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🥕The Columbia Basin's only annual Food Summit & Buyer Expo! Join us in Nelson BC November 6-8 2025 for #FABx25

Attention local food producers, caterers & farmers

🍔 Nelson Burger Month restaurants, there’s st

🍔 Nelson Burger Month restaurants, there’s still time to join us! 🍔 On Friday, November 7, hundreds of food lovers will be in Nelson for the Basin Food Summit & Expo with free burger vouchers in hand. So make sure your restaurant is one of the destinations they’ll be heading to!

Here’s how to be part of our burger month promo:

✅ Feature at least one Columbia Basin ingredient in your burger
✅ Highlight the local food producer in your menu description
✅ Send a chef, F&B manager or buyer to the Expo on Friday, Nov 7 for a one-hour walk-through, a free lunch and so much more!

Why sign up?
💸 Get reimbursed by Columbia Basin Trust for every free burger redeemed
📣 Enjoy social media promotion + a spotlight on your “Basin Burger” creation

Sign up and get involved by sending us an email at info@basinfood.ca!

@columbiabasintrust is a proud annual sponsor of the Basin Food Summit & Expo, demonstrating its strong commitment to regional food systems.

#BasinFood #BasinFoodSummit #Expo #NelsonBC #Kootenays #WestKootenays #BurgerMonth #Burger #LocalFood #LocalIngredients #Local #FoodSector #FABx25 #FABx

🍴 If you’re a local foodie ready to expand yo

🍴 If you’re a local foodie ready to expand your taste buds, the Basin Food Summit & Expo has a variety of public events happening this year including an indoor market, the new Basin Food Film Fest and so much more! You’rve invited to enjoy a taste of the Basin And it’s all happening in Nelson, BC from November 6-8, 2025.

This year’s Basin Summit & Expo we’re opening things up so everyone can enjoy a taste of the Columbia Basin!

Free events open to the public on Saturday, November 8:

🛍️ Indoor Public Market – Explore 60+ vendors from across the Columbia Basin. Sip, sample and shop local while discovering producers and makers you won’t find at your regular farmers market.

📽️ Basin Food Film Fest – FREE all day! Enjoy a diverse line-up of food-focused films, plus inspiring talks from guest speakers in the Scholar Room at @selkirkcollege.

🍰 Dessert Showcase – End the weekend on a sweet note with creations from local pastry chefs and bakers, where you can pay-per-bite to taste their treats!

Learn more here → www.basinfood.ca (link in bio)

@columbiabasintrust is a proud annual sponsor of this event, demonstrating its strong commitment to regional food systems.

#BasinFood #BasinFoodSummit #NelsonBC #Kootenays #WestKootenays #Food #Foodie #PublicEvent #event #localfood #buylocal #shoplocal #Foodproducer #foodbuyer #localfoodsector

Twenty local chefs and food industry folks gathere

Buyers, this one’s for you! 👨‍💼👩‍🌾 🧑‍🍳 The 2025 Basin Food Summit & Expo is your chance to meet the Columbia Basin's top growers, makers and food producers. We’ve designed Friday, November 7 with you in mind: a full day of insights, connections and opportunities to source the very best of Columbia Basin food. And the best part is you get in FREE, you just need to register.

What’s going on:

🥗 Local & delicious seasonal lunch

🧑‍🌾 NEW this year! Speed-Date-a-Farmer – one hour of fast-paced, meaningful conversations with farmers and growers!

🍅Industry-only Expo – two hours to connect with over 60 Columbia Basin food producers, sample and source.

🍸 Buyers on Tap – one hour of casual networking with food producers over a drink

Whether you join us for the full day or just the afternoon, you’ll walk away with new relationships, local sourcing opportunities and a deeper understanding of the Columbia Basin food landscape.

If you’d like to be included in our Buyers On Tap, Speed-Date-a-Farmer or or be on a panel, get in touch with us at info@basinfood.ca.

Learn more and register for free at https://basinfood.ca/

@columbiabasintrust is a proud annual sponsor of this event, demonstrating its strong commitment to regional food systems.

#BasinFood #FoodBuyer #Buyer #Grocer #Chef #LocalChef #EastKootenays #FoodProducer #FABx25 #BasinFoodSummit #Kootenays #NelsonBC #WestKootenays

Do you have a recent food-centred innovation or ex

Do you have a recent food-centred innovation or exciting food project you’d love to share? We are now accepting submissions for our beloved Community Soap Box Session at this year’s event!

Community Soap Box is a standing one-hour session where stakeholders from across the region gather to share rich stories, valuable knowledge and exciting project updates - all in just 5 minutes each. 🌟It’s been a super valuable way to celebrate wins across our food systems!

