Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/16170
TASTING PANEL PROMOTION F October 9-10, 2010 Del Mar Fairgrounds, California or years, gourmet enthusiasts have attempted to gain access to industry-only events such as the Fancy Food Show, the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and the International Home & Housewares Show to no avail. These consumer advocates and infl uencers have been craving an opportunity to see, taste, and experience what has typically only been available to the buying trade, until now. The Gourmet Experience launches this October as a brand-to-consumer tradeshow in the food, luxury, and lifestyle category. The Gourmet Experience brings together some of the best brands across a number of luxury industries, including gourmet foods, home and out- door entertainment, kitchen equipment, and epicurean travel—all with a focus of showcasing products to consumer infl uencers. Over two action-packed days, Gourmet Experience attendees have the opportunity to taste and review from amongst the newest gourmet foods; test-out the latest in home and outdoor entertainment products; fi nd out how to plan a fabulous dinner party; learn new trends in casual and fi ne china, fl atware and crystal; discover new destinations, resorts and hotels catering to their refi ned tastes; sip on a selection of fi ne wines, spirits, and craft beers; explore large appliance purchases and kitchen remodeling options; and much more. “The Gourmet Experience is the fi rst of its kind when it comes to gourmet lifestyle shows,” said Michelle Metter, producer of the The Gourmet Experience. “It creates synergy between a diverse collection of industries in the luxury market. This allows brands to showcase their products and receive immediate feedback direct from consumers—something brands and enthusiasts have been demanding for awhile.” The push for direct brand-to-consumer interaction is heightened by the digital age, where online communication gives power to the consumer voice. Social media outlets like blogs, Twitter, Facebook and Yelp help amplify the opinions of consumers by supplying them with an audience, which ultimately has the power to make or break a brand. In addition to this instant response, brands at The Gourmet Experience tap into a network of foodie and gourmet bloggers that comprise a key component of the audience. They are early-adopters who enjoy trying and reviewing new products for their blogs and readers. The Gourmet Experience brings together today’s newest gourmet foods and latest kitchen gadgets, giving bloggers ample material to relay back to their audience. “The Gourmet Experience is not your everyday expo,” said Metter, “it’s a fun and interac- tive playground where we encourage attendees to get involved in the experience.” For the fi rst time, fans will have the opportunity to learn cooking techniques and secrets of the trade straight from their favorite celebrity chefs in San Diego. “The Gourmet in Action Stage” sets the scene for live cooking demonstrations that will feature the amazing talents of chefs such as former Top Chef, Chef Brian Malarkey of Searsucker, and Chef Bernard Guillas, Executive Chef of The Marine Room and co-author of the cookbook, Flying Pans - Two Chefs, One World. Attendees will also have the chance to test out some of the most innovative kitchen equip- ment and gadgets in the market today. Companies such as mypressi fi nd value in bringing