Food conference brings experts, entrepreneurs together

Fairbanks, Alaska—A conference highlighting Alaska homegrown specialty and gourmet foods will take place in Fairbanks, May 4–5 at the Hutchison Institute of Technology’s culinary arts facility. Sponsored by Cooperative Extension Service, the event is specially designed for Alaskans interested in the specialty food business.

The conference aims to provide resources to guide small business owners through the food product development process and features keynote speaker Stephen Hall, author of “From Kitchen to Market.” Hall is president of Food Marketing International, a company that coaches specialty food firms who would like to expand their businesses.

The first day of the conference features a trade-show, which includes taste-testing participants’ products giving attendees a chance to explore business partnerships. The second day consists of roundtable discussions moderated by small-business professionals on business-related topics such as brand design, website development and customer service. The sessions will focus on experiences of industry professionals, business experts and Alaska’s own successful specialty food entrepreneurs.

The event is also geared toward individuals interested in starting product production, restaurateurs interested in carrying local products and others in the food business. Although the event is tailored to the food industry, organizers say the concepts of networking and overcoming geography apply to many Alaska small businesses. There is a $75 registration fee. For more information call 474-2420 or visit www.uaf.edu/ces.