Networking without food in the evening is a terrible idea.
I am sure that you will not have that problem at the first Foodportunity get together for 2011 on January 31.
You do need to be in or near Seattle where event takes place.
Here's what's on the program:
"Foodportunity is open to food journalists, bloggers, food companies, public relations professionals, restaurateurs, farmers and all food-passionate people.
6:00-9:00: Networking and Nibbles
7:45-8:15: Q&A Ever wonder what celebrity food personalities eat at home? Author of “Urban Pantry” and founder of gogogreengarden, Amy Pennington will be quizzing some of our favorite people.
Flying in from L.A The late night panel will feature celebrity cookbook author Kristine Kidd. Kidd is a longtime food blogger, magazine editor and recipe consultant. She is the author of Williams-Sonoma Weeknights Fresh & Fast, Cooking at Home and six other cookbooks. Kristine Kidd was the food editor of Bon Appétit for more than 20 years. She is flying in just for this. Also on the panel, some Northwest chefs, Chef Cathy Whims is coming in from Portland Nostrana restaurant and Chef Jason Stratton from Spinasse as well as Chef Wayne from Andaluca.
8:30: Speed Networking Session led by Rachel Belle, contributor/reporter on KIRO FM’s Ron & Don Show, where she does a daily segment called "Ring My Belle". (send email to info at foodportunity dot com to grab a seat)
Early bird admission is $25 or the general price is $32 (including all fees) through Brown Paper Tickets."
I got wind of this event thanks to lovely young lady at Wasabi Prime. In Networking Like A Mofo she shared her impressions on first edition of Foodportunity in March 2010.
(* Illustration is 'outdoors seating' at Spinasse, from their site)