We’re looking for six people to share their own five-minute micro-presentation to a full audience.

If you’re interested, drop us a message at info@basinfood.ca or DM us here!

Do you have your ticket yet? Join us in Nelson, BC from November 6-8, 2025 for events like this and so much more! Get your ticket here → www.basinfood.ca (link in bio)

@columbiabasintrust is a proud annual sponsor of this event, demonstrating its strong commitment to regional food systems.

#BasinFood #NelsonBC #Kootenays #BasinFoodSummit #FoodProducer #BuyLocal #BasinFood #FABx #WestKootenays #FABx25 #EastKootenays #foodProject #FoodInnovation

Calling all local food producers! 📣 We have som

Calling all local food producers! 📣 We have some incredible opportunities for you at the 2025 Basin Food Summit & Expo (November 6-8, 2025)! This year, we’re thrilled to welcome buyers from across the Columbia Basin (and beyond!) and this is your chance to get in front of them.

⭐Become an Exhibitor

As an exhibitor, you’ll gain invaluable exposure, connect with like-minded foodies and get…

🎟️ An 8ft table in both the Industry-Only Expo and Public Indoor Market
🤝 Access to 1:1 Buyers on Tap sessions
👥 Full event admission for one person
🍴 Enjoy the Taste of the Basin, with two seasonal local lunches and a coffee bar to keep you energized
🍔 Basin Burger Voucher for a night out on the town on Friday
📚 Access to two days of workshops, sessions, tours, film fest and networking

⭐Become a Featured Producer

Not all sponsorships need to come in the form of cash which is why we’re proud to offer a Featured Producer option for those who grow, raise, brew, bake, or make Basin food and drinks!

Instead of a cash contribution, Featured Producers may fulfill a sponsorship by contributing a product at wholesale value, which will be featured across the event in the menus, gifting, hospitality and promotional activities. You’ll also receive the standard benefits of the corresponding sponsorship tier!

Learn more by clicking the links in our bio or get in touch with us by sending us a DM or emailing us at info@basinfood.ca.

@columbiabasintrust is a proud annual sponsor of this event, demonstrating its strong commitment to regional food systems.

#BasinFood #BasinFoodSummit #NelsonBC #Kootenays #WestKootenays #EastKootenays #FoodProducer #FoorBuyer #LocalFood #LocalFarm #BuyLocal #Food #FABx #FABx25 #Sponsor #Sponsorship #Support

🌱 Meet @mandi.lunan — the Kootenay Rep for BC

🌱 Meet @mandi.lunan — the Kootenay Rep for BC Food & Beverage! We’re excited to welcome BC Food & Beverage back as a sponsor of the 2025 Basin Food Summit & Expo (Nov 6–8 in Nelson)!

@bcfoodandbev is the industry association for food and beverage processors across the province. As Mandi shares, “British Columbia is such a diverse province, and each region has unique challenges. My role is to bring the Kootenays’ voice forward, make sure it’s heard, and connect our food community to the resources and advocacy that BC Food & Beverage provides.”

🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏻Through local peer groups, Mandi gathers food businesses to learn from one another and share strategies. Past sessions have tackled tough but important topics: tariffs, emergency planning, and barriers to youth entrepreneurship. As a former bakery owner herself, she knows how challenging it can be to break into the industry at a young age, and she’s passionate about creating pathways for new food entrepreneurs.

At this year’s event, BC Food & Beverage will be hosting a table where YOU can vote on or suggest the next peer group topics. Whether it’s advocacy, education or regional issues you want addressed, this is your chance to shape the conversation. 🥑

Why sponsor Basin Food? For Mandi and the folks at BC Food and Beverage, it’s simple: “This is the most significant food event in our region. It feels like summer camp for business owners - authentic, inspiring and honest. We come together not just to celebrate, but to talk about the hard stuff too: mental health, frustrations, the loneliness of entrepreneurship. That honesty is rare, and it’s what makes this gathering so powerful.” 🙌

Thank you to BC Food & Beverage for supporting the future of food in the Columbia Basin, and to Mandi for not only adding so much to our event through panels and workshops but also for being our biggest fan. 😍

Learn more about BC Food and Beverage and Mandi by clicking the links in our bio!

Join us November 6–8 in Nelson. Get your tickets (link in bio)!

@columbiabasintrust is a proud annual sponsor of this event, demonstrating its strong commitment to regional food systems.

#BasinFood #WestKootenays #FoodCoach

🍔 Calling all Nelson Burger Month participants!

