After sampling an endless display of some of the best epicurean delights the food world has to offer, at the cost of developing multiple blisters, aching feet and watching my waistline grow, I can honestly say I look forward to doing it again! The Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco epitomizes why it is such an exciting time to be a part of the natural and organic specialty food space. I am particularly focused on the natural and organic space and found it challenging to maintain my focus given all of the interesting twists to so many old and new food concepts and trends. This little blurb is my way of sharing about my experience and why I considered the show to be a success for me.
I realize many of you are food industry veterans in one way or another. Much of this is new for me and very exciting.
For me, this was the first of many food industry shows to come. Being a passionate foodie and lending my time as a volunteer in the sustainable space led to the inevitable realization I would love to become gainfully employed in the industry. My passion is in the natural food space. When you love something and it feels right, there is nothing that can stop you from achieving your vision. The Show opened doors for me in days and minutes which I do not believe would ever have been possible under practically any other circumstances. ...very powerful...
I approached the show very strategically and also left a lot of room to let the Universe do the rest. Given my focus on the natural and organic food space with an artisanal twist, it wasn't hard to meet folks. In the course of only three days and walking the show several times, I made over 100 new quality contacts, and was invited by several inspirational artisans to share their stories. And critical to my Show goals, I received several offers to entertain potential opportunities to work in the industry.
All of these experiences make for what I consider to be a successful Show experience....inspirational blogging opportunities, multiple quality connections, budding new friendships, and of course, career options.
Comments
Leon says:
This event seems to have been a great event for you. I hope to have similar experiences in the upcoming summer event in NY. Thanks for sharing.
January 25, 2010 at 6:14 AM | Permalink
Houston says:
Thanks for sharing, I have three dressings & sauces, do you think the NY show would be a good place for contacts? Do you have any other suggestions in getting your products to market? You can look at the products at www.houstonsdressings.com thanks and hope you have great success
January 25, 2010 at 7:34 AM | Permalink
Alex says:
Susan,
Great job being strategic about the show. I think you went with a great attitude and scored high on making a difference for yourself and the folks you met.
Way to Go - Congratulations
January 25, 2010 at 1:47 PM | Permalink
Sandy says:
Oh, that sounds like something I would love to attend. I am a true foodie. I went to culinary school and got my degree, but I want to do something different with it. I’m making plans to become a food writer. What contacts and opportunities did you make?
March 22, 2010 at 9:28 AM | Permalink
Amie says:
What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing; you took the words out of my mouth as I just visited The Fancy Food Show in NYC last week and it was Amazing!!!!! I agree completely with all of your comments and statements as I too met wonderful contacts and had a fabulous time! I would love to work in the food industry, as well and have similar interests to you. I can't wait to attend another 'Foodie' show! Thank you for sharing; have a great day.
July 12, 2010 at 12:44 PM | Permalink
Jennifer says:
I attended this show in SF fews years ago. It was nothing short of amazing! At first we walked from booth to booth sampling all the wonderful and some not so wonderful delights. As the morning progressed, we found that our walk was not as peppy, we had to unbutton the top button of our pants and we thought we just might need to make a trip to the bathroom to relieve ourselves. We we didn't take the bathroom trip, but we did take turns tasting and ONLY tasted food that really looked amazing. That helped, but we were new to all this eating, so next time, we thought, we are not just going to eat any sample that the vendors want us to eat. We will have to be much more selective. It was a great time and I can't wait to got back this year. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience.
August 19, 2010 at 7:14 AM | Permalink
John says:
The Fancy Food Show is the state of the art look at gourmet trends, from tried and true to state of the art new. As a sales professional , I fully enjoy seeing, tasting, learning, and there are things to learn in every aisle. The absolute best aspect is you can speak with the true artisans, the creators, one on one. It is an inspiring look at the true spirit of entrepreneurship happening in the industry. I encourage all foodies to visit the show, either in New York ( DC this year ) in the summer, or San Francisco in January.
April 29, 2012 at 4:10 PM | Permalink