- A Discussion With… TasteSpotting!– an invaluable, quick-paced Q&A session with Sarah, TasteSpotting’s founder and the creative mind behind this “Food Porn” phenom. Who doesn’t LOVE the traffic that results from a TasteSpotting photo acceptance? YOUR questions will be addressed here.
- Before You Hit RECORD – How to Be a Sparkling Vlogger Carolyn O’Neil, RD, 20 year CNN food reporter and“Lady of the Refrigerator” on Alton Brown’s Good Eats. Whether planning to be the next TV food star, or expanding the entertainment value of your blog, you’ve probably pondered producing a cooking video. Cut! Even if you THINK you’re camera-ready, this is your wakeup call. Learn mistakes to avoid along with practical tips to success from a seasoned TV food pro. Your vlogs will be lightyears ahead after this session.
- Building a Bona Fide Community >> Cheryl Sternman Rule of 5 Second Rule, Susan Russo of FoodBlogga. Take a look at your site’s comments. Mostly bloggers? There’s a trend to be actively engaged in other blogs to boost your own traffic, and that’s a great way to start building community. But what about the big, wide world of home cooks, avid readers and recipe-hungry everyday Joes and Janes without blogs? Time to bust out! Pick up insightful pointers and action steps to make your blog the type that attracts a strong, sustainable, and far-reaching community of followers. A duo of popular bloggers will present successes, failures, tips and techniques to help you cultivate a fan club of happy, hungry everyday people.
- SEO Myths and Other Baloney >> Joy Wilson of Joy The Baker joins Patti Londre of Worth The Whisk. There’s a good chance you’ve attended an SEO session somewhere, so by now your traffic should be skyrocketing. What? No tsunami of visitors! Well, Search Engine Optimization is not the ONLY system to attract visitors. Creative, clever and compelling outreach strategies are also key. This duo will present why Patti’s blog traffic stinks, and how a collection of Joy’s experiences and insights can help her.
- Balancing the Pressures of Blogging >> Lori Lange of RecipeGirl, Jennifer Leal of Savor the Thyme, Greg Henry of SippitySup. “Hon, will this blogging thing ever pay off?” If you’ve heard a loved one mutter this painful question, you aren’t alone. Anxieties to make something HAPPEN are a heavy burden. Campers, time for some “group therapy!” This blogger panel will present how they turn stresses into ignition switches to achieve goals, master monetization, create and nurture working relationships with brands and more.
- Catching the Eye of Corporations >> Word on the street: businesses use bloggers for marketing support. From event coverage and product reviews to paid assignments and ongoing relationships, lucky breaks seem to land with a specific type of blogger. Our Panel of On-Site Sponsors will unveil how bloggers get on their radar. Their experiences and advice are always top value to our Campers.
- Parade of Bloggers >> Camp Blogaway is a conference where important connections come through. Our first evening together, every attendee is introduced to the full group. The goal: no missed meetups at Camp! Patti Londre of Worth The Whisk and Camp Blogaway orchestrates.
- Sponsors’ Activities >> A limited number of “just right” sponsors are allowed to attend Camp. They join us to not only get to know you, but to help you better your blogging with sessions including Farm to Fridge insights, sensory tastings, and hands-on activities. First up? Friday’s Fondant University by Wilton.
Breakout Sessions >> Erika Kerekes of In Erika’s Kitchen orchestrates. Suggest topics/choose a topic on-site, gather in a peaceful camp location, and learn from fellow campers about (but not limited to):
- Understanding Affiliate Sales Opps, Online Stores
- Stumble, Digg, Reddit: Social bookmarking as traffic source
- Selling your own ads – pros, cons, how-to
- Analytics: which metrics are important, how to interpret data
- Contests: how, why, results, worth the trouble
- Becoming PR-Ready, creating a media kit
- Personal Sponsors – pros, cons and how-to’s
- Camera Mastery: settings, white balance
- Recipes: writing, techniques, guidelines
- Food Styling: tips, tricks
And finally, what’s “camp” without a chance to appreciate serene surroundings? Take a Refreshing Hike, use Free Time to meet-up under peaceful pines, chat by the Roaring Fireplace, stay up late with peers in our Mountain Lodge, socialize with newfound friends during Wente Vineyards Wine Tastings, and more.
