Reflecting the global impact of social media – and its role as a catalyst in driving cultural, economic, political and social change in developed and emerging markets – Social Media Week is one of the world’s most unique global platforms, offering a series of interconnected activities and conversations around the world on emerging trends in social and mobile media across all major industries.
In just under three years, Social Media Week has expanded to 21 cities, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, Vancouver, Sao Paulo, Rio De Janeiro, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Istanbul, London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Glasgow, Berlin, Moscow, Beirut and Hong Kong. Starting in 2012, SMW is adding Tokyo, Singapore, DC and Miami. Annually, SMW attracts more than 60,000 attendees across thousands of individually organized events, with half a million connecting to the conference online and through mobile.
Social Media Week Toronto was held last week and I was fortune enough to be involved in two events. First up was a very early morning breakfast session held at the Fairmont Royal York entitled, “Make Chef Collin Thornton Your Valentine (#SMWlovechef)! I arrived shortly after 7am on Valentines Day morning, at the hotels stunning ballroom where a beautiful ice sculptured cupid donning a chef hat stood welcoming attendees. The Chef did a great job at providing a phenomenal menu.
Breakfast Included (* notes my favorites):
Espresso Tiramisu Wrapped Crepes
Cinnamon Toffee Sticky Buns *
with Espresso Caramel Sauce
Chocolate Fountain
Assortment of Biscotti, Marshmallow, Fresh Fruit, Warm Mini Blueberry Savory Scones
Royal York Honey Suckle and Ginger Elixir Shooters
Champagne Macerated Strawberry Parfait’s
Hot Chocolate with Roof Garden Chili’s *
with Malasadas
Olive Oil and Lemon Balm Poached Eco Salmon
with Avocado Lime Puree, Roasted Tomato Oil, Micro Greens
French Toast Sandwiches with Ricotta Strawberry Chutney *
Mission Fig Compote
East Coast Lobster Eggs Beny
Passion Fruit Hollandaise with Grilled Asparagus Guava Brioche
The panel featured an interesting mix of engaging food obsessed speakers: Suresh Doss from Spotlight Toronto, Jamie Drummond from Good Food Revolution and Rebecca LeHeup from The Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance. Melanie Coates who does the PR for Fairmont Hotel and Resorts acted as moderator. Panelists chatted about their views on twitter, thoughts on Facebook and tips on how they engage their communities online. I enjoyed the conversation whilst sipping spicy hot chocolate and obsessing over Cinnamon Toffee Sticky Buns.
On Thursday evening I was pleased to act as moderator for another social media foodie event entitled, “Food and Social Media: Two Key Ingredients for Collaboration.” The event was held at the Air Canada Centre’s Hot Stove Restaurant. In front of a captive foodie audience I chatted with four spectacular social media influencers: Gail Gabrielle Community Manager for Real Sports, Nicki Laborie from View the Vibe, Melissa Ramos from Sexy Food Therapy and Tiffany Mealia from She’s So Savvy. The conversation between panelists was engaging as they each offered up their own perspective’s regarding how they engage in social media in each of their food focused communities. The take home from this particular chat was, “social media especially in the food world is all about collaboration!” Truer words have never been spoken! Attendees were offered up snacks that will soon be showcased on the Real Sports menu.
Sneak Peak Snacks included:
Cajun Limesalt Riblets
ranch for dipping
Pulled Pork Sliders
smokey bbq sauce, stacked with coleslaw
Chili Cheese Dog
beef chili, cheddar cheese, scallions
Chicken and Waffles
southern hospitality, sausage gravy
Madras Chicken Curry
coconut-lemongrass rice, mango and cilantro
Sweet Wally’s Waffle
vanilla ice cream, marinated strawberries, whipped cream
