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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.

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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.

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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.

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(Kitchenaid Ice Cream break)

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(Left to Right: Me, Hip Foodie Mom, URBAN BAKES, Baking a Moment)

 

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(Lunch on the beautiful grounds of Burpee Gardens with Joanne, Mallory and Jen) 

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(Finally got to meet and spend time with Joanne!!)

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(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.