CALLING ALL FOOD BLOGGERS & WANNABE FOODIES
February 1, 2010 in Uncategorized
Good morning blogland, it is a cool grey day here today, not bad for those who have to spend time in the kitchen. I have some beetroot that I need to attack and turn into some of that delicious beetroot chutney I blogged about a couple weeks ago so it makes my job a bit easier if the weather is cooler 
)
Today I am calling all food bloggers and those wannabe foodies from across all other blog groups. I know there are quite a lot of you……
I have been working behind the scenes to plan the first South African Food Bloggers Conference…….not a MOB but an actual conference (open to all food blogging platforms) that will include speakers and lunch etc. How exciting is that???? America has her Blogher Conference and the UK in November had their first London Food Bloggers Conference. Both were very successful and informative events. So why should we be left out down here at the tip of Africa?? Nina, Taz and I decided when we met for breakfast late last year that there is no reason why we should NOT have one so the germ was planted in my brain…..this is really a testing the waters conference to try and gauge the interest. Cape Town is obviously the choice of venue seeing as I am the one planning it and I live here.
To date I have not yet found a venue as I have felt that their quotes have all too expensive. But then I am so outdated in respect of pricing so have decided to run a small survey just to see what you the bloggers think………
I have procured an international award winning food blog writer to be the main speaker at the conference which will be taking place in March. I will be meeting with the other “hopeful” speaker tomorrow to discuss more things. The possible topics for talks will be
- writing: finding your voice, keeping motivated etc etc
- photography: food styling; easy and inexpensive tips to improve your food photography; how to get the most out of your
current photographic kit
- social networking
- making money: the different ways that affiliate programs pay, Foodbuzz etc etc.
- ethics & legalities (content stealing, creative commons licenses, copyright etc etc)
Here are a few questions that would be helpful to me if you could give your 2 cents worth…
1. Would you be interested in attending this event?
2. How far (around the Peninsula) would you be prepared to travel? Say to one of the wine farms if they could
accommodate us?
3. Would you be prepared to fly from other centers in SA for this event?
(We would love to have a very successful conference that will set a precedent for
annual blogging conferences that would attract foodies from all over the globe who
might be interested in future events. Aim high is my motto hehe………)
4. How much would you be willing to pay for an event like this? – incl coffee on arrival, lunch, afternoon tea, speakers
and a little take home “goodie bag”
5. Do you have any contacts for sponsorship of this event and said goodie bags?
If you answer yes to this one please could you spaces me the information and contact details?
6. Do you have a venue that you could suggest that would do Cape Town justice?
Many venues don’t do Sunday’s so that is why we have made an alternative date for Friday.
7. Which date would you prefer? Sunday 21st (full day) or Friday 26th March? (half day from lunch onwards)
These are the dates that the international speaker is available on?
8. Is there any other topic that you feel might benefit all food bloggers?
Please let me know as soon as possible as I have to get cracking on booking a venue. The size will depend on how many show an interest in attending.
You can answer the survey here in comments and if you have any contacts for sponsors please spaces me.
Thanx so much,
(excited and stressed) browniegirl xxx
PS If there is a conference/event planner among us please step forward so I can pick your brains )
Edit – non food bloggers please also comment with pleasure. You might just have something interesting to add. Thanx
browniegirl
Collywolly said on February 1, 2010
Thanx so much Cin…that was quick
) xxx
tandy.sinclair said on February 1, 2010
hi, have sent a spaces message – and I will help if you need it! xxx
faridahb said on February 1, 2010
Hello dear BG – I’ve sent you a msg.
Have a fab week.
Zabwan said on February 1, 2010
SO exciting, each of the topics you have in mind would be so interesting. my answers are very much the same as Cin – I would have to try get there from Pmb, and have not been to CT for 7 years! both dates would be do-able…it’s the other stuff that’s complicated!
sharonsmit said on February 1, 2010
I would have loved to come….but we are leaving for Spain on the 22nd of Mar….
Can we order take-away goodies and info packs?
Ally_R said on February 1, 2010
I would love to attend but not sure if I can leave the twinnies and my hubby alone. Plus I’d have to fly to CT which might be a bit of a problem. If I were to come, I wouldn’t mind where it would be as I think Gautengers are more used to driving than CT-ers.
