7 Habits Of Highly Effective Bloggers at #FWCon

I love the Food Wine Conference. Every year it gets better and I've loved watching it evolve over the past four years. The quality has never wavered and the surprises still wow me time and time again. I guarantee I'd feel as if I was missing out on something if I didn't attend. I've got some tips and tricks on how to survive the amazing inspiring 3-day schedule, set in Sunny Orlando, Florida.

1. Make your hotel reservation early
Not only is the conference located in the stunning Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida, but the amenities are plentiful and luxurious. I recommend everyone to stay here and not another property down the street. If not only for the pools, world-class golfing or the beautiful views, do it for the restaurants and shops that will have you exploring during your free time.

2. Wear comfortable shoes 
There's a lot of walking to and fro between meals, special events and activities. I know you want to dress to impress. I know you want to break out those sparkly little numbers you got on sale at Aldo, but there is a time and place for that, I promise, but your dogs will thank you after the first day. The impressive expanse of the meeting halls alone will have you wishing for your Dr. Scholls if you're not careful.


3. Bring your stretchy pants.
Come hungry because you will be fed, wined, dined, snacked, dessert'd, lubricated, hydrated and treated like queens and kings the entire time. Just when you think you can't fit any more into your belly, you will remember you have your trusty elastic band sweatpants on and you go for the second dessert. With gusto.


4. Bring a swag bag for your swag bag
You're a veteran traveler. I know you. You have your carry-on bag weight down to a science and you can whip out a handi-wipe at the drop of a hat to combat any airline illness. Make sure you pack an extra bag simply for all of the swag you'll receive just by walking in the door. Don't be like me and have to smoosh this entire basket into my ONE baby carry-on suitcase in addition to my clothes, 2 pairs of shoes, curling iron, flat iron, my other swag bag and my make-up bag. NOTE: Everything made it back to North Carolina in one piece.



5. If there's a pre-conference contest, enter it

There is nothing to lose and everything to gain when you enter a contest sponsored by #FWCon. Four years ago, I entered the Dixie Crystals Brownie Dessert Contest and I won. It changed my life. I met the most amazing people who helped me see things I didn't see in myself and helped me grab the opportunity to turn my win into something bigger than myself. Fast-forward to 2016 and I won the #MakeItWithMilk Contest sponsored by Florida Milk. I'll always feel like a winner at the Food Wine Conference, even if I never enter another contest. I kinda win at the Food blogger's jackpot just by being among some of the best co-workers in the world.

Proud Florida Milk brand ambassadors

6. Find a friend
Strangers are just friends we haven't met yet, right?


Well, you might just meet somebody famous. Or your new blogging buddy. You never know who you will encounter at Food Wine Conference.

This year I met Donatella Arpaia.


Four years ago, I met Katie Workman and we reconnected in my hometown last summer. And she remembered me. Yay.

7. Register for #FWCon. And often

No matter what stage you are in your blogging career: veteran, novice or somewhere in the middle, this is the conference for you.  It's about connecting with other bloggers. It's about connecting with brands. It's about self-improvement. If you want to kick-start and generate ideas learn how to be a better blogger and truly cultivating blogger relationships, this is the place to be.