Taste Trekkers Food Tourism Conference

After attending 3 Foodbuzz Food Blogger Festivals and lining up 2 more large scale food related events this year (to be announced soon), I can say with some degree of confidence that I am becoming well versed in the world of culinary themed conferences. And yet I have never heard of a conference centering around people who plan their vacations around food. If you notice, food and travel really go hand in hand like olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 

Remember Seth, founder of Mystery Meet, from my podcast interview? He is kick starting the nation’s first ever food tourism conference. Providence was also named the America’s #1 city for food, drink, and restaurants by Travel and Leisure Magazine – who would think Providence, right?!? I must see for myself.

Here’s a bit more about the event:

The Taste Trekkers Food Tourism Conference is the nation’s first event designed for people who plan their vacations around food. This exciting event will bring together hundreds of chefs, farmers, food bloggers, travel writers, culinary students and other passionate foodies as it showcases regional cuisines from around the country. The event will feature a cocktail reception, a tasting pavilion, a food truck court, and group dinners all around the city of Providence, Rhode Island. Matt Jennings, the celebrated chef behind Farmstead in Providence, will deliver the conference’s keynote address. The event will be held September 20-22, 2013. Find more information at TasteTrekkers.com.

Event Schedule

Friday, Sept. 20:

• Cocktail Reception

Saturday, Sept. 21: 

• Keynote Address by Chef Matt Jennings of Farmstead 
• Breakout Sessions
• Tasting Pavilion 
• Group Dinners at local restaurants  

Sunday, Sept. 22: 

• Food Truck Circle
• Culinary Walking Tours

*All attendees will receive goodie bags, digital photos, and audio recordings of speakers

*Watch this video, I'm in it

My personal notes about the event schedules of food conferences – cocktail receptions and goodie bags are always awesome! Tasting Pavilions are also always delicious. I have never been on a culinary walking tour and missed my only chance at a food truck event at 2010’s Foodbuzz fest so I would really like to see these. But alas with every ground breaking idea comes a start up challenge – a kickstarter challenge to be exact. The conference must raise $12,650 in 22 more days in order to happen through crowdfunding. It works much like Groupon, people pledge but no one has to pay unless the goal is met. I think this is a very unique event, I would like to see it take off and I would really like to attend. Your pledges or simply spread the word would be a great help. More information below. 

Important Links:

• Taste Trekkers website: http://tastetrekkers.com
• Kickstarter Project Page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mysterymeet/taste-trekkers-food-tourism-conference
• Kickstarter Video on YouTube: http://youtu.be/Z0S0tET4-rc
• Mystery Meet Social Dining Group: http://mysterymeet.org
• Farmstead Inc.: http://www.farmsteadinc.com/
• Chef Matt Jennings Bio: http://wp.me/P2VBiu-4v