I would pay R500.
TheCreativePot said on February 1, 2010
Sounds awesome! Always been jealous of the internatoinal food blogger events.
Here’s my thoughts:
1. YES!
2. Wine farm would be great, seeing as I live in the wine farm area. But anywhere in the Peninsula would be fine with me too.
3. Well I live close by… so n/a.
4. R500 is a bit steep for me… Would pay R250 and forego the goodie bag.
5. Nope, unfortunately not.
6. I’ll have to think a bit and let you know!
7. Sunday is easier for working girls like me.
8. Maybe some technical tips? Just touching on things like web design, etc.
davidsdance said on February 1, 2010
Wow that sounds awesome!! I would pay R500 easily for something like that!!!
janicetripepi said on February 1, 2010
1. Yes Definately
2. I would prefer cpt central … car issues.
3. Yes
4. I will pay the going rate
5. No sorry!! maybe the main advertisers on the Food24 website – Spar, Kalahari etc.
6 Sorry – not familiar with cpt venues
7 Friday 26th
8 I feel that the food industry and bloggers should get connected – we advertise their produce on a daily basis.
Thanks darling – sounds very exciting!
WotsForLunch said on February 1, 2010
Brownie this sounds great, what a fantastic idea. Here are my thoughts…
1. Yes, yes, yes!
2. The CBD/City Bowl suits me best, otherwise a venue that I can get to easily via public transport
3. I live in CT, so I wouldn’t have to
4. R300 – R400 although I’m completely out of touch with how much conferences actually cost. Maybe R500 at the most
5. No sorry
6. The Winchester Mansions? (http://www.winchester.co.za/) The official MOBCon we had there was very nice
7. Either date suits me
8. Perhaps something covering hosting your own blog and domain
hedges said on February 1, 2010
What a lovely idea, Browniegirl. I am in the Sudan, North Africa at the moment, so not I’ll not be able to attend. I look forward to your posts afterwards. I wish you well in your preparations. (((Hugs))) Jo
Rockybaby said on February 1, 2010
I am not a food blogger or foodie but I would still love to attend. Have you asked Jenny for her opinion?
sharonsmit said on February 1, 2010
uhm…noooooo!! lol
sharonsmit said on February 1, 2010
Just a thought – how about a JNB and a CPT event/conference?? Get a ‘partner in crime’ on ourside (gauteng), and kind of co-ordinate with sponsers that there will be 2 events?
(please do not arrange it for the 22 mar – 6 apr, im not here!!!) Im sure a lot of foodies in jnb/pta and surrounds would love to attend, but doesnt necessarily have the means to do so.
What do you think? And Food24 can also become involved…
Beadz2Pleaz said on February 1, 2010
Hello Browniegirl,
1. As you know,due to the nature of my business, blogging does not occur but I love food and love supporting, learning new tricks, meeting new people and guess what I’m back in my hometown and think what you are doing is awesome – you go girl!
2. Yes but preferably in the Peninsula and surrounds.
3. Since I’ve flown all the way from the USA NO hehe!
4. Yes. R300 – R500. Prehaps have the goodie bag optional payment.
5. Yes, ‘m sure I can think of a few.
6. Steenberg wine farm
7. I’d work around the date
8. Cooking the organic way.
Nutritional Value – eating for folk with certain diseases or intolerances to certain foods. I’d be most interested in this sort of thing and think there is a shortage of this around. I have contacts for this and think it will put you and SA on the map
I worked closely with photographers and food stylist in the advertising arena, including the likes of Justine Drake if you are interested?
All the best with the planning and shout if you need me
aldousc said on February 1, 2010
It would be difficult to justify the costs for a one day conference if flying in from one of the other centres. However, I do think this is a marvelous idea. Maybe there should be regional conferences in JHB/PTA, CTN/Stell and JHB/PTA?
Ultimate tart said on February 1, 2010
Have noticed that the jhb croud are a little concerned about getting around I believe there are enough cpt bloggers whoare only too happly to fetch and carried and if somewhere like spier is available remember there is a train from the station and they drop you right outside the door.
