Second Annual Regional Food Summit in Stratford on March 22nd 4 March 2010Stratford, ON
The second annual Perth County Regional Food Summit takes place Monday, March 22 in Stratford. Farmers and producers learn the importance of adding value to their business by becoming culinary tourism attractions. The latest culinary and agri-tourism trends and the power of social marketing are highlights at this year’s summit. Farmers, producers, chefs, restaurateurs, retailers, distributors and accommodators from across the region are invited to participate in dynamic learning and networking forums presenting new business opportunities.
Antony John, Organic Farmer and presenter at 2009 Food Summit comments, “The Stratford Food Summit comes along at a great time of year, when the farmers are starting to plan their crops, and chefs are thinking about the menus. Both parties come to the summit filled with the optimism and ambition that each new season brings, and that energy is palpable in the room. It’s therefore a great time to develop some very positive relationships between chefs and farmers, who can then have plenty of time to plan to maximize the tremendous food growing potential of Perth County.”The Regional Food Summit offers a full day of dynamic speakers, discussion forums and networking opportunities.· Dr. Stephen Smith, Professor of Tourism at the University of Waterloo, sets the tone for the day with the keynote address on the latest Culinary Tourism Trends. · Melissa Schenk, Executive Producer of MS2 Productions, will unleash the Power of Social Media demonstrating how small business owners can take advantage of this new tool. · Suresh Doss, Producer of Spotlight Toronto, a dynamic culinary and cultural website, will take the discussion to the next level introducing Twittering Tips. · A “Speed dating” session is planned creating an encouraging atmosphere for building new partnerships. Farmers and producers are stationed at tables featuring their products as chefs and buyers circulate and interact with the farmers. · On the menu for lunch is the best of Perth County as round table discussions continue about local food. · Afternoon break-out sessions encourage further dialogue on important culinary topics and critical agri-toursim issues; o Local Abattoirs and Local Foodo Distribution- An answer for farmers and chefso Marketing for Farmers- At the farm gate, farmers’ markets, events, on the internet and in printo A Culinary Tourism Best Practices Panel.
· The Summit concludes with an outline of the next steps to be taken, and closing remarks by Eugene Zakreski, Executive Director of Stratford Tourism Alliance. · A networking reception completes a full day of learning, networking and taking action. The Regional Food Summit establishes Perth County as the place to be for sublime culinary experiences. Local cuisine is a motivating factor when tourists choose a destination and nearly 100% of tourists dine out while on vacation. So it is only natural that culinary and agri-tourism is on the rise and that people will be interested in learning how to incorporate it into their business.
Presenting sponsors of the Regional Food Summit are the Stratford Tourism Alliance and Savour Ontario, along with supporting sponsors Perth Community Futures Development Cooperation, Perth Oxford National Farmers Union and 100 Mile Market.
Chefs, farmers, producers, food retailers and buyers in Perth County and surrounding areas are invited and encouraged to attend and must pre-register. The cost including lunch is $35. Registrations are welcome online at www.savourstratford.com/foodsummit or by calling Stratford Tourism Alliance 519-271-5140 or 1-800-561-7926. The summit will be held in Stratford at the Arden Park Hotel.