An Unforgettable Culinary Journey: My Weekend at the Mixed Food Blog Conference in Virginia
This past weekend was truly one for the books, an experience that combined professional growth with incredible fun and connection. I had the profound pleasure of attending my inaugural food blog conference, “Mixed,” set against the breathtaking backdrop of Virginia’s rolling hills. This wasn’t just any conference; it was hosted at the legendary Mountain Lake Hotel, famously known as the iconic filming location for the beloved movie, Dirty Dancing. The anticipation leading up to this event was immense, a blend of excitement for learning new skills and a touch of nervousness about meeting so many talented individuals in person.
Stepping onto the grounds, I immediately recognized the grandeur of the main building. It was impossible not to feel a surge of nostalgia, envisioning scenes from the classic film playing out before my eyes. “Hello, Mr. Kellerman!” I silently (or maybe not so silently) mused. The hotel itself exuded a timeless charm, nestled amidst picturesque natural beauty, providing an ideal escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
While the Mountain Lake Hotel staff, much like in the movie, was incredibly accommodating and friendly, I’m not entirely convinced they were prepared for the vibrant energy of 150 passionate women food bloggers. We descended upon the picturesque resort, brimming with enthusiasm, occasionally reenacting movie montages and, perhaps, testing the limits of their bandwidth with our constant digital updates. Nevertheless, their professionalism and warmth contributed significantly to the welcoming atmosphere of the conference.
From Online Connections to Real-Life Friendships
Upon my arrival on Friday afternoon, I finally had the pleasure of meeting my roommates for the weekend. The transition from “internet friends” to real-life connections can sometimes be daunting, but any initial apprehension quickly dissipated. I had connected with these wonderful ladies through social media, specifically Twitter, and decided to room together. I was incredibly fortunate to share my space with Carrie from Bakeaholic Mama, Katie from Hill Country Cook, and Kirsten from Comfortably Domestic. They were every bit as engaging and delightful in person as I had imagined, and our connection was instant.
After checking into our room and settling in, our first order of business was to explore the highly anticipated “swag bag.” This generous collection of products from various sponsors felt like an exciting treasure hunt, setting a celebratory tone for the conference. A massive shout-out and heartfelt thanks go to all our incredible sponsors who made this experience even more special: Dixie Crystals, Real Butter, KitchenAid, Oxo, Dreamfield Pastas, Attune Foods, Hershey, Wisconsin Cheese, Way Better Snacks, Lucky Leaf, Stoneyfield, Creminelli, Duff Goldman, Le Creuset, Edgeware, and Anderson Seafood. Their contributions provided invaluable resources and delightful treats for all attendees, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the food blogging community.
Culinary Delights and Networking Opportunities
Following a few minutes of getting acquainted and sharing initial impressions, it was time for the much-anticipated cocktail hour, generously sponsored by Wisconsin Cheese. This provided a perfect setting for networking and easing into the conference atmosphere. We enjoyed exquisite wines, engaged in lively conversations that filled the room with enthusiastic chatter, and savored delicious crackers paired with an absolutely brilliant espresso cheese. The combination of rich coffee notes with savory cheese was an unexpected and delightful culinary revelation, sparking conversations and inspiring new recipe ideas among the attendees.
Dinner was a brief but pleasant affair, as we eagerly anticipated the main event of the evening: a lively Mac and Cheese Party! This culinary celebration featured a contest for the best mac and cheese recipe, which was triumphantly won by Ali, the talented author behind Gimme Some Oven. Her roasted vegetable mac and cheese recipe is a must-try; I assure you, it will not disappoint. Interestingly, both Ali and I discovered during the conference that we had grown up in Wichita, Kansas, a testament to the unexpectedly small world we live in, especially within the tight-knit food blogging community.
Skill-Building Sessions: Elevating Food Blogging Craft
Saturday marked a full day of intensive learning and skill development. The first session kicked off bright and early at 8:30 AM, a time that truly tested my internal clock, especially for anyone accustomed to a more leisurely morning pace. The initial session was a fundamental photography course, led by the incredibly talented Bree, author of Baked Bree. Bree’s photographs are consistently stunning and a constant source of inspiration, showcasing a mastery of visual storytelling. Her session provided an excellent refresher and deep dive into essential photography principles, covering aperture, ISO, exposure, and the critical techniques of utilizing side and back light to enhance food photography. Her practical insights were invaluable for refining our visual content.
The second session focused on the art of holiday decorating, a truly delightful and educational experience led by the amazing Marian, the creative mind behind Sweetopia. Marian is not only an extraordinary artist but also one of the kindest and most genuinely sweet individuals you could ever meet. In this session, she worked a minor miracle: she taught yours truly, a self-proclaimed non-baker, the intricate techniques of frosting and decorating cookies using royal icing. Witnessing and participating in the transformation of simple cookies into edible works of art with delicate piping and vibrant colors was absolutely captivating. It proved that with the right guidance, even the most hesitant bakers can achieve remarkable results.
The final session before lunch delved into the increasingly important realm of videography for digital content creators, presented by Denise and Lenny, the insightful authors of Chez Us. This was an incredibly informative session that highlighted the growing demand for engaging video content in the food blogging sphere. It also served as a humbling reminder of the significant learning curve involved in mastering video production, from shooting and editing to storytelling. As a result, I’ve added “take another acting class” to my personal to-do list, recognizing that effective on-camera presence is just as crucial as technical skill.