Much love Thandy
frootcake said on February 1, 2010
Hi gorgeous Brownielady xxx what a fab idea, and although I wont be able to attend not because of finances but because I will be recovering from an operation and wont be able to travel for six weeks; I do wish you all the very best in the hardwork that will be required of you in the coming weeks. Take lots of pics for those of us who wont be able to attend along with a detailed postmortem xxx
pinkpolkadot said on February 1, 2010
What a wonderful idea!!
1. Yes
2. I would travel to any wine farm
3. n/a
4. R400
5. Nope, unfortunately not!
6. Nope
7. Sunday, 21st
8. Can’t add anything!!
Good luck with the arrangements!
batoutofhell said on February 1, 2010
Thank you for all the love, visits and hugz
HugeBatHugz for you
batoutofhell said on February 1, 2010
Thank you for all the love, visits and hugz
HugeBatHugz for you
supagran said on February 1, 2010
What a marvelous idea, I would love to attend, sadly I am saving all my pennies for my trip to the UK in August.
isabel said on February 1, 2010
Fantastic idea!!! I am not really a candidate. I fail PPD’s quiz’s BADLY all the time
cathymarston said on February 1, 2010
What a cool idea – really hope this one just runs and runs.
1. Yes – although I have family over from the UK around that time so will have to see what they are thinking of doing.
2. Me travel out to the wine farms? Never too much trouble!!
3. N/A
4. Probably about R350
5. Not off-hand but will apply my mind.
6. Ditto
7.In theory the Friday but will have to check with family
8. Ditto answer No. 5 and 6!!
All the best of luck with this – think its going to rock!
debsie said on February 1, 2010
1. Yes
2. Unfortunately I’m stuck in PE
3. Would have loved to, but not currently
4. About 250 – 350
5. Nope, big sorry
6. N/a
7. N/a
8. Have to think about this one
Moonz said on February 1, 2010
Sounds as though its all coming together. Or rather, it will
Hope you get lots and lots of input. HUGS doll xxx
granny47 said on February 1, 2010
Good luck with this, my friend.
canda1 said on February 1, 2010
BG, This is such a wonderful idea!!
1. Sadly I dont think so.
2. N/A, but think a wine farm would be a fantastic venue!
3. If I lived in SA I would.
4. R 250-R 500
5. Sadly not but if I think of any ideas will contact you. What about places like yuppiechef?
6. n/a
7. n/a
8. I think thats quite a comprehensive list, I am sure you have read all the coverage of the foodblogger event at Club Med in Mexico and the others.
A wonderful initiative and if there was any way I could be there I definitely would!
xxxxx
canda1 said on February 1, 2010
BG, This is such a wonderful idea!!
1. Sadly I dont think so.
2. N/A, but think a wine farm would be a fantastic venue!
3. If I lived in SA I would.
4. R 250-R 500
5. Sadly not but if I think of any ideas will contact you. What about places like yuppiechef?
6. n/a
7. n/a
8. I think thats quite a comprehensive list, I am sure you have read all the coverage of the foodblogger event at Club Med in Mexico and the others.
A wonderful initiative and if there was any way I could be there I definitely would!
xxxxx
NARITHA said on February 2, 2010
((((HUGS))))
rosegarden said on February 2, 2010
Sigh, not this year, but I think it’s a fantastic idea. Will be a great excuse to visit the Cape (not that I really need and excuse, just a convincing of the husband!)
Ally_R said on February 2, 2010
Great Idea! I would be more than happy to be part of the organization if anybody is interested in going forward with a JHB convention.
Kitchengirl said on February 2, 2010
Wow, this is a wonderful idea and we would love to be a part of it!!!
Pls mail me and lets chat
caro@food24.com
xxx
chantellebeyers said on February 2, 2010
Would love this!!!!!!! Will keep a look out for the details! Only saw now that Kitchen Diary is on Facebook too!! Now I really won’t miss any of your posts!!!
chantellebeyers said on February 2, 2010
PS: Do I correctly detect movement in that ticker of yours?????
sharonsmit said on February 2, 2010
Lets hope they hear our ‘cries’.
We are planning a mini mob in Feb – will pvt message you!
brencor said on February 2, 2010
Hi BG, this is a super idea.
1 Yes
2 Yes, providing I have a map
3 Yes
4 R350-R500
5 No
6 No
7 Sunday 21st is the only day I would be able to attend
8 Yours is comprehensive
Hugs
Missbrightside said on February 2, 2010
I’d love to come to something like this! I’d be willing to pay round R400 for a day like this and I don’t mind travelling.
