I have a sneaking suspicion that the week I spent at the IACP Conference in Portland will be life changing. I made new friends, met online pals in person, and learned from some of the best in the business. And I ate. A lot.
Before the conference started, I visited the Oregon Food Bank, where I did a training about Cooking with Kids for volunteers who work with families in nutrition education programs. It was wonderful to connect with these women, hear their stories and help them with some of the challenges they face in their classes. It was the first of many experiences during the week where it became crystal clear that I need to spend more time away from my computer and interacting with people in the community (no offense to you, my online readers, of course).
The following day was filled with adventure, cold Oregon weather, and fresh seafood as we made our way to Newport for a Sustainable Seafood tour and visit to the Rogue Brewery. We explored the docks, learned about the different types of fishing vessels and their sustainable fishing strategies and ate an amazing meal, prepared by Charlie of Local Ocean.
Newport, Oregon
At the conference I realized that although I have inspired families to make sustainable food choices, I haven’t been nearly as successful at making sure that my business is sustainable. I desperately needed some motivation and inspiration so that I can take my business to the next level and contribute more to our family’s income. Thank goodness there were people there like Dianne and Lia, who could inspire us to “stay ahead of the curve” and focus on how to best build and maintain our “brand.” And of course, with incredible presentations from the likes of Ruth Reichl, there was no shortage of inspiration. She eloquently reminded us that we can change our food system by voting with our food dollars – which we did as we ate our way through Portland!
Food Carts, Portland
The grand finale for me was the Kids Cook for a Cause workshop that the Kids In the Kitchen committee and I had been planning for the past 8 months. It felt as if we had been planning a wedding – and during the event, I was an emotional wreck. Perhaps it was the lack of sleep – or maybe it was that I was overwhelmed by the pure goodness of everyone who joined our efforts.
My new friend Daniel captured it well: “One of the most rewarding sessions I attended was Michelle Stern’s Cooking with Kids on the last day of the conference. We spent the morning teaching kids to cook and then served the food to those in Portland who needed it most…What better way to thank the host city that welcomed us so opulently than to give back to its most needy residents?”
For more information about our event, you can see the story in Sunday’s edition of The Oregonian.
Kids Cook for a Cause, IACP Portland
It was wonderful to return home to my family. I am exhausted but very inspired. And I can hardly wait for the IACP Conference in Austin next year.
Just curious – what inspires you?
If you attended this conference, was there one experience in particular that left a lasting impression? If you weren’t at this conference but have been motivated by other experiences, I’d love to hear about them. I think we can all benefit from a little passion and fire every now and then!
Hey Michelle,
Thanks so much for mentioning me. That was the first time I did a session like that and hope you got something out of it.
This year I was particularly inspired by all the bloggers and tweeters who attended IACP. Yes, we’ve always had cookbook authors and freelance writers, but this group is younger and moves so quickly from ingesting ideas to action that it makes my head swim.
It’s hard to keep up but I’m doing my best for an old lady.
Ruth Reichl ALWAYS inspires me. This year I was particularly moved by her dedication to ending the torture of animals in factory farming. She put it out there to a group more interested in how the thing was cooked, not how it got to their plates, and I admire her for that.
Congrats again for the story in the Oregonian.
Hi Dianne,
Thanks for the thoughtful comment. I agree – I was thrilled that Ruth Reichl talked about the humane treatment of animals. She was very clear – if the market rejects animals that have been mistreated, that behavior by industry will have to stop.
I am already looking forward to Austin!
I hope to see you soon at some of our local events.
Great recap. Thanks for sharing. I wish I could of been there. Looks like an amazing time. Congrats on your workshop and article in the Oregonian. You are amazing!
Thanks Maria! I looked at your blog today to catch up a bit, and watched your TV segment on the lemon cookies you made for the Food Bloggers Great American Bake Sale. YUM! So cute to see you in action. It’s funny how we only know the “print” side of our online friends!
Hi Michelle,
I love it when you come back inspired, with tons of photos, joy and ideas to share. This is what going away is all about. You are spreading joy with your talents and passions. Way to go, M. I think we both moved beyond Marin 365 this year, into our “giving back” phase- which is a much more intense, busy, and fulfilling blessing. We are blessed to be able to share our creativity with our community and beyond. Super proud of you!
-Colleen
You, my friend, inspire me and I’m so glad that I was able to be a part of your awesome event. Those kids are great and really had a good time cooking a meal together.
Thank you
Hi Michelle-
I can’t just narrow it down to just one inspiring moment.
I am inspired by you. Your passion and loving heart- demonstrated at the Kids in the Kitchen event to benefit the homeless of Portland was truly a gift in and of itself. I am inspired to take that spirit back to my community and give back to those who need it most.
I have also been inspired to become co-chair of the test kitchen professionals committee for IACP. Seeing the true benefit of connecting with your peers at conference- both professionally and personally- inspired me to share my talents.
Great story in the Oregonian. I love what you’re doing, and if I make it to IACP next year (finger’s crossed that I will), count me in as one of your assistants!
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