2015 RECAP - Nicky USA

2015 RECAP
2016 SPONSORSHIP & VENDOR
OPPORTUNITIES
1
Wild About Game was
fantastic because it encourages
development of Seattle and
Portland chef connections.
We made some friends from
Portland that we would not
have normally made without
the cauldron created by Nicky
where all the chefs had to
cook, compete, encourage and
celebrate together over the
course of the weekend. In
addition to finding Portland
connections, our Seattle
friendships were solidified as
our fellow Seattle chefs found
themselves on foreign, but very
welcoming ground.
Wiley & PK Frank,
Little Uncle, Seattle
This event, year in and year out,
brings together some of the most
talented, passionate, fun and sincere
food and beverage professionals in
the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
It is a great opportunity to network
within the industry and reach
a captive consumer audience.
Additionally, the purveyors and
chefs seem to elevate the experience
every time.
David DeWitt, Ste. Michelle Winery
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2015 RECAP
2016 SPONSORSHIP & VENDOR
OPPORTUNITIES
WHAT’S INSIDE
About4
Key Metrics & Fun Factoids
5
Cooking Competition
7
Artisan Marketplace
Sponsors, Vendors &
Participants
11
After-Party15
2016 Sponsorship &
Vendor Opportunities
16
Photo Credits: John Valls, Jordan Fox, Judiaann Woo
ALL ABOUT WAG
Nicky USA’s Wild About Game, the meatiest culinary celebration in the Northwest, is our signature event of
the year. The gathering brings together the farmers, ranchers and producers of the finest meats & artisanal
goods, and the chefs that use their bounty. Wild About Game is centered around two main components –
a game cooking competition between some of Portland & Seattle’s best chefs and the Artisan Marketplace
featuring over forty vendors representing a taste of the great products that we offer at Nicky USA in addition
to some of our favorite Northwest food & beverage artisans. The event is our way of saying thank you to our
customers and suppliers, and inviting the public to enjoy an insider’s view of the food industry.
In 2015 we hosted our 15th annual Wild About Game, as well as celebrated our 25th year in business at
Nicky USA. Over 500 attendees enjoyed a beautiful day at The Resort at the Mountain and were treated to a
staggering amount of delicious food and beverages. Thanks to all who made this year’s event so memorable,
especially our hard working staff who worked tirelessly towards its success. I can’t wait to see everyone
and enjoy the festivities at Wild About Game 2016. Geoff Latham, Founder & Owner, Nicky USA
Geoff and his wife, Melody.
Nicky did a superb job in setting
up everything needed for all of the
competition chefs to succeed. Nicky’s
generosity all across the board, from
arrival to departure, was a bonus that
mirrors how they do business with
us on a daily basis.
PK & Wiley Frank, Little Uncle
(2015 Game Cook-Off chefs)
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KEY METRICS &
FUN FACTOIDS
Wild About Game
October 11, 2015
Resort at
the Mountain
Welches, OR
508 Attendees
73% Restaurant
& Retail Industry
and 27% General
Public.
The various “food shows” I have attended have attempted to pull
off the cool, forward thinking event…but always come up short.
This is a true food event, where consumers are able to get a
little insight into the industry and rub shoulders with folks they
would otherwise be unable to. On the other hand, as a vendor,
you are able to talk about your product to people that have real
interest in what we’re doing (both prospective customers and
consumers eating at those restaurants).
Nick Guantone, Creekstone Farms Premium Beef
2015 Sponsor/Vendor
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Pre-Event
Media Features:
Wild About Game Interviews (w/ competing chef/restaurant,
sponsor & vendor mentions) – KPTV, The Simple Kitchen
with Missy Maki (AM 860 KPAM), Locals Only (750 AM)
Post-Event Media Features:
Portland Monthly Magazine,
The Portland Mercury, Seattle Met
Magazine, Examiner.com
Social Media:
1000+ posts to #wildaboutgame,
#wag2015, #nickyusa, #meatconcierge
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COOKING COMPETITION
The 2015 Game Cook-Off featured a friendly, but fiercely
competitive, competition between eight of Portland and
Seattle’s best chefs.
