Last week I returned from an incredible trip to Cancun where I attended Food Blogger University. The conference was focused on food photography, content strategy, and monetization, and it was one of the most valuable events I’ve attended. The setting didn’t hurt either — waking up to ocean views is a pretty convincing reason to choose Cancun over a conference in a big city.
I decided months earlier that I wanted to attend a blogging conference geared toward food bloggers and photographers. The timing left me choosing between Chicago and Cancun, and when the costs were similar, Cancun won — partly for the warm weather and partly for views I wouldn’t get in a landlocked city.
My husband couldn’t get away from work for the trip, so my mom joined me. A promise of beach time and 24-hour room service made it an easy sell — and she was a fantastic travel companion.
One of the highlights for me was meeting some bloggers I’ve admired for years. In particular, Lindsay and Bjork from Pinch of Yum have been an inspiration; their transparent monthly income reports opened my eyes to how blogging can be a sustainable business. Seeing how their efforts grew over time was motivating and gave me real ideas for how to grow my own blog.
I even got a blurry fan photo with them on the conference’s closing night — a fun memento from a productive week.
Although the conference was small — its first year — it was packed with useful sessions. I came expecting a boost of motivation and a chance to meet people, but I left with actionable strategies that I’ve already begun implementing. A few adjustments to layout, photography, and content distribution have noticeably increased my traffic and revenue in a short time.
Video was a major focus for me. I’ve enjoyed watching recipe videos from other creators but felt intimidated about adding video production to my routine. After the sessions and some hands-on tips, I’m confident enough to start experimenting. I spent much of the trip shooting timelapses and underwater clips for a vlog, and I’m excited to explore short-form recipe videos and simple editing workflows.
One session specifically on video production taught practical techniques that demystified the process. Other sessions covered monetization, photography, working with brands, and goal setting for a blog. The variety of topics provided useful perspectives whether you’re just starting or looking to scale.
A memorable part of the conference was the opportunity for one-on-one time with several speakers. They reviewed my site and gave concrete recommendations for improvements, which was hugely helpful. I also connected with many fellow attendees — each conversation offered new ideas and encouragement.
I’m grateful to the organizers, whose vision and hard work made the event possible. Their effort created a well-run conference that delivered beyond expectations.
The resort, Dreams Riviera Cancun, provided excellent accommodations and service. It was my first time at an all-inclusive resort, and having food and drinks included — plus a daily-stocked minibar and 24-hour room service — felt luxurious. I indulged in plenty of fruity frozen drinks and enjoyed not watching every charge on my bill.
We upgraded to a room with a private plunge pool, which turned out to be worth the extra cost. Swimming right outside our door made relaxing between sessions effortless. I also enjoyed having breakfast in bed more than once.
The tropical humidity did cause my camera lenses to fog briefly each time I stepped outside, producing some soft, dreamy footage — an unplanned effect that I kind of liked. Beyond the resort, we visited Playa del Carmen twice for shopping and sightseeing, once as part of a group outing and once just my mom and I.
I couldn’t resist buying a hammock or two before heading home — a silly souvenir that made for an amusing airport scene. Overall, the trip was full of inspiration, useful learning, and beautiful sunrises.
To wrap up, I’m energized to put what I learned into practice. Expect to see more video content and refined photography on the blog as I test new formats and ideas learned at Food Blogger University. For now, I’ll leave you with a photo dump of sunrise shots and memories from the trip — an encouraging reminder that investing in your craft and community pays off.