Dirty Dancing Nostalgia and Celebrity Cake Decorating
After a delicious lunch, some of us, fully embracing the spirit of our unique location, embarked on the official Dirty Dancing walking tour. When in Rome, or rather, when at Mountain Lake, one simply must! My wonderful new friend from Texas, Katie, an absolute joy to be around, took on the role of our impromptu tour guide, despite never having seen the movie herself. Her spirited commentary, delivered with a charming Texas drawl, had us all laughing as she pointed out, “Y’all, this is where Baby carried that watermelon,” creating a truly memorable and hilarious experience.
Our stroll down movie trivia lane concluded as we made our way back to the conference room for what promised to be an exhilarating session with Duff Goldman, the renowned host of Ace of Cakes. Knowing my own limited baking capabilities (I can barely cook rice!), a pang of apprehension hit me when he began discussing rolling out fondant and elaborate cake decoration. “Me? Decorate a cake?” I thought, a bead of sweat forming. Fortunately, Duff possesses a fantastic sense of humor and an encouraging demeanor. He guided my partner, Brandie, and me through the initial steps, starting with spraying our cake red. We decided on a creative watermelon cake, embracing the playful spirit of the conference. It was a fantastic way to approach cake decorating, focusing on fun and creativity over rigid perfection.
Our watermelon cake, despite our novice skills, turned out remarkably cute. The only real challenge we faced was creating the black fondant for the seeds. Brandie, ever the resourceful one, had to meticulously pour black food coloring over blue fondant and work it by hand until it reached the desired dark shade. I was incredibly grateful for her expertise in that moment, as her hands soon bore the temporary mark of her dedication! It was a vivid reminder of the commitment required in such detailed work. Joking around with Duff was an absolute blast; his infectious energy and witty remarks made the entire experience lighthearted and enjoyable. It just goes to show the fun you can have when stepping out of your comfort zone, especially when guided by a true professional.
Before our final session, Carrie, Kirsten (who also created a fantastic watermelon cake), and I decided to stage our own impromptu reenactment of the iconic “Baby carrying the watermelon” scene, but with our freshly decorated cakes. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated fun and camaraderie, capturing the playful spirit that permeated the entire conference. We certainly felt adorable in our homage to the movie!
Mastering Digital Content and Building Community
The last session of the day featured an inspiring presentation by Heidi Larson, the brilliant author of Foodie Crush. Heidi is, without a doubt, one of the most talented and dynamic individuals I’ve ever encountered. She possesses an almost superhuman array of creative powers in the foodie realm, seemingly capable of anything she sets her mind to. Her session provided an in-depth exploration of eBook creation, covering everything from the foundational “nuts and bolts” of getting started to organizing the layout and, finally, effectively pitching the finished product. While I recognize I have a journey ahead before I’m ready to embark on my own eBook project, her insights certainly sparked a wealth of ideas that are now eagerly churning in my mind. It was a motivational look into a lucrative avenue for content creation.
As the learning sessions drew to a close, it was time for another lively cocktail hour, this one graciously sponsored by Way Better Snacks. This brand has quickly established itself as a hip and innovative presence in the food scene, and their sweet potato chips are absolutely delectable – a definite must-try that I wholeheartedly recommend checking out. The evening then transitioned to the rustic charm of the barn for continued festivities, flowing with stimulating conversation, exciting giveaways (where I happily won a generous supply of pasta from Dreamfields – what a bonus!), and ample opportunities for connection. The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with shared passion and newfound friendships.
Throughout the evening, countless pictures were taken, capturing the joyful spirit of collaboration and connection. I especially cherished the opportunity to meet and connect with so many inspiring women: Monique from Ambitious Kitchen, Julie from Table for Two, Megan from Country Cleaver, Rachel from Baked By Rachel, Heather from Basilmomma, Chung-Ah from Damn Delicious, Erin B from Eat Bake Drink Cook, Ali from Gimme Some Oven, and, of course, my wonderful roommates. Each of these ladies is a powerhouse in her own right, contributing immensely to the vibrant fabric of the food blogging world. The energy of being surrounded by so many driven and creative individuals was truly invigorating.
To perfectly cap off an already fantastic evening, a special screening of Dirty Dancing was held in the ballroom, complete with tubs of candy to snack on, courtesy of Hershey. It was the ultimate nostalgic touch, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the magic of the film within its original setting. Could life possibly get any better than that?
Reflecting on a Transformative Experience
Sunday arrived all too quickly, bringing with it the time to bid adieu to newfound friends and inspiring mentors, and to head back to the realities of our daily lives. I cannot express enough gratitude to Paula from Bell’alimento and Susan from Doughmesstic, whose vision and tireless efforts made the Mixed conference a reality. Their dedication created an unparalleled opportunity for learning, growth, and genuine connection within the food blogging community.
This conference was truly a one-of-a-kind experience, an event that will hold a special place in my heart. The knowledge gained, the skills refined, and most importantly, the incredible friendships forged, are treasures I will carry forward. Bravo, ladies, for orchestrating such a magnificent and impactful event! Until next time, Virginia, I eagerly anticipate our paths crossing again.