List and Results
OVERALL WINNER
Chef Carlo Lamagna, Clyde Common
PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER
Andrew Mace, Le Pigeon
ROUND 1: NICKY FARMS WATER BUFFALO
Johanna Ware, smallwares
Water Buffalo Bolognese w/ liver, gochujang, rice cakes,
fish sauce slaw
PK & Wiley Frank, Little Uncle WINNER
Water Buffalo Noodle Soup w/ wai wai noodles, lu chin
water buffalo meatballs, fried garlic oil, celery, chili
vinegar, shredded water buffalo jerky
ROUND 2: NICKY FARMS RABBIT
Carlo Lamagna, Clyde Common WINNER
Rabbit Arroz Caldo w/ smoked rabbit leg, rabbit confit,
lumpia, offal cracklin’, pickled ramp relish garlic chips
Valencia rice
Brian McCracken, Spur Gastropub
Rabbit & Mushroom Terrine w/ carrots and tender herbs
ROUND 3: NICKY FARMS QUAIL
Andrew Mace, Le Pigeon WINNER
Chicken-Fried Quail w/ smoked foie gras pumpkin pie
Stuart Lane, Spinasse
Boned Quail Leg stuffed w/ quail mousse & lightly
fermented quail egg, celery root purée, smoked quail
consummé, crispy mortadella quail chip
It was an amazing and well-put together
event showcasing a lot of great local
products and highlighting the meats
that helped launch Nicky USA in the
business. It really was an honor to be
invited, being the new kid in town. If
you look back at the history of the event,
some great chefs have participated. It
was really an honor to cook with some of
the top talent in the PNW and humbling
to have taken the judges’ choice.
It is amazing to see the community
that Nicky has built and the product
quality of the product that they provide.
I can only hope that I achieve the same
successes that the previous winners
have and will always be appreciative of
the welcoming support that I received
from the staff at Nicky ever since I took
over here at Clyde.
Carlo G. Lamagna, Executive Chef
Clyde Common
ROUND 4: NICKY FARMS WILD HAWAIIAN VENISON
Doug Adams, Imperial WINNER
Venison Gumbo w/ venison carpaccio, bone marrow
vinaigrette, pickled chanterelles
Eric Sakai, Restaurant Marron
Venison & Wild Mushroom “Stroganoff” w/ toasted
brioche dumplings
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At Wild About Game I have the
opportunity to rub elbows with
acclaimed chefs from the Northwest.
Also, upon meeting these chefs
Ninkasi has a better chance
of being poured in their award
winning restaurants!
Ryan Brentley, Ninkasi Brewing
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JUDGES
It’s a hard job, but somebody has to do it… No really, it actually is a very hard job (with some obvious perks).
We were honored to have an experienced and diverse panel of judges for the Game Cook-Off this year. Kelly
Clarke (Portland Monthly Magazine), Hank Shaw (author/blogger Hunt, Gather, Cook), Kelly Cox (Original Fare
TV) and Elaine Johnson (Sunset magazine) took their job of judging very seriously with professionalism and
a hearty appetite.
Working with game is such an
ancient and vital knowledge
that is being lost in so many
of our trendy kitchens today.
I love that Nicky USA is bringing
this opportunity to learn not
just to consumers but to the
chefs. I think a chef’s skill with
stretching any protein is what
separates the novices from
the pros. So yeah, I love being
a judge at Wild About Game.
Plus, it’s a damn fun party.
Kelly Cox, Creator/Host
Original Fare, PBS TV
The judges with Geoff and MC Missy Maki
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Although Nicky USA doesn’t distribute
Hama Hama oysters we share the same
clientele– chefs who care about their
ingredients. The event is nice exposure
for our company, allowing us face time
with consumers who really care about
food, chefs who really care about where
they source their food, food professionals
who grow and make delicious stuff,
and media interested in all of the above.