Can’t wait!
zurikaia said on February 2, 2010
Hey(“,) This is a super awesome idea=) i would definitely be interested in coming & lucky I also live in CPT… Sundays would be best since I work every other day. I would be willing to pay R200 -R400 but that’d be my whole salary=)Ummm,, I think I’ve covered everything!!
xxx ZuriKaia xxx
milkandhoney said on February 2, 2010
SORRY – hectic day at the hotel!!!
I REALLY REALLY WOULD LIKE TO COME.
Don’t know if I could afford travelling at the moment because of the hotel, etc.
My travelling expenses to Cape Town would far exceed R2500 so I would like to pay nothing but realistically between R200-R350…
Nope – can’t think of any sponsors…
Fairview..? Vineyards sound awesome!
Don’t think I could make either but a full day sounds wonderful.
I WOULD LIKE TO COME!!
Topics…
How to blog effectively, time and readers reached wise.
Blogging tools…
Blogging etiquette
Again I will try my best to come if you pull through – pls let me know and THANK YOU for the trouble.
Zeelia said on February 3, 2010
Morning Brownie – wonderful idea you have; but CT is not close; but I would like some feedback…
BlondieBlog said on February 3, 2010
Sounds very exciting! I lost my cooking mojo a few years back, sadly … these days a packet of Flings with a vase of wine is a perfectly acceptable supper!
kasper said on February 3, 2010
Great, great idea.
Come to Namibia. Is fun cooking in the desert.
I promise.
priscillaannef said on February 3, 2010
BG – I think it is an absolutely fantastic idea. Well done to you and the others at thinking about it. I would love to come, but March is not good as we are busy with land prep for the new season. I have an idea for a venue, but I can’t remember what the place is called. I will ask my team leader at the meeting tonight and space you – we had our Sh’zen function there one year. Very nice place in Claremont or Kenilworth or somewhere near there…
gigglinggourmet said on February 3, 2010
call me tomorrow at 9am x
Collywolly said on February 3, 2010
Yes Ma’am
) Thanx Jen xx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
Thanx for popping in in say what. I would appreciate if you could get the name of the venue for me thanx xx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
Thanx Kasper, much appreciated. Id love to come to Namibia. Have never been xxx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
Oh no Blondie….I hope you are only joking with me…otherwise I will have to come sort out that mojo of yours with hubby’s tazer
) xx Thanx for your positive comment re conference. xxx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
Hi Zelia thanx so much. There will be more info going up very soon
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
THank you for your input Caro. Much appreciated. I really hope that you can come xxx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
Thanx ZK, good to see you again. Thanx for your positive comments. I appreciate it xxx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
Look forward to seeing you there. Thanks so much Brightey xx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
Thankyou so much for doing the survey Tig. I really appreciate it. Hugs to you too xxx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
THanx JustMe and thanx for joining my fan page
) I thought you might be interested in something like this xxx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
You do indeed…sharp cookie
) thanx for noticing xx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
Thank you so much Chef Caro, I am thrilled you want to be a part of this….did you get my email???
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
*sigh* wouldve been nice hey Rosie?? If this one goes well there will be more I promise…xxx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
Hugs to you too thanx beertjie xx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
I wish you could too MT&T…but there will be others…start saving and planning now hehe. Thanx so much for answering the survey and for the advice and suggestions. Hugs xxx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
Right so IM definitely seeing double now and am going off to bed. WIll reply to everyone else tomorrow. Good night xx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
Thanx sweetie, I really need it………….LOL xx
Collywolly said on February 4, 2010
Me too, its hard work. Thanks so much Dinx. Hugs xxx
BlondieBlog said on February 4, 2010
OK, so I also had half a slab of chocolate for pudding … is that better?
*grin*
santanajewels said on February 4, 2010
This is a great idea BG…. I have just become a fan of yours on face book. I will go peep there in a while… I love what you are doing ..its going to be a huge success !!!
*hugs* dear one
Collywolly said on February 5, 2010
Thanx so much Santana….much appreciated. We are very excited about it. Hugs xxx
Collywolly said on February 10, 2010
Muuuuuch better!!! Hehe xxx