Attention all Tucson-based food artisans, purveyors, growers, and entrepreneurs!

Local First Arizona and the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) are inviting businesses to participate as vendors in their upcoming event, The Good Food Forum + Expo.

This is the first time the event is being hosted in Tucson. The big event will be held at the El Conquistador Hilton Resort on Tuesday, August 27 from 9 a.m. – 4 a.m.

Designed to strengthen local food systems by helping artisans and growers become more sustainable from both a financial and environmental perspective, this year’s event is expected to be one of the largest-ever gatherings of Southern Arizona’s food history, heritage, and industry.

Networking

The Expo portion of the event offers a tremendous opportunity to network with local businesses across the entire food chain, from growers to artisans, from buyers to distributors, from retail to restaurants, and everything in between.

Depending on the nature of your business, you can either have a booth or just attend and work the room.

Vendor booths are on a first-come-first-serve basis and will sell out, so apply as soon as possible.

Who Should Attend

• Food Entrepreneurs
• Chefs and Restaurateurs
• Farmers
• Ranchers
• Backyard and Urban Ag Growers
• Food Distributors
• Grocery Buyers and Marketing Managers
• Farmers Market Managers
• Small and Large-Scale Food Institution Buyers
• Students Interested in Food Systems and Farming
• Civic Leaders interested in engaging with local food leaders and local business owners

Panel: Stories We Tell About What We Eat

During the Forum part of the event (which happens in the morning, prior to the Expo), Tucson Foodie will be hosting a panel titled Stories We Tell About What We Eat.

Head Foodie of Tucson Foodie, Shane Reiser, will be moderating the panel. Joining Shane will be Christa Lebron of Chez Peachy and Gary Hickey of Charro Steak & Del Rey.

“Christa and Gary are both gifted storytellers in their own unique ways,” said Reiser. “We’re going to look at how they tell their own stories and how it has directly led their success and growth in terms of both sales and online following and engagement. Christa and Gary are also both really fun people, so it’ll be a good time. Bring your questions!”

For more information about The Good Food Forum + Expo, visit goodfoodfinderaz.com.

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