We had a wonderful time and hope to
continue to support the event in the future.
Oysterman Dan, Hama Hama Oysters
10
ARTISAN MARKETPLACE
The Artisan Marketplace featured 45 vendors
offering the best bites and sips in the Northwest
from gourmet meats, craft beers, charcuterie, spirits,
cheeses, wine, specialty foods, cider, chocolate and
coffee. Attendees also got to taste the dishes and
meet the chefs from each round in the Game Cook-Off.
We were thrilled to have Jacobsen Salt Co. as the
title sponsor of our Artisan Marketplace in 2015.
Jacobsen’s connection to chefs and the region
made them a natural fit for this role and set the
tone for the level of excellence we were proud to
feature in the marketplace.
On behalf of the Jacobsen Salt Co.
and Bee Local team, we wanted
to pass on a hearty thank to the
Nicky team’s herculean efforts at
this year’s Wild About Game event.
In our eyes, the event went off
without a hitch. It was extremely
smooth, well produced, well curated,
and had a true air of professionalism.
As a sponsor, we couldn’t have
been happier with the signage and
the exposure you gave to our brand.
Plain and simple, it was worth
every penny, and we’re excited
at a continued relationship with
Nicky USA & Wild About Game.
We’re looking forward to working
with you to create community and
tradition here in the NW, and have
some fun doing it.
Matthew Domingo, Jacobsen Salt Co.
and Bee Local Marketing & Sales Director
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SPONSORS, VENDORS AND PARTICIPANTS
We could not put on our event without the generous support of our sponsors and vendors. Wild About Game
2015 featured an incredible line up and we were thrilled to work with you to make the event a success. Our
deepest thanks and appreciation to you all.
Sponsors & Partners
Vendors
Artisan Marketplace Title Sponsor
Jacobsen Salt Co.
15 Gourmet Meat & Charcuterie Companies
5 Breweries & Ciderworks
5 Cheese Companies
4 Wineries
11 Artisanal & Specialty Food Companies
2 Distilleries
2 Coffee Roasters
After Party Sponsor
Beam-Suntory Spirits
T-Shirt Sponsor
Carlton Farms
Platinum Event Sponsor
Nueske’s
Aria Gin
Happy Cup Coffee
Tote Bag Sponsor
Creekstone Farms Premium Beef
Bee Local
Maui Nui Venison
Bella Bella Gourmet
Misty Mountain Mushrooms
Bull Run Distillery
Olympia Provisions
Knife Sponsor
Shun Cutlery
Case Study Coffee
Oregon Cheese Guild
Conserva Specialty Foods
Oregon Fruit Products
Chef’s Pantry Sponsor
Classic Foods
Coopers Hall Winery
Painted Hills Natural Beef
Division Winemaking Co.
Pitch Dark Chocolate
Double Mt. Brewery
Pok Pok Som & Thaan Charcoal
Estancia Beef
Salt & Straw
Frog Eyes Wasabi
Spring Valley Vineyards
Fort George Brewery
Tails & Trotters
Gilgamesh Brewing
Wandering Aengus Ciderworks
Grimaud Farms
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Hama Hama Oysters
Wagshal’s Imports
Event Sponsors
Hudson Valley Foie Gras
Manchester Farms
Snake River Farms
Travel Partner
Travel Oregon
Hammer & Tongs Vermouth
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Artisan Marketplace Chef
& Vendor Partners
Tyler Stark,
Departure
We partnered many of our
sponsors with some of the best
chefs in the Northwest to help
showcase their products and allow
them more time to engage with
the event attendees. The results
were a stunning collection of
bites that still linger in memory.
Creekstone Farms
Premium Beef
Stephen Marshall,
The Heathman
Aaron Tekulve,
Surrell Dinners
Snake River Farms
Nueske’s
Smoked Meats
Chris Carriker,
Blue Hour
Erik Van Kley,
Taylor Railworks
Nicky Farms
Carlton Farms
Being apart of Nicky USA’s Wild About Game allowed
us to show how versatile Hudson Valley Foie Gras
can be to chefs and restaurant industry leaders in the
Northwest. Nicky USA did an amazing job setting up
the show and matching us with one of the most talented
chefs in the region. It was a tremendous opportunity
and we look forward to doing it again next year.
