I think you are looking for events that you would like and enjoy that would have the food as well so that you could right off the trip.

Your best bet is to Google the events you like and inquire about the food aspect and see if it is major enough to achieve your goal.

I know you knew that and were just inquiring if anyone here has any good ideas, but as you can see nothing has been mentioned.

You could start with the major food only events, such as rib burn offs (like the one where Mango smashed his bus) and work out from there, networking with the people you meet at such events.

Good luck and keep good books

JIM