inspired by #disney – putting the tech in #techmunch
The World of Color water and lights show paired with the magical accommodations of the Disney Grand Californian made my first visit to the Disney California Adventures theme park a trip to remember. The icing on the cake was that this grand adventure was paired with the inspiring networking, panels, tastings and demos of the TECHmunch Food Blogger Conference.
TECHmunch was created by Babette Pepaj (@BakeSpace), the founder of BakeSpace.com, CookbookCafe.com and co-host of the popular Google Hangout culinary web show KitchenParty. By limiting its attendees, TECHmunch creates a collaborative atmosphere where bloggers can really get to know each other and discover each other’s hidden talents. There is something magical that happens when the entire group stays together for the duration of the conference; the ah-hah! moments are shared by all, resulting in a tight community coming together to support one another.
Internet greats such as Aida Mollenkamp and Catherine McCord (Weelicious.com) spoke to us about finding our niche within the vast depths of the internet. I totally fell in love with the humor and authenticity of Manouschka Guerrier (singleservingbytes.com & Private Chefs of Beverly Hills) as she and others spoke about Branding and PR. As the day went on, panels on actionable items such as editorial calendars, internet security and Pinterest growth inspired me to go home and fine tune my process while the talents of Jenny Park and Teri Lyn Fisher (spoonforkbacon.com) left me hungry me to continue to learn everything that I can about photography.
You want to know what’s even more inspiring than listening to over a dozen talented panelists? Knowing that everyone in the room had their own unique experience and expertise to share. The person to my left one morning has published four cookbooks and has offered to let me pick her brain about the process. While the person to my right has asked if she could reach out to me to share my photography knowledge. We’re all in this together and learning that I have just as much to bring to the table as those around me truly inspired me to never stop learning.
The technology tips and tricks were informative and inspiring, but the highlight of the conference was by far the food. Under the direction of Executive Chef Christine Weisssman, the chefs and their magical feasts were an incredible source of inspiration and knowledge. Stay tuned, as the culinary offerings of the Disneyland Resort deserve an entire post of their own.
A million thanks to Babette and her team for cultivating such an inviting atmosphere. TECHmunch travels throughout the year. I highly encourage you to pick a city near you and join the fun. I’m beyond excited to do it all again in San Francisco on October 10, 2014!
Thank you Kimberly Ann… so glad we got to connect at the conference. I’m still discussing cupcake camp with Erik… fingers crossed! LOLOL
Happy to plead your case for Cupcake Camp! I found my post on it: http://www.fullcircleadv.com/2010/11/cupcake-camp-la-recap.html
Note: I drove SIX HOURS from San Francisco to come. Also, Goodie Girls were my favorite even before winning cupcake wars. :)
So glad I met you at TechMunch, Kimmie! This conference was one of the best I have ever attended…you are so right about the magical accommodations…and the collaborative atmosphere!
It was lovely meeting you! I wish I had before leaving San Diego, but will definitely keep up with you via your blog and social media. Hope to see you again soon!
It was an excellent conference and I totally agree with you about the connections made and the importance of keeping it small. So glad I got to see you there!
Love you Kimmie!! So glad to have met you this last week!!
Hi Kimberly Ann, It was so good to meet you at the Techmunch conference! You are soooo right, WHAT an inspiration filled weekend!
When I grow up, I want to take photos just like you! Gorgeous!
Sandra, you are too sweet! It was such a lovely weekend and I’m trilled to have so many new friends to follow and support. Hope our paths cross in person again soon!