The first Foodworx conference hits Portland tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan 15), and it looks like a must-visit for the food and beverage industry. From their site:

"FoodWorx is a new kind of conference that lays the foundation of what our food, beverage and hospitality industry will look like in 5-10 years, from production and manufacturing, to travel, distribution and consumption."

I met with Event Chair Erik Wolf, who is also Event Director of the World Food Travel Association, to learn more about the conference. In a nutshell, the format is:

- Twelve short, 20-minute TED-style inspirational talks (Industry expert speakers include Intel's resident Futurist Brian David Johnson, Steve Jones of Cheese Bar, Karen Brooks of Portland Monthly, New Seasons Market Sustainability Manager Heather Schmidt, and Michael Morissey of the Food Innovation Center)

- Multiple delegate and speaker networking opportunities

- Reception showcasing "Cascadian Cuisine" (locally made food and drink)

I'm particularly excited about this event, as Wolf's own rich research in psychoculinary profiling suggests an outfit scientifically devoted to understanding and explaining the bigger picture of how we eat, why we choose what we do, and the market forces that drive our options. Whether you are a restaurateur, food and drink producer, or curious consumer, this conference looks like an important part of your competitive education.

Tickets are available here.

Foodworx
Tuesday, January 15, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Gerding Theater at the Armory
128 NW Eleventh Avenue
Portland, OR