Jaden & Scott, Me, Rachel, Diane & Todd
When I first started this food blog to share recipes with family and friends, I never imagined finding such an encouraging community of food bloggers or making lifelong friends. My blogging friends cheer me on, inspire me, and motivate me every day. I’m deeply grateful for each of them.
Jaden, Scott, Diane and Todd launched Food Blog Forum (FBF) in March 2010 to create an online and in-person community for food bloggers. Their first seminar in Los Angeles was organized in a surprisingly short time, and since then FBF has grown into a meaningful gathering for food writers, photographers, and creators.
I’ve had the honor of helping organize the third and fifth Food Blog Forum events, bringing the conference to Florida. Planning those events was an incredible experience: I made new friends, learned a lot, and enjoyed every minute of bringing a food-focused conference to my home state.
For the second Food Blog Forum Orlando, we were fortunate to have Walt Disney World as our host sponsor. The Disney team we worked with was wonderful — professional, helpful, and enthusiastic — and their support made the weekend feel truly special.
The welcome reception the night before the seminar was held at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Disney created an imaginative martini salad display that stood out as one of the most creative food presentations I’ve ever seen. It showcased a variety of fresh, flavorful salads and set a festive tone for the weekend.
I went for dessert first — perhaps brave, perhaps clever. The crème brûlées were unforgettable, and a blood orange dessert surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. New flavors like that are part of what makes conferences so rewarding.
Bottom right photo taken by Guy Michelier of Simply Recipes
The sessions at FBF are always full of practical advice I can use immediately. Scott delivered thoughtful messages about blogging and community. Diane and Todd emphasized the power of storytelling through photographs, and the PR panel offered insights on working with brands and building authentic partnerships. David Leite’s talk was especially inspiring and reminded us that specific, honest storytelling often resonates most broadly.
Taken by Guy Michelier of Simply Recipes
After the morning sessions we were taken to Epcot World Showplace, where Disney set up ten tasting stations. The variety and quality of the food were outstanding. My favorites included an olive oil–infused chocolate truffle mousse with sea salted caramel from the Contemporary Resort bakery and a beautifully seasoned seared tofu with ratatouille-style vegetables from Cítricos at the Grand Floridian. Both dishes showed how inventive and thoughtful Disney’s culinary teams can be.
One of the lunch highlights was that chefs and pastry chefs were present to talk with attendees. Having them available to answer questions made the experience personal and memorable. The World Showplace setup felt professional and welcoming, and interacting with culinary professionals added a special dimension to the meal.
After lunch we split into round table discussions. I led a session on social media focused on three core ideas: be authentic, avoid over-automation, and understand the strengths of each platform. These conversations are invaluable for sharing practical tips and real-world experiences.
Taken by Guy Michelier of Simply Recipes
I’m deeply thankful to all the speakers and round table leaders who volunteered their time and expertise. Their willingness to share knowledge helped make the weekend educational and inspiring for everyone in attendance.
That evening we enjoyed an Irish-themed dessert spread by the water at Epcot during the Illuminations show. I put my phone down after a few photos and simply enjoyed the fireworks and the company of friends — a reminder that some moments are best experienced directly.
The next morning we relaxed at the Whole Foods Market Orlando cafe, where the brunch featured favorites like bananas foster–stuffed French toast, a five-star Angus beef carving station, spinach empanadas, fresh organic juices for mimosas, and a standout tofu scramble. It was the perfect way to wind down the weekend.
Special thanks to friends who helped make the event possible: Lindsay for her tireless help with programs and logistics, my husband Curtis for his unwavering support and patience, and Dawn, Katie, Jeanette, Carrie and Megan for assisting before and during the event. Their efforts were essential to the weekend’s success.
Taken by Guy Michelier of Simply Recipes
I also want to thank the organizers, especially Todd & Diane and Scott & Jaden, for founding Food Blog Forum and for their generosity to the community. Their leadership has created lasting connections and opportunities for food bloggers everywhere.
Group photo — everyone was smiling about something Scott said!
The weekend was made possible by our host sponsor Walt Disney World Resort and by other generous sponsors, including KitchenAid, Land O’Lakes Deli Cheese, OXO and Whole Foods Market. Their support, along with prize donations from brands like Le Creuset, Scharffen Berger, Bob’s Red Mill, King Arthur Flour and others, helped make the event memorable and rewarding for attendees.
The Food Blog Forum Orlando weekend was an inspiring mix of learning, networking, great food, and friendship. It reminded me why this community matters and why sharing knowledge and passion for food brings people together.
Attendee recaps and write-ups were shared by many participants, including Todd & Diane (White on Rice Couple), Allison (Ingredients Inc.), Angie (Bakerella), Brandi (Bran Appetit), Denise (Creative Kitchen Adventures), Julius (Droolius), Emily (Sage Recipes), Erin (The Girl & Her Mutt), Gretchen (What a Healthy Family Eats), Heather (Life by the Spoonful), Helene (Lush Lady), Jen (One Curly Fry), Jenny (Picky Palate), Jeannette (Jeanette’s Healthy Living), Jessica (The Novice Chef Blog), Joanne (Fifteen Spatulas), Josee (Josee’s Kitchen), Julie (Table for Two), Katie (Katie’s Cucina), Kelly (Just a Taste), Kevin (Pee Dee Foodie), Kim (The Suburban Cook), Kiran (Kiran Tarun), Kristen (Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker), Lauren (Lauren’s Latest), Lindsay (Love and Olive Oil), Melissa (Dash of East), Merry-Jennifer (The Merry Gourmet), Michelle (The Village Cook), Monica (Sweet Bites), Nikki (Pennies on a Platter), Rashmi (The Primlani Kitchen), Robyn (Grill Girrrl), Samantha (Sweet Remedy), Sarah (Sarah’s Cucina Bella), Susan (Sticky Gooey Chewy Creamy), Suzi (Cooking’s Good), Wanda (My Sweet Zepol) and Yelena (Cooking Melangery).