🍔 Calling all Nelson Burger Month participants! 🍔 We want YOU to be part of the Basin Food Summit & Expo experience this November! On Friday, November 7, hundreds of local food lovers will be exploring Nelson, and we’re sending them out with free burger vouchers to enjoy dinner at participating restaurants.

Here’s how you can join in (and it’s simple!):
✅ Feature at least one Columbia Basin food ingredient in your burger
✅ Name the Columbia Basin producer in the burger description
✅ Commit to sending a chef, F&B manager, or buyer to the Summit Expo on November 7 (for a minimum 1-hour walk-through in the afternoon). Bonus: they’re invited to a free lunch + our “Speed-Date-a-Farmer” session!

In exchange, you’ll get:
🍔 Inclusion in our Burger Voucher Promo (250–400 attendees expected).
💸 Reimbursement from Columbia Basin Trust for redeemed free burgers.
📣 Social media promotion + spotlight on your creative “Basin Burger.”

Let’s celebrate local ingredients, support Basin producers and make this Burger Month one to remember!

👉 Interested? Reach out to us at info@basinfood.ca to sign up and claim your spot!

@columbiabasintrust is a proud annual sponsor of this event, demonstrating its strong commitment to regional food systems.

#BasinFood #BasinFoodSummit #NelsonBC #BurgerMonth #NelsonBurgerMonth #LocalFood #BuyLocal #LocalFarmer #FoodProducer #FoodBuyer #FABx #FABx25 #Kootenays #WestKootenays #Burger

🌱🎬 NEW for 2025: the Basin Food Film Festiva

🌱🎬 NEW for 2025: the Basin Food Film Festival! This year’s Basin Food Summit & Expo in Nelson will feature something deliciously different: the very first Basin Food Film Festival, curated by Jon Steinman, founder of the beloved Deconstructing Dinner Film Festival (DDFF)!

Get ready for thought-provoking films, mouth-watering events, and a few nods to DDFF classics:
✨ The always-popular Opening Night Party + Oyster Bar 🦪
✨ The annual chocolate-themed event… now expanded into a decadent dessert celebration

These films will take you from the soil beneath our feet to global food systems, exploring the failures and vulnerabilities of the systems supplying us with food - vulnerabilities that we have all come to know so well since 2020. But working through those challenges are people with deep dedication and commitment to doing something different and for little financial reward. These films and events will share those stories. 🌍

The 2025 theme is “Pollination” and we think the knowledge exchange through film is definitely a form of pollination, carrying wisdom, values and survival strategies from one generation to the next. This includes the regional food supply’s capacity to adapt to changing conditions, just like ecosystems do.

For nearly 20 years, Jon has been cooking up projects that connect people to local food in the Columbia Basin. He’s the author of Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants, the creator of the award-winning Deconstructing Dinner radio, TV, and film festival series, and now helps grow community-owned grocery stores across North America.

Stay tuned for more Basin Food Film Fest info, coming soon! And in the meantime, grab your ticket to this year’s event → www.basinfood.ca (link in bio).

@columbiabasintrust is a proud annual sponsor of this event, demonstrating its strong commitment to regional food systems.

#BasinFood #BasinFoodSummit #NelsonBC #WestKootenays #BasinFoodFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Films #FoodFilms #DeconstructingDinner #Kootenays #ColumbiaBasin #FoodExpo #Food #localFood #Foodproducer #FoodBuyer

2025 is the UN International Year of Cooperatives!

2025 is the UN International Year of Cooperatives! ✨🌱🌍 Are you a member of a credit union? 🙌 You own your bank. Have a Co-op gas station number? ⛽ You own a gas station. Part of the Kootenay Carshare Co-op? 🚗 You’re the proud owner of 20 vehicles across the Kootenays!

From financial services to transportation, grocery stores to media, cooperatives put power in the hands of the people who rely on them. In worker and producer co-ops, employees and small businesses take greater control of their workplaces and industries.

This matters for the local food sector too. Imagine more community-owned farms, co-op grocery stores, and producer co-ops that keep profits local, support fair wages, and strengthen food security across the Columbia Basin. 🍎

Co-ops are democratic by design…members elect their leaders, make decisions together and chart their own future. They democratize the economy and keep essential services rooted in community values.

In this International Year of Cooperatives, let’s reimagine what’s possible when food systems are owned and shaped by the very people they feed. 💚

@columbiabasintrust is a proud annual sponsor of this event, demonstrating its strong commitment to regional food systems.

