Application Period Open for 2016 WFC Blogger Summit; Participants to experience luxury accommodations and education in the exploding world of Food Sport

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (June 23, 2016) — World Food Championships (WFC), the largest competition cooking event in the world, has announced July 31 as the application deadline for a three-day Blogger Summit for interested food and travel writers.

Taking place Nov. 7-9, WFC's Blogger Summit is highlighted by discussions in seafood sustainability, a private tour of a globally significant oyster farm, an onboard tour of one of the largest commercial fishing vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, and insiders' knowledge of food trends amidst the growing culture of food competitions known as FoodSport.

This year's Blogger Summit is highlighted by three nights of complimentary accommodations Turquoise Place, a premier resort destination in a condominium-style setting with amenities like no other along the northern Gulf Coast. Condominium units range from three to five bedrooms, and offer spacious floor plans with floor-to-ceiling views and grand balconies. The resort boasts a 450-foot-long heated lazy river, indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, saunas and many other attractions.

The WFC Blogger Summit will capitalize on the energy, excitement and economic impact of the anticipated 1,200 chefs, home cooks and competition teams who will compete for World Food Championships' $100,000 grand prize in the week that follows. In fact, participating bloggers and writers can judge the opening round of the World Dessert Championship after earning a certification in WFC's proprietary E.A.T. Scoring Methodology.

To participate, Bloggers must submit an application and brief writing sample through the official website (www.WorldFoodChampionships.com/Blogger-Summit), along with information about their writing history, current commissions and assignments, and details about their readership numbers. From all applications, WFC will select 50 writers to participate.

It's all in advance of World Food Championships' 5th anniversary competition, which takes place Nov. 9-15 at The Wharf (www.alwharf.com). The Wharf is an Orange Beach premier destination with a full-service marina, retail, dining and entertainment options anchored by a multi-use event center and a 10,000-seat amphitheater.

“We're offering this year's bloggers an insider track to understanding the growing FoodSport phenomenon that is sweeping the globe,” said Mike McCloud. “Last year's Blogger Summit featured national and international bloggers with a cumulative social media reach of more than one million followers. We expect an even greater footprint this year.”

World Food Championships estimates its competitor base alone represents more than $100 million dollars in purchasing power annually. Last year's World Food Championships attracted more than 1,100 competitors from almost 20 countries and 45 states. More than $350,000 in cash and prizes is on the line, including the industry-leading $100,000 grand prize.

Said Beth Gendler, vice president of sales at the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission, “World Food Championships' Blogger Summit allows us to leverage the relevance of our local Alabama seafood industry into the larger discussions of food trends and sustainability while giving these bloggers and writers first-hand experience with FoodSport.”

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism welcomes more than 5.7 million individuals to the Alabama Gulf Coast each year for family reunions, vacations, meetings and sporting events. Marked by its sugar-white sand beaches, deep-sea fishing and countless family attractions, the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area is one of the world's leading beach destinations. Centrally located along the Gulf Coast, and a short drive from airports in Pensacola, Florida and Mobile, Alabama, Orange Beach's lodging properties are ideal for beach-side access or inland retreats that are both convenient and affordable. A spectrum of local dining, upscale shopping, fishing, golf, nature and adventure-based excursions also contribute to a spectacular vacation, holiday or leisure experience.

The World Food Championships was created in 2012 and has experienced rapid growth ever since. From a 30% annualized growth in competitors, to its second TV series that is currently airing this summer on Destination America, the WFC has evolved into a year-long quest for thousands of competitors and foodies as well as a marketing platform for innovative companies.

The bulk of WFC's food fights occur in the world's largest outdoor kitchen, which features $250,000 worth of stoves, cooktops, countertops and cookware – enough for 50 chefs to cook simultaneously. An additional $100,000 worth of professional grills from Bull Outdoor Products affords open-flame grilling.

To learn more about the WFC and its qualifying events, tournament-style process or consumer experiences, visit www.worldfoodchampionships.com.

To learn more about Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, visit www.orangebeach.com.

To learn more about The Wharf, visit www.alwharf.com.

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