**Marketing can seem daunting to someone with no experience. Throw social media into the mix and it can often be the most intimidating and “chore like" aspect to being a food and beverage entrepreneur.**

How do I feature my product if I can't afford photography? When is the best time to post content? How do I make sure my content is 'on brand'?
If these questions sound familiar, join us on Wednesday, March 12 at 5:00 pm in the Downtown Market Banquet Room for Culinary Conversations: Picture Perfect Marketing!

At this free-to-attend event, photography and marketing experts will come together to share the art of visual storytelling in the culinary world. Our expert speakers will empower you with the skills and knowledge needed to elevate your food brand's presence using only your smartphone!
Beyond photography and social media, delve into the world of utilizing AI to develop your unique brand identity and marketing strategy. Learn how to craft and post engaging content that resonates with your audience, enhancing your brand.

Whether you're a food truck owner, packaged food producer, caterer or aspiring entrepreneur, this event offers something for everyone. Network with other food and beverage entrepreneurs, meet industry experts, gain valuable insights, and leave with the confidence to transform your food marketing approach.

**Guest Speakers:**
**Jeff Hage, Green Frog Photos**
Jeff Hage grew up in a diverse, ethnic home surrounded by food. Some of his first jobs were working in kitchens. It’s no surprise that photographing food is one of his passions. Hage cut his teeth in the creative industry shooting catalog work and taking any job he could get to learn all of the types of photography. Shooting for top creative talent and leadership in advertising and marketing, as well as working closely with restaurants, retailers, and food producers has given him unique insight into people’s behaviors, buying habits and desires. With over 40 years of experience as a photographer, consultant, and speaker, Hage helps companies – global and local – stop the eye, set the mood, and start the sale.

**Jarran Fountain, Jarran, LLC**
*(Pronounced like "Aaron" with a "J")*

Jarran Fountain is a designer, problem solver, and creative worker with over five years of experience in branding, marketing, community engagement, and public placemaking. His approach centers on intentional design, combining creativity and strategy to deliver solutions that inspire and connect.
With a strong foundation in thoughtful design practices, Jarran works with businesses and communities to create meaningful impact through branding, content creation, and marketing strategy. Guided by adaptability, balance, curiosity, and intention, he helps turn ideas into actionable, lasting results. Connect to create. Create to connect.

**Jason Schemmel, Get Social Done**
Jason Schemmel is a digital marketing strategist and AI enthusiast who’s spent 14+ years helping businesses cut through the noise and get real results. As the founder of Get Social Done, he’s all about making high-level marketing strategies simple, effective, and actually useful - from startups to long established businesses. He’s trained global sales teams and spoken at top industry events, but at the end of the day, he just loves helping businesses win. If you’re looking for straight talk, smart strategies, and a little fun along the way, Jason’s your guy.

Snacks and beverages will be provided.

*By registering for Culinary Conversations events, you permit the use of your image (including, but not limited to photographs, audio recordings, or videos), without charge and without reservation—all or a portion of your story, likeness, and voice in future Downtown Market promotion.*
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*The Culinary Conversations MeetUp group is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, MSU Extension, and Start Garden.*

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Culinary Conversations Grand Rapids

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Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneur Networking

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Food Industry

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Culinary Conversations: Picture Perfect Marketing (and AI!)

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Culinary Conversations Grand Rapids

Culinary Conversations: Picture Perfect Marketing (and AI!)

Culinary Conversations Grand Rapids

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