Stories Are Crucial: Nick Papadopoulos to Open IFBC17

The IFBC is pleased to welcome Nick “Nicky Bobby” Papadopoulos, the CEO and Co-Founder of CropMobster as the opening speaker for IFBC17. CropMobster serves as a “good vibes version of Craigslist” for food and agriculture communities, and Nick is leading the movement through his own brand of story-telling.

Nick is excited to join us at IFBC17 where he plans to share the power of a well told story and the influence all food writers have on the food community and beyond. Whether your interest is food waste and farming, the cultural history of recipes, or kid friendly meal plans, there is power in your words. Nick’s energy and enthusiasm are inspiring and as he reflects on the practice of writing and story-telling through both words and video, he’ll examine where we’re going and how we can make the most of our craft.

A skilled writer, Nick’s writing and work has been featured in the Huffington Post, TIME and Fast Company. He developed the resource exchange, CropMobster, after working on his family’s farm and witnessing first-hand the toll food waste and other issues take on farmers, small food businesses, and local communities. He has since also created CropMobster TV, a platform to document his adventures through different food communities as he hunts for positive stories of impact. Developed in partnership with Food Tank and the University of California Division of Agriculture and National Resources, his work has been recognized by organizations such as the United Nations Foundation, The Red Cross, and Only Organic.

“I have driven over 4,500 miles and who knows how far left to go” Nick said.  “I am traveling around, sleeping on couches, and interviewing people from worm composters and food banks to fishermen and a seven year old kid growing his own garden. This is one of those trips and projects where you can’t rush the magic!”

Currently on a slime eel fisherman’s boat in the ocean, Nick and his wife, Jess, are travelling California with his 10-foot, handmade “Selfie Pole” interviewing farmers, gardeners, and food system leaders for CropMobster TV (Season 2). You can check out the first two episodes of Season 2 here and here.

Join Nick and #IFBC17 in Sacramento from September 28-October 1 at the Sacramento Convention Center. Register today.