New York Wine & Food Festival’s FoodieCon 2024 was a one-day culinary extravaganza that brought together notable social media personalities, food enthusiasts, and industry experts for a day of learning, networking, and indulging in delicious eats. Here's a recap of the event:
Date & Time: 10/19/24, 12-5pm
Location: Industry City Courtyard 1/2
FoodieCon 2024, held at Brooklyn's Industry City, provided a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts, network with like-minded individuals, and savor delicious food and drinks. The event, presented by Fratelli Beretta, was a celebration of the intersection of food, social media, and community.
What to Expect
FoodieCon 2024 featured:
Interactive panels and workshops with industry experts covering topics like content creation, food trends, and more.
Live demonstrations by brands and food personalities.
Exhibitions showcasing food, wine, and spirits, with samples and interactive experiences.
Networking opportunities to meet fellow foodies, brand representatives, and industry professionals.
Ample photo and video opportunities to create content for social media.
Arrival & Logistics
Upon arrival, attendees received a generously sponsored gift bag by Diamond Crystal, perfect for carrying the numerous freebies and goodies collected throughout the event. Everything included in the ticket price was available, with no additional purchases required.
The event was well-attended but not overcrowded, with reasonable or no lines throughout. This made it easy to explore the various activations and experiences without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The outdoor setting at Industry City also allowed attendees to take advantage of the beautiful weather.
All of the talent/panelists were accessible throughout the event, providing attendees with opportunities to talk to their favorite creators. The panel events were held back-to-back without assigned seating, allowing attendees to come and go as they pleased and select which sessions interested them.
Food & Beverage
There was plenty to eat and drink, all of which was included in the ticket price.
Schweid and Sons serving up Owen Han’s signature patty melt
River Dock's creative pop-candy pizza with cotton candy
Fratelli Beretta's La Prosciutteria, offering super-thin prosciutto slices
Beretta's charcuterie board favorites
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream's creamy treats
Rummo's spicy rigatoni
San Pellegrino’s sparkling drink cans
Coaqua Coconut Water
Tari hot sauce
A staffed bar offering a selection of beer and wine
Attendees could also purchase food from onsite vendors in Industry City, including Burger Joint, which serves one of the best burgers in the city.
Activations & Experiences
Beyond the food, FoodieCon 2024 featured an array of engaging activations and experiences:
Beretta's make-your-own charcuterie board competition.
Bibigo's Food Review Station offered a unique experience - a branded SUV equipped with an onboard cooking station and dashboard kitchen, where attendees could review and interact with Bibigo's products.
The Creators' Corner hosted scheduled events where panelists met attendees during and after their sessions, providing a unique opportunity for fans to meet their favorite creators up close.
Owen Han's meet-and-greet and complimentary cookbook signing for "Stacked: The Art of the Perfect Sandwich" was the event's biggest draw. I was thrilled to score a copy, and although it had the longest line of the day, it was manageable and didn't run out. Attendees could easily plan their day around it, hopping in line when the timing was right.
Panel Discussions
The event's programming included engaging panel discussions, moderated by industry experts. Some standout sessions included:
"The Power of Partnerships" with Ereka Vetrini, Food Got Me Wasted, Grossy Pelosi, Jeremy Jacobowitz, Made by Musashi, and @the_pastaqueen
"What's Your Shtick" with Brian Can't Stop Eating, Brunch with Babs, Jack's Dining Room, and Matt Peterson
"Couples Who Content" with Jack's Dining Room, Made by Musashi, Carly from Sister Snacking, and Tess from LambChop
"Confessions of a Private Chef" with Gabrielle Chappel, Elena Besser, Hand Me The Fork, and Broccoli Raab
"In the Hot Seat" featuring Tari Hot Sauce with Brian Can't Stop Eating, Grossy Pelosi, Ereka Vetrini, Broccoli Raab, Jeremy Jacobowitz, and Olivia Tied
"Cuffed & Hangry" with Food Got Me Wasted, Hand Me the Fork, Matt Peterson, Preppy Kitchen, and Sara & Madison from Sister Snacking
I found the "The Power of Partnerships" panel to be particularly insightful. Key takeaways from the discussion included:
Jeremy Jacobowitz emphasized the importance of having a management company to maintain a healthy distance and negotiate fair deals.
Ereka Vetrini stressed that having the right number of followers means having the power to say no to brands that don't align with your values. She advised against working with brands solely for financial gain and instead recommended developing relationships with brands that resonate with your target audience.
Isha from Food Got Me Wasted highlighted the importance of authenticity in partnerships, noting that "authenticity goes miles in this industry." She emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and not being afraid to say no to partnerships that don't feel right.
The biggest takeaway from this panel was the importance of authenticity in the food content creation space. By staying true to oneself and being mindful of the partnerships we enter into, we can build trust with our audiences and maintain our integrity.
Key Takeaways
Throughout the event, several broader themes emerged:
The importance of community and networking in the food content creation space
The value of learning from industry experts and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices
The need for content creators to stay adaptable and open to new opportunities and challenges
A notable mention: Gordon Ramsay was a recurring answer across multiple panels, proving he remains top of mind for many creators in the food content space.
Would I Recommend FoodieCon?
Absolutely! If you're a content creator looking to learn from industry experts, network with like-minded individuals, and indulge in delicious food and drinks, FoodieCon is an event not to be missed. With its intimate setting, engaging programming, and generous freebies, FoodieCon 2024 was an unforgettable experience that left me feeling inspired.
Tips for Attending
Here are some tips you might consider if you’re attending in the future:
Bring a bag to carry all of the freebies! Even if they have bags to give away, sometimes one isn't enough! This goes for all NYCWFF events.
Arrive early to beat the initial rush, as there will be a line to get in once doors open.
Be prepared to network!
Charge your phone and bring a portable charger (with all the photo ops, batteries can drain quickly!).
Come hungry and be prepared to try new foods and drinks.
Take notes during panels and workshops - you never know when you might want to reference something later.
