Going to IFBC, Seattle, Sept. 20-22, 2013

In recent days I've been distracted. Deadlines looming, Labor Day Weekend and Rosh HaShanah around the corner but what I have been obsessing about is IFBC (International Food Bloggers Conference) in Seattle, my first ever food conference. Surprising it took me four years of food writing and photographing to take the leap. When I registered and booked hotels and flights a while back it did not phase me, but this week suddenly it dawned on me and I am all jittery with excitement.

First inkling of what's to come was when I watched an online series by the renowned NYT food photographer Andrew Scrivani. At the conclusion of the series, he brought me and some of the audience members to tears with his humble words and advice. I can't wait to hear him, hopefully meet him IRL and pick up some priceless food photography pointers.

Keynote speaker, infamous cookbook author, Dorie Greenspan is kicking off the conference on Friday. There are lots of sessions with sound advice on writing, building traffic, photography and lots of delicious food to follow. I can't wait for the Taste of Seattle and Gourmet Fair with sampling of the Seattle food scene at the conference venue, The W Hotel, artisan olive oil tasting with California Olive Ranch and the intriguingly secretive (I am dying to know) Urbanspoon dine around Seattle excursion, just to name a few.

I am mostly looking forward to making personal connections, getting to know the other food bloggers, 320 in total, exchange ideas, talk about our challenges along with some laughs and good food always!

Foodista and Zephyr Adventures who are putting IFBC on together have been extremely responsive and I will be off to IFBC in Seattle this September full of positive energies and vibes. 

The location of the W Hotel in downtown Seattle near the legendary Pike Market could not have been better. Not far from the convention center, where I am going to taste chocolates as I have a few hours to kill before my flight back to DC on Sunday. Chihuly Gardens are also on my list. I first saw a Dale Chihuly installment at the Tower of David in Jerusalem. I went twice during the day and night. It was probably one of the most awe inspiring exhibits of my lifetime. 

The folks at Foodista and Zephyr Adventures couldn't pick a better city as a backdrop for IFBC. I have never been to Seattle and can't wait to experience it with some new friends, and the countdown begins…