BEYOND THE OVEN: Big Harvest Potluck
Last weekend I packed my bags and big girl camera to attend my first blogging conference, The Big Harvest Potluck, in Bucks County Pennsylvania. To say I was super excited and nervous to meet all these amazing bloggers is an understatement. But all my fears were put to rest as I arrived at the Friday night meet-and-greet with Allie, Alice and Connie. It was as if I was at a family reunion…except I was not related to anyone. Yet, everyone was a friend. It was a night of making new friends, meeting ‘old’ friends and connecting with like-minded foodies over cocktails and some of the best pizzas I’ve had.
The rest of the weekend was just that; focused on connecting with each other. Sharing laughs, stories, experiences and how we make it all work. Our passion for food and writing was a given but our personal perspectives to what we do were all unique and the inspiring speakers and workshops urged us to tell our stories through our recipes.
It was not a usual conference. There were no lessons on how to increase your Facebook following, or SEO tips or food trends. No booths with sponsors and brands for pitches and networking. Instead we were inspired. Inspired to cook from the heart. Inspired to photograph a meal we shared with a friend casually and capture the emotions of the moment through the plate, inspired to question the source of our pork (or beef), inspired to grow and eat our vegetables in season and inspired to write about food in a whole different way.
(Kitchenaid Ice Cream break)
(Left to Right: Me, Hip Foodie Mom, URBAN BAKES, Baking a Moment)
(Lunch on the beautiful grounds of Burpee Gardens with Joanne, Mallory and Jen)
(Finally got to meet and spend time with Joanne!!)
(I DID get into this bad boy for the first time ever and it was pretty amazing. Even though it was tethered!)
It was not a food blogging conference in the traditional sense, it was a family reunion. One that I look forward to attending again next year.
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This event will not be possible without the wonderful organizers, speakers and sponsors. THANK YOU for an experience of a lifetime.
– Three Many Cooks: Pam Anderson, Maggie and Sharon; Chris Thornton and Erika – thank you for the amazing experience and making sure everyone had a great time.
– Thank you to our sponsors: Gourmet Garden, Sabra, KitchenAid, OXO, Burpee, Kerrygold, Anolon, and Terra Chips for supporting this wonderful event!
– The inspiring speakers: Barry Estabrook, Cheryl Sternman Rule, Karen Thornton and the dynamic duo of The Canal House Christopher and Melissa.
Stop!!!! I want to meet ALL of you. This looks like so much fun!!
You have to come to the next conference!!!
I’m so glad you had an amazing time, Zainab. I’m just jealous I’m not in that photo with all of you fabulous ladies! I’ve heard that the Big Harvest Potluck is one of the best blogger events out there and it’s not hard to see why. I love that it was simply focusing on the love of food and making connections. That’s really why I blog, not for all the SEO, stats, ads, readership, etc. Hopefully one day I can attend this event and meet you in person!
How fun to meet up with so many amazing women — it looks like you had a wonderful time! That white blouse you’re wearing is beyond adorable too! 🙂
Looks wonderful! I’m so jelly! I really want to go to one of The Big Potluck events this coming yet (I was on the waitlist this year, so I’ll be more ready in 2015!). Glad you had fun!
So glad you got to go this year! I went last year and LOVED it — by far one of my favorite blogger events, ever. Hopefully I can make the trip next year!
Awh, Zainab!! what a great recap .. I really loved meeting you in person and spending time with you. . you are awesome and such a beautiful person inside and out. The conference was great and so relaxing and inspiring, just like you said. . Hoping we can all reunite again at another conference next year!!
SO FUN! I’m cuhraaazy jealous!
How cool! I’ve never been to a blogger meet up but I want to! I’m so skiddish though. I know it’s crazy. I love those Kitchenaid mixers! I want a pink one but I have a white one that’s all in the same. How cool that there was a hot air balloon! I hope you had a great weekend.
What an awesome event! 😀 You gals look fabulous! ^_^
xo,
Tammy
Hi! This is Dawn from Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons. Thanks for flying with us and for posting such nice photos of the balloon. I’ve reposted this page over on our FB page for all our friends to see!
Thank you Dawn for the wonderful time! It was an incredible evening flying in your balloons.
Wow, that sounds amazing. I love that it was just about community and fellowship. The pictures are incredible – it looks like a beautiful retreat. I want to go to there. 🙂
I’m attending my first blog conferences next year and I’m SO excited, but I know I’ll be nervous too. I won’t know a soul! I’m glad to hear people are friendly and receptive! Will you be at Build Your Blog or SNAP?
Sarah, I wouldn’t be worried if I were you at all. After this experience I realized the community is even nicer and kinder in person! You will have a great time at your conferences. Unfortunately neither of those are on my radar for next year.
This is one event I say I want to attend every year. What a fun time!!
It’s a great one Emily!!