forge meaningful connections, expand your knowledge base, and explore amazing culinary innovations—then IFBC 2014 is an event you absolutely won’t want to miss. It will be returning to Seattle next year, hosted at the prestigious Westin Hotel. Be sure to inquire about reduced rates for conference attendees, as they are often available. They anticipate a complete sell-out of all 500 available spots, a testament to the conference’s growing popularity and value. The cost is a mere $95 if you commit to writing three blog posts about your experience—an incredibly reasonable investment considering the wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities, and culinary delights on offer. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to supercharge your blog and connect with a thriving community.

Hope to see you there, ready to learn and connect!