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International travel writers convention begins Sunday in Lafayette

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 23:16 GMT by The Advocate
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Lafayette Prepares to Host a Landmark Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Convention

The city of Lafayette, Louisiana, is putting its culinary crown on the map as it gears up to host the Lafayette Food, Wine & Travel Writers Convention this summer. Set to run from June 10‑12, 2024 at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Convention Center, the three‑day event promises to bring together more than 250 food and travel journalists, bloggers, and influencers from across the United States and abroad. The convention, organized in partnership with the Louisiana Food & Wine Society (LFWS) and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, aims to spotlight the region’s rich food culture, burgeoning wine scene, and distinctive bayou lifestyle while injecting fresh media buzz into the local economy.

A Purpose‑Driven Gathering

City Manager Melissa A. Johnson described the convention as a “strategic investment in Lafayette’s cultural capital.” “We’ve always been known for our gumbo and beignets, but this is about telling the world that we’re also a destination for wine, travel, and culinary innovation,” she told reporters. The convention’s agenda is meticulously crafted to give writers a sensory tour of the city’s offerings:

1. Keynote Sessions – Each day opens with a panel featuring a prominent chef, a winemaker, and a travel writer who has previously highlighted Lafayette in major travel magazines.
2. Tasting Trails – The Acadian Food Trail takes attendees through nine farm‑to‑table restaurants in the West End, each offering a signature dish and an explanation of its local ingredients.
3. Wine Workshops – Participants are guided by producers from the Acadiana Wine Trail, which has seen a 15% rise in vineyard acreage over the last decade. The workshops cover everything from grape selection to sustainable vineyard practices.
4. Travel Immersion – A guided day‑trip to the Pointe à la Batre Historic Site and a sunset cruise on the Bayou Lafourche are included to emphasize Lafayette’s blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
5. Industry Panels – In the afternoons, the convention hosts panels on topics such as “The Role of Social Media in Food Tourism” and “Sustainability in Southern Cuisine.”

The event is not only a media opportunity but a collaborative platform. Lafayette Tourism Director, Brandon L. Davis, emphasized that “the convention is a two‑way conversation.” Journalists can share their stories, while local businesses can present innovative initiatives—such as farm‑fresh delivery services and culinary pop‑ups—to attract broader attention.

Economic Impact and Sponsorship

A joint economic study conducted by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Center for Economic Development estimates that the convention will generate an $1.8 million boost in local spending. This figure accounts for hotel stays, restaurant visits, retail purchases, and transportation services. The city’s investment is backed by a $25,000 grant from the Louisiana Department of Tourism and a matching contribution from the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation.

Key sponsors include:

• Café Le Lafayette, a historic bistro in downtown Lafayette
• Poudre River Winery, one of the region’s first boutique wineries
• Acadiana Hospitality Group, a consortium of local hotels and inns
• The Lafayette Daily News, which will provide on‑site coverage and a dedicated travel section

In addition, the convention partners with the National Association of Travel Writers (NATW), which has provided an editorial platform for participants to publish articles in their flagship journal, Travel Quarterly.

How to Get Involved

Travel and food writers wishing to attend can apply through the convention’s official website, which offers early‑bird discounts for those who register by May 1, 2024. The site also features a virtual preview of the planned itinerary and a list of recommended hotels with negotiated rates.

Local residents can participate by volunteering as guides, tasting ambassadors, or support staff—an initiative managed by the Lafayette Volunteer Corps. The volunteer program aims to provide community engagement while ensuring visitors receive a genuine Lafayette experience.

Beyond the Convention

The convention is part of a broader “Taste of Acadiana” initiative launched by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce in 2022. The initiative seeks to promote the region’s gastronomic assets across digital platforms, pop‑up markets, and statewide culinary festivals. As part of this initiative, the city has also recently opened a new Culinary Innovation Hub at the Lafayette Community College, offering culinary students and entrepreneurs access to state‑of‑the‑art kitchen facilities and industry mentorship.

The Lafayette Food, Wine & Travel Writers Convention serves as a launchpad for these long‑term projects, helping to solidify Lafayette’s position as a culinary and cultural hotspot. According to the Louisiana Food & Wine Society’s latest annual report, membership has grown from 350 in 2020 to over 1,200 in 2023, reflecting the region’s expanding influence in the food and wine sectors.

A Lasting Legacy

By inviting food and travel writers to immerse themselves in Lafayette’s vibrant culinary landscape, the convention hopes to inspire stories that go beyond recipes and travel itineraries. Instead, the focus will be on the stories that connect people with food, culture, and community—stories that will, in turn, shape how the world sees and experiences Acadiana.

Whether you’re a seasoned journalist looking for fresh inspiration or a curious traveler dreaming of a Southern culinary adventure, the Lafayette Food, Wine & Travel Writers Convention is an event that promises to enrich all who attend—and to leave a lasting imprint on the city’s cultural tapestry.

(For additional details, visit the official convention website or explore the Louisiana Food & Wine Society’s resources at https://www.lfws.org, and discover the broader “Taste of Acadiana” initiative through the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce’s portal at https://www.lafayettechamber.org.)