Living Lou

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First Food Blogging Conference: A 19 Year Old’s Perspective

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This post may contain affiliate links

FBC Lanyard

Things have been a little more quiet than usual here, but there are a few good reasons for that. Today we’re going to talk about the Food Bloggers of Canada conference.

Last weekend I attended the first Food Bloggers of Canada Conference, which was amazing. I don’t normally get nervous easily, but when my GPS announced that I had 5 minutes to go, my stomach was in knots. I have never been to an event where I didn’t know anyone. Plus, being 19 meant that I was going to be one of the younger, if not youngest, bloggers there. Was anyone going to talk to me, more importantly, would anyone want to talk to me? I mean, I’m 19 what on earth could I know about cooking and food blogging – in hindsight, having been doing this nearly three years, I’m starting to know my way around the kitchen and a blog. I tried to push those nervous thoughts aside and blasted my music (Brooks and Dunn, naturally) and took that last turn into Hockley Valley.

It started off well, I did a fantastic parking job(!) and then realized that I had forgotten my camera by my front door…rookie mistake. All was well in the end because there is this little company called Apple, who makes these phones with pretty fantastic little cameras.

Dinner at the food bloggers conference

Do you know what I realized, within the first 15 minutes of being there? Nobody cared that I was 19. Nobody cared that I didn’t have kids. We were all there for the same reason, we love food and blogging. The weekend was packed with events and don’t even get me started on the delicious food and wine. Melissa, Mardi and Ethan had a superb group of speakers lined up and I enjoyed all of the sessions. Just hearing everyone speak about things they are passionate about was enough for me. I was particularly fond of the recipe development session as creating recipes is one of my favourite things to do. There was something special about meeting the other bloggers and getting inspired by their passion for their blogs.

I’ve heard mixed things about conferences before, but I can say that FBC2013 was something special. I feel more inspired and energized than ever about what I have going here on Living Lou and what’s to come.

– Lou

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Comments

  1. Mushrooms Canada

    A great recap Louisa! Ages don't matter when you're a pseudo-celebrity...was a pleasure to FINALLY meet you! -Shannon
    Reply

    • Lou

      Thanks, Shannon! Haha - it's true, age did not matter in this case. It was so lovely to finally meet you!
      Reply

  2. Mardi (eat. live. travel. write.)

    Nobody would think for a moment, reading this blog or talking to you that you were *just* 19. Well, apart from you look 19 but you have a quiet maturity beyond your years Louisa. You're a lucky girl. If I had been as savvy as you when I was 19.... Sigh! Wishing you much continued success with your blog and I do hope our paths cross again soon. Thank you for soming to support FBC2013.
    Reply

    • Lou

      Mardi, thank you so much! Your words mean a lot to me. Most importantly, thank YOU for putting on such an amazing weekend - it was so inspiring. I am sure our paths will cross again.
      Reply

    • Britt @ My. Daily. Randomness.

      I second Mardi on this... heck, if I was half as savvy as you when I was 19... You're on your way darlin'! You'll be at the very top in no time! ;) And again, it was so great to finally meet you in person!
      Reply

      • Lou

        Thank you so much for your kind words, Brittany! It was SO nice to finally meet you also!
        Reply

  3. Daniella Petrucci

    Louisa, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you and having the chats we had at the FBC2013 Conference. And in regards to the comment about no one caring about you being 19 with no kids, you are right (lol) - I am 30 and no kids but when it comes to love for food, age is nothing but a number. You are 10 years younger than I am, and you have accomplished here on your blog what I haven't even been able to start yet. You are an extremely creative woman who happens to be one heck of a food blogger. Be proud of yourself, as I am proud to call you my friend. With much love ~D
    Reply

    • Lou

      Hi Daniella, Thank you so much for your kind words - I have the biggest smile right now. It was such a pleasure to meet you as well. I really enjoyed our chats - your passion for food and cooking was so inspiring to me. When it comes to food, age truly is just a number - it's amazing how food can bring so many people together. I'm so excited that your blogging journey is just about to take off, looking forward to following along!
      Reply

  4. Robyn

    Hi Lou! It was so nice meeting you during the photography session. I totally agree - meeting other bloggers was my favourite part of the weekend :)
    Reply

    • Lou

      Hi Robyn, it was lovely meeting you as well! After the weekend, I've definitely realized that it's the community that really makes blogging special.
      Reply

  5. Heather

    There we go! :) I remember feeling that same way when I started my own business several years ago. I had to work around going to a business course being the youngest by a good 10 to 15 years plus being blonde and female. But once you have a passion for something and it shines through to people, that's what they care about not the age. I'm really glad we had the chance to meet and you have such a smart head on your shoulders, can't wait to see what life will share with you.
    Reply

    • Lou

      It's definitely intimidating at first - but I have noticed recently that people don't really seem to care! I'm so glad we got to meet, Heather. It was such a pleasure to chat with you.
      Reply