Welcome to the Connect Food Blogger Retreat! An intimate, high-impact weekend for food creatives.
October 15-18, 2026 | Kelowna, BC | A UNESCO City of Gastronomy
CONNECT is a curated retreat designed for experienced food bloggers who are ready to level up. Join an intimate group of up to 18 creators, 5 Guest Creative Mentors, and 1 Facilitator for three days of deep-dive learning, gourmet discovery, and the kind of "real talk" that only happens when we're together.
We are gathering in the heart of the Okanagan Valley-Kelowna, British Columbia. Known globally for its world-class vineyards and farm-to-table culture, it is the ultimate backdrop for a food blogger's retreat.
Space to Breathe, Room to Dream
Rest is the fuel for creativity. That's why every attendee will enjoy their own private hotel suite in a gorgeous lakefront hotel.
- Your Space: A private bathroom with a cozy robe, a fireplace for cool October evenings, and a kitchenette for convenience.
- The Amenities: Access to the rooftop pool, hot tubs, steam showers, and a full fitness center.
- The Hub: Our group will gather in a large suite with a full kitchen, a sun-drenched deck, and plenty of space to brainstorm. (Pajamas and onesies encouraged!)
What's On The Menu?
As food bloggers, we know that the best conversations happen over a shared meal.
Gourmet Dining: Daily breakfasts will be catered in, while our evenings will be spent exploring Kelowna's most celebrated restaurants. Lunch (also included) will vary depending on our day.
Speakers + Presenters:
DL Acken - Professional Food Photographer extraordinaire, Danielle will be talking all things photography, editing and sharing knowledge on writing cookbooks. With a degree in art, over 10 cookbooks under her belt and having done multiple multinational food photography campaigns, she will talk business and creative. Check out her website and I promise you will be inspired!
Karlynn Johnston - Karlynn is the founder of The Kitchen Magpie and has had huge success. Karlynn is a three-time bestselling cookbook author with Penguin Random House and has brought her culinary expertise to the national stage on QVC's In The Kitchen With David. She's the master of the creative and strategic side. She'll be diving into email strategies, video content, and how to prevent burnout while running a major brand.
Mike Johnston - Mike is the go-to for all things "behind the scenes" of the Kitchen Magpie. If you have questions about SEO, technical plugins, hiring a team, or the specific tools needed to scale your business without losing your mind, Mike is the expert in our corner. Bring your laptops (or borrow the retreat computer) and get some 1 on 1 help.
Chef Heidi Fink - Red Seal Chef Heidi Fink is the host of Cooking on the Coast and an award-winning educator with over 25 years of experience. A former Executive Chef at ReBar and instructor at Camosun College, Heidi specializes in the art of culinary instruction. At CONNECT, she'll share her expertise on the "ins and outs" of television and how to successfully build and lead cooking classes, both in-person and online. Heidi's unique perspective is perfect for creators looking to bridge the gap between digital content and live, interactive teaching.
+ One more speaker to be announced soon!
We will touch on these topics and more:
- Diversifying Revenue + Scaling your Brand
- The Path to Publishing: Inside the Cookbook Industry
- Interactive Roundtables + "Hot Seats" to solve your specific pain points.
- Advanced Food Photography & Editing
- Personalized Email Strategies
- Working in Television
Unparalleled Access: Our speakers aren't just visiting; they're staying. Most of our experts will be with us all weekend, providing you with ample time for informal mentorship and personalized advice. This is a rare opportunity for one-on-one breakthroughs and deep-dive conversations over coffee or wine, at dinner or in the pool.
The Legacy: Your registration includes entry into a post-retreat mastermind group, meeting monthly to ensure the momentum from Kelowna carries you through the year.
Sponsors
Touchwood Editions is our publishing sponsor. I had a fantastic experience publishing my cookbook with them and am so excited to see what books they bring for our group!
We will be reaching out to local Canadian food and beverage brands for sponsorships and products to sample during the weekend. If you are interested in getting your products in front of this group, please contact me.
The Details
- Dates: October 15-18, 2026
- Investment: $2,950+tax (Includes lodging, all meals, all non-alcoholic beverages and some local wines, group activities, and speaker sessions)
- Travel: Kelowna International Airport (YLW) offers easy flights from major Canadian and US hubs.
- Policy: Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable to an approved attendee.
This is for you if...
You are an established blogger looking for more than just "tips and tricks." You want a community of peers who "get it." You want to talk shop during the day and laugh over incredible wine at night. You are ready to invest in your business and yourself.
Space is limited to 18 attendees. To sign up, click sign up now and fill out the form. I can't wait to see you there!
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Meet Your Host: Sabrina Currie
As a food writer, photographer, cookbook author and the creator of West Coast Kitchen Garden, I designed this retreat to be the event I always wanted to attend: high-value, beautifully curated, and deeply personal. I can't wait to welcome you to the West Coast and show you what we have to offer!
Find out more about me here.
