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So it’s that time of year again.. one of my favorite food conferences is almost here:

Foodbuzz Blogger Festival 2012!

Last year was the first time I attended the DailyBuzz Food conference (formally known as FoodBuzz Food) in San Francisco and I have to say that it was probably the most fun and most productive conference I’ve ever been to. It’s a 3 day conference is filled with workshops, networking, eating and more eating. If you don’t live in San Francisco or have never been to San Francisco, it can be overwhelming. Here’s a list of tips that I wish I knew about last year.

Preparation

What items to bring and pack

• • Cell phone and charger
  • Laptop and charger
  • Camera, charger, USB cord (I’m opting for my T2i and not the Mark ii)
  • Headphones for flight + something to read on the plane
  • Umbrella, foldable (SF poured last year)
  • Tylenol/Excedrin/Motrin
  • Sweater (the temperature in SF is a lot cooler than it is in Texas. New Yorkers, you’ll be fine)
  • Band-aids (your feet will thank you)
  • Comfortable shoes (SF consists of lots of hills, bring flats/sandals)
  • Mobile apps: Instagram, Foodspotting, Eventbrite, Foursquare and Twitter
  • Register for the festival on Eventbrite
  • Business cards (Great way to stay connected with the many people you’ll be meeting. I get mine from Moo)

With all these items, I would keep the rest of your suitcase empty. You’re going to need the space to store all the free swag.

Making An Agenda

There’s going to be free time between the Foodbuzz events. And with the many cool things that San Francisco has to offer, you will inevitably get off track. I had my schedule jammed pack last year. Right after a workshop I would race off to visit eateries and do some light shopping. I highly recommend mapping out locations that you want to visit so you have an idea where everything is located. Racing back and forth from North and South San Francisco was no fun.

• Flight times & confirmation numbers
• Hotel check-in & check-out times with reservation numbers (If you haven’t already found housing, I recommend using Airbnb)
• Session descriptions with times & locations (see the preliminary session schedule below)
• Party/event times & locations
• Restaurants/local shops to visit

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Places to Visit in San Francisco

Of the million things I wanted to do last year, I was only realistically able to do a couple. I do plan on revisiting some of my favorite restaurants and shops.

Katana Ya

The mister and I visited this cozy Japanese shop last year on a random rainy night and we were blew away. Serendipity at it’s best. Pass on the sushi and get the biggest ramen bowl. This is so my favorite place to get ramen in the States.

 

Humphry Slocombe

Proscuitto, Secret Breakfast and caviar ice cream? I am ready for you. I had Bi-Rite Creamery last year, which, don’t get me wrong, was good, but I’m excited to expand my palate. Even if it means eating it in 60 degree weather, in the rain.

 

Tartines Bakery

The famous bakery that doesn’t need a sign outside it’s door. Just follow the line that’s out the door. Wasn’t a fan of the pastries but enjoyed the croque-monsieur.

 

Lombard Street

Escape from the city and drink in the gorgeous view of San Francisco. Take the cable car on the way up and down.

• Golden Gate Park
• Just For You Cafe
• Namu Gaji
• Ken Ken Ramen
• Poco Dolce
• Flour + Water

I am open to more suggestions! If you live in San Francisco or will be in San Francisco that weekend, drop me a line and I’d love to get coffee. Tweet me at @atasteofkoko

Read more about my trip to Dailybuzz last year (formally called Foodbuzz Conference).