Food & Travel Expo: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens at the Food & Travel Expo?
Lots! Let’s take it one day at a time...
Friday, October 3rd : This day is for professionals who work in the food, travel, or tourism industries. There will be a series of ten-minute talks on various subjects, followed by a panel discussion on food tourism led by The Providence Journal ’s Food Editor, Gail Ciampa. Friday evening will conclude with a networking reception at The Dorrance.
Saturday, October 4th : This is the main event! Anybody who loves food and loves travel is invited to join us at the Providence Biltmore. We will begin the day with a series of short talks on cuisines from different regions. Then we will break into groups for three rounds of 45-minutes sessions, each focusing on a cuisine from a different region. Finally, we will return to the Grand Ballroom for the Hope & Main Tasting Pavilion, where you will have the opportunity to sample food from dozens of local restaurants and artisanal food producers.
Sunday, October 5th : We’ve added something new this year -- the Eat & Run Scavenger Hunt! Come by yourself or put together a group of friends and compete for hundreds of dollars in prizes. The scavenger hunt kicks off at the Providence Arcade at noon, where we will give you a list of clues to different places around downtown. Take a selfie (a photo of yourself) in front of each place. The first people to finish will win.
Finally, we will finish off the weekend with the New England premiere of the documentary, Farm-City, State at the Cable Car Cinema. This film sets out to answer the question, “Can the city of Austin, Texas feed itself with only locally grown food?” Along the way, it shows the vital role that chefs, farmers, and artisanal food producers play in bringing a meal to the family dinner table. The film offers a unique peek at the thriving city of Austin through the lens of food. Admission for Expo attendees and scavenger hunt participants is free; tickets will also be available at the museum door for $5.
2. Who attends the Food & Travel Expo?
Anybody who loves food and loves travel is invited to join us for Foodie Day on Saturday, October 4th. This is an event for adventurous eaters who want to learn more about the history and culture of the food on their plate.
Everyone is also welcome to join us for the Eat & Run Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, October 5th. We recommend that you put together a team of friends and compete for hundreds of dollars in prizes.
Professionals who work in the food, travel, and tourism industries are invited to join us for Industry Day at the Yena Center at Johnson & Wales University on Friday, October 3rd, This includes chefs, restauranteurs, farmers, brewers, winemakers, culinary students, food bloggers, travel writers, tourism professionals, and more.
3. Do I get to choose which sessions I want to attend on Saturday?
Yes. Before the Expo, we will ask you which sessions you would like to attend. We will assign you to sessions, doing our best to give you your first choices.
4. Is this event all ages?
Yes. However, this is not an event that is suitable for young kids unless they are interested in hearing discussions about food. You must be over 21 to consume alcohol.
5. Can I bring my kids?
You can, but you’ll probably enjoy the event more if you don’t. The admission price is the same for all ages.
6. Is food being served at Industry Day on Friday, October 3rd?
No. Enjoy a hearty lunch before you join us at Johnson & Wales for industry Day. There will be appetizers served at our cocktail reception afterward at The Dorrance.
7. Should I skip breakfast on Saturday (Foodie Day)?
No. We will begin the day with a series of ten-minute talks on cuisines from different regions. No food will be served during these talks.
Then we will break into groups for three rounds of 45-minute sessions. Each session will focus on cuisine from a different regions. Here, you will be served samples.
Finally, we will return to the Grand Ballroom where dozens of local restaurants and artisanal producers will be showcasing their food. This is where you can fill up on delicious samples.
8. Where should we park?
Saturday: The Providence Biltmore offers $16.00 valet service. There are many self-parking options in the neighborhood as well.
9. What should I bring with me?
Bring a camera, a pen, and some cash in case you would like to purchase anything at the event.
10. Can we take photos at the Expo?
Yes, please do! If you post them to social media, please use the hashtag #2014TTExpo.
11. Can we record videos at the Expo?
No, we ask that you do not record anything at the Expo.
12. What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
It is your responsibility to ask the food vendors if their food contains anything that you cannot consume. If you are assigned to a session that you cannot attend because of allergies or dietary restrictions, let us know and we will gladly switch you to another session.
13. If we are coming in from out of town, where should we stay?
We have reserved room blocks at several hotels. These rooms will be released to the public on September 10th, so book your room early. Providence hotels can fill up.
14. What happens if it rains during the Scavenger Hunt on October 4th?
The Scavenger Hunt will happen rain or shine. There will be no refunds for inclement weather.