#Coops #YearOfTheCoop #BasinFood #BasinFoodSummit #FABx #FABx25 #Food #localFood #FoodCoop #cooperative #carcoop #gascoop #Community

What an incredible afternoon at our Chef’s Round

What an incredible afternoon at our Chef’s Roundtable Lunch in Nelson! 🧑‍🍳 Yesterday, local chefs gathered for a seasonal farm-to-table lunch and meaningful conversations about the future of food in the Columbia Basin.

Together, we explored strategies for sourcing locally, shared insights on what chefs need from producers, and brainstormed ways to make this year’s Basin Food Summit & Buyer Expo (Nov 6-8, 2025) even more valuable.

Special thanks to Kyle Dampsy, Owner + Chef de Cuisine of @theblockatrailtown, for sharing his expertise on menu-ready sourcing strategies, and to all the chefs who contributed their voices to help strengthen local food systems. 🍅🥕

This free roundtable lunch was our way of investing in the chefs who bring Basin food to life on their menus, and the conversations we had will help shape future events and opportunities.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for the food and dialogue.💚

If you didn’t attend but still want to provide feedback, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Visit the link in our bio!

@columbiabasintrust is a proud annual sponsor of this event, demonstrating its strong commitment to regional food systems.

Want to align your brand with something deliciousl

Real connections = lasting impact. 🤝That’s th

Real connections = lasting impact. 🤝That’s the power of networking at the Basin Food Summit & Expo.

Each year, we hear stories of food producers and buyers meeting at the event, sharing a meal, sparking a conversation and walking away with a new partner, supplier or long-term collaborator. 🌱

At the Basin Food Summit & Expo, networking isn’t an afterthought. It’s woven into everything we do:

🥗 Lots of opportunities to share meals together, including the Farm-To-Table Dinner
🥑 The Expo and public market offer many chances for conversations, laughs and connecting in the photo booth!
🛠️ Panel discussions and workshops that spark deeper conversations
🍻 Buyers on Tap, which is designed to build real commitment and momentum between buyers and producers

Whether you're rekindling a connection or forging something new, this is the place to build the relationships that grow your food business.

And we welcome producers and buyers from across the Columbia Basin, Okanagan, Revelstoke and beyond.

Learn more and get your ticket at www.basinfood.ca (link in bio).

#BasinFood #NelsonBC #Connections #Networking #Collaboration #LocalFood #Kootenays #WestKootenays #Chef #FoodProducer #Foodie #FABx #FABx25 #FoodBuyer

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 Basin F

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 Basin Food Summit & Expo is partnering with @selkirkcollege as our main venue this year!

The college's Nelson campus will host many of this year’s events, including our beloved Farm-to-Table Dinner and one of the delicious summit lunches. These incredible meals will be created and served by second-year students in the Culinary Management program led by the incredible Chef Thomas.

👨‍🍳 And it’s a win-win. In return for feeding us, we’re giving back by engaging the students in hands-on masterclasses with local food experts. It’s an incredible opportunity for the next generation to learn new skills and broaden their horizons.

🎬 PLUS: We’re launching the first-ever Basin Food Film Festival in the beautiful Shambhala Music & Performance Hall, also on campus!

Big thanks to Selkirk College for hosting and for being such an inspiring part of our regional food story.👏
Stay tuned for more details soon at www.basinfood.ca. (link in bio)

#BasinFood #NelsonBC #SelkirkCollege #Kootenays #WestKootenays #LocalFood #CulinaryProgram #CulinarySchool

Calling all local chefs! 🧑‍🍳You're invited

Calling all local chefs! 🧑‍🍳You're invited to an exclusive free Chef’s Roundtable Lunch on Tuesday, August 19 in Nelson (RSVP for location details) from 12:30-2:30pm. You’ll join fellow local chefs for a seasonal farm-to-table lunch, meaningful conversation and a chance to shape the future of local food procurement in the Columbia Basin.

We’ll dive into:
🥣 Local sourcing strategies for your menu that work - with Kyle Dampsy, Owner + Chef de Cuisine of The Block at Railtown.
🥣 What you need from local suppliers & producers
🥣 How to make this year’s Basin Food Summit & Buyer Expo (Nov 7-9, 2025) invaluable to you
🥣 Plus a sneak peek at our new Burger Month incentives for this year’s event!

This lunch is totally free because this is our way of investing in you, and in the future of our local food shed.