Cody Utzman,
Frankie’s
Hudson Valley
Foie Gras
Jack Mancino, Hudson Valley Foie Gras
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Non-Profit Partner
Nicky USA is proud to partner with The Portland Kitchen and to support their mission. The Portland Kitchen
sets the table for successful futures by teaching culinary techniques, social skills and healthy disciplines that
last a lifetime. They offer school year and summer programs to low income and at-risk youth. Throughout the
programs, The Portland Kitchen emphasizes, through food & cooking, critical thinking, teamwork, community
service, responsibility, independence, self-reliance, job skills and leadership.
Thanks to the generous donations from our vendors, we had an incredible array of goodies available to put towards
gift baskets to raffle off in support of The Portland Kitchen. The response from our attendees was phenomenal and
we raised over $2200 – the most ever in Wild About Game history. A huge thanks to everyone who helped make
this a success. For a small organization, this amount makes a huge difference in their finances. Nicky has donated
and helped raise, along with some of our restaurant partners, almost $15,000 this year for this great organization.
Wild About Game 2015 was an enormously meaningful and
impactful event for The Portland Kitchen. Not only were we
able to raise a significant amount of funding by raffling off
many, many amazing gifts from local culinary professionals,
we also began building new relationships that will benefit us
for many years to come! We cannot think Nicky USA for their
continued generosity to our non-profit!
Joy Church, Executive Director
The Portland Kitchen
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AFTER PARTY
The After Party at Skyway Bar & Grill was the perfect
ending to a fabulous event. With a full bar stocked with
the finest offerings from our sponsor Beam-Suntory, as well
as our beer & wine vendors, a festive mood was guaranteed
all night long. Our hosts put out an incredible bounty of
delicious food, including a pair of lamb and pork dishes
generously donated by Anderson Ranches and Tails &
Trotters. The After Party gave our guests a chance to really
relax, catch up with old friends and make some new ones.
The After Party’s unique ambiance and collection of
industry decision makers provides us a casual, yet
captive and appreciative audience in which to sample
our brands. The chefs, Nicky staff and invited guests
are rewarded for their hard work after a successful
event with great food and drink. Nicky provides the
ideal setting for everyone to relax and have a cocktail,
hangout with old friends and perhaps make some
new ones too. It’s always the party of the year and
a great branding opportunity as well.
Amanda Williams, Beam Suntory
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2016 SPONSORSHIP & VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
The 2016 Wild About Game will take place on Sunday October 2 at Resort at the Mountain in Welches, OR.
2016 Nicky USA Game Cook-Off Chefs
Portland vs. Seattle
We have a selection of sponsorship & vendor opportunities designed to fit a range of budgets and
marketing goals.
ARTISAN MARKETPLACE PRESENTING SPONSOR – $10,000
Details
As the presenting sponsor the Artisan Marketplace, and related marketing materials, will be recognized
with “Artisan Marketplace presented by (your company name/logo” You will also have the opportunity
to showcase your product throughout the event. Sponsorship may be half in kind and half cash or
entirely cash.
Benefits
• Sampling table in the Artisan Marketplace. Preferred placement status
• Inclusion on all marketing materials including website, event schedule, signage and VIP and
Media Invitations.
• Priority mentions on social media leading up to event. (schedule of posts)
• Invitation to the Saturday evening Meat & Greet with chefs, media and VIPs.
• Six tickets to Nicky USA’s Wild About Game
• Six passes to attend our industry after party. Mingle with the chefs at the meatiest party of the year
• Overnight accommodations at Resort at the Mountain for Saturday and Sunday evening, (one room
for two nights).
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GAME COOK-OFF SPONSORSHIP – $7500
Details
Four Portland chefs will battle against four Seattle chefs utilizing a selection
of game meats and Northwest ingredients. Each chef is responsible for
platting 200 samples for the attendees and judges to vote on their favorite.
~Provide competition prizes for the category winners, and gifts for eight
chef participants.
Benefits
• Sampling table in Artisan Marketplace with preferred high traffic location.
• Company logo on all Nicky USA’s Wild About Game materials including
website, event schedule and signage.
• Priority mentions on social media leading up to event. (schedule of posts)
• Six tickets to Nicky USA’s Wild About Game.
• Passes for four to attend industry after party, mingle with the chefs at the meatiest party of the year.
• Overnight accommodations, one room for each Saturday and Sunday night at the Resort at the Mountain.
VIP SPONSOR - $5000
Details
As our VIP sponsor you’ll provide the prizes for our eight competing chefs and the grand-prize winner.
You will mingle with our panel of media judges and backstage access to the competition.
~Provide competition prizes for the category winners and gifts for eight chef participants.
Benefits
• Sampling table in the Nicky USA’s Wild About Game Artisan Marketplace with preferred high
traffic location.
• Company logo on all marketing materials including website, event schedule and signage.
• Priority mentions on social media leading up to event.
• Six tickets to Nicky USA’s Wild About Game
• Four passes to attend industry after party. Mingle with the chefs at the meatiest party of the year.
T-SHIRT SPONSOR - $3000
Details
Over 100 renowned chefs will be at Wild About Game and your company will have access to all of
them! As a T-shirt sponsor your logo will appear on the sleeve of all of the Wild About Game shirts
available for purchase and as gifts for Wild About Game participants and invited chefs. We’ll introduce
your company and /or product to every chef in attendance.
Benefits
• Your logo on the sleeve of the 200 T-shirts for Wild About Game.
• A sampling table in the Nicky USA’s Wild About Game Artisan Marketplace with preferred high
traffic location.
• Company logo on Nicky USA’s Wild About Game materials including website, event schedule and
signage.
• Priority mentions on social media leading up to event.
• Four tickets to Nicky USA’s Wild About Game
• Passes for two to our industry after party. Mingle with the chefs at the meatiest party of the year.
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SWAG BAG SPONSOR - $3000
Details
Everyone in attendance, including the over 100 renowned and local chefs will receive a bag with
your company logo on it! As the Swag Bag sponsor your logo will appear on one side of all of the Wild
About Game swag bags that are given to participants and trade attendees.
~Provide a sample product or gift to the Chef VIPs who participate in Wild About Game
Benefits
• Your logo on one side of the Swag Bags for Nicky USA’s Wild About Game.
• Opportunity to include your product or additional marketing materials in Swag Bags for all guests
and participants.
• A sampling table in the Nicky USA’s Wild About Game Artisan Marketplace with preferred high
traffic location.
• Company logo on Nicky USA’s Wild About Game materials including website, event schedule
and signage.
• Priority mentions on social media leading up to event.
• Four tickets to Nicky USA’s Wild About Game.
• Two passes to attend the post event industry party. Mingle with the chefs at the meatiest party of
the year.
EVENT SPONSOR - $1600
Details
Over 100 renowned chefs will be at Wild About Game and your company will have access to all of them!
As an event sponsor we will introduce your company and your product to every chef in attendance.
Benefits
• Opportunity to include your product or marketing materials in Swag Bags for all guests and participants.
• Sampling table in the Nicky USA’s Wild About Game Artisan Marketplace with preferred high
traffic location. Sample your product to chefs and food fanatics all day long.
• Company name on Nicky USA’s Wild About Game materials including website, promotional postcard,
and event schedule.
• Priority mentions on social media leading up to event.
• Four tickets to Nicky USA’s Wild About Game.
• Two passes to attend the industry after party. Mingle with the chefs at the meatiest culinary party
of the year.
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MARKETPLACE PREFERRED VENDOR - $995
Details
Here’s your chance to feature your product at the