Space is limited so register now → link in bio

#BasinFood #Chef #LocalChef #Kootenays #WestKootenays #LocalFood #FABx #FABx25 #Food #Foodie #FoodSector #FoodProducer #FoodBuyer #Sourcing #SourcingStrategies

Looking for a place to rest your head after a day

Looking for a place to rest your head after a day of food and fun?! 🛏️ We’ve lined up some hotel deals in Nelson, BC just for you! 🌿 Stay close to the action from November 6-8, 2025 and enjoy 10% off at these local favourites—plus a few extra perks. 👇

🏨 @humehotel – 10% off + breakfast & parking

🏨 Best Western Baker Street Inn – 10% off + discounted breakfast at Marzano

🏨 @prestigelakesidenelson – 10% off + parking

🏨 Prestige Inn – 10% off + parking

🏨 @the.adventure.nelson – 10% off + first-come, first-serve parking

Book online or call the hotel directly to book and use discount code: “Basin Food”

Today is the FINAL day to get your Early Bird All Access Pass for just $75! Prices go up tomorrow.

🎟️ Snag your early bird pass here → link in bio

📸: Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton/Hume Hotel/Touchstones Museum

#BasinFood #BasinFoodSummit #LocalHotels #Hotels #Accomodations #NelsonBC #BuyLocal #Foodie #FoodProducer #FoodBuyer #Grocer #Chef #FABx25 #FABx

🐦 Last call for early bird passes! 🐦 There’s just three more days to snag your all access early bird pass for just $75 to the 2025 Basin Food Summit & Expo! Prices go up on August 1.

Your pass includes:
🥕 Full conference access from November 6-8
🍔 Nelson Burger Month dining offers
🎬 Film screenings + exclusive events
🧀 Local tours, tastings + pop-ups
🍽️ A seat at the Farm-to-Table Dinner (limited! $50 value) - we sell out every year!!

Join us in Nelson from November 6–8 for all of this and so much more!

🎟️ Snag your early bird pass here → link in bio

#BasinFood #BasinFoodSummit #BuyerExpo #NelsonBC #WestKootenays #EastKootenays #Kootenays #LocalFood #BuyLocal #ShopLocal #EarlyBird #FarmToTable #FoodFilmFest

Last year, the Basin Food Summit & Expo brought th

Last year, the Basin Food Summit & Expo brought the Columbia Basin’s food system together like never before, and the impact was real. Held in Nakusp, this event provided a unique platform for networking, showcasing regional innovations, and fostering meaningful connections within the local food sector.

Here’s a look at what we accomplished together in 2024:

📍 255 attendees from across the Columbia Basin and beyond
🧑‍🌾 60 food producers and 55 food buyers
🛒 1 buzzing Buyer Expo, full of meaningful connections
🎤 Multiple workshops, panels, and roundtables
🍄 A Mushroom Marketplace
🍽️ A sold-out Farm-to-Table Dinner
🎶 1 unforgettable mushroom sound bath at Nakusp Hot Springs (yes, really)

From skills training to storytelling, tastings to tours, the 2024 summit was all about collaboration and action…and we’re just getting started.

Join us this year from November 6–8, 2025 in Nelson, BC.

🎟️ Snag your all access early bird pass for just $75 before prices go up to $125 on August 1!→ link in bio

#BasinFood #BasinFoodSummit #NelsonBC #WestKootenays #Kootenays
#KootenayLake #Foodproducer #Chef #FABx25 #Grocer #FoodBuyer #Foodie #ExploreKootenayLake #FoodEvent #KootenayFood #Food #Farmer #LocalFood #ExploreBC

From local to wholesale, show up ready for the Bas

From local to wholesale, show up ready for the Basin Food Summit & Expo!

If you’re a producer moving from markets or direct sales into wholesale, now’s the time to prepare.

We’re excited to share an opportunity with @basinbusinessadvisors, designed to help you make the most of your time at FABx25!

'Selling to Retail: From Pitch to Shelf' is a live, online course to get you and your product wholesale-ready.

Over six weeks, participants will:
✔ Join live online workshops with retail expert Stephanie Ames
✔ Collaborate in working groups with fellow producers
✔ Receive confidential 1:1 advising to sharpen their pitch, pricing and wholesale strategy

The course runs from August 19 – September 23, 2025 and is live every Tuesday from 9:00–10:15 a.m. PT

The Basin Food Summit & Expo takes place November 6-8, 2025. Make the most of your Expo connections with this course, which will ensure you're ready to pitch, price and place your product. Best of all, it’s offered at no cost to eligible Columbia Basin businesses.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity, apply for the course by clicking the link in our bio!

#BasinFood #BasinFoodSummit #OnlineCourse #NelsonBC #Kootenays #RetailAdvice #RetailCourse #Selling #HowToSell #wholesale #Foodproducer #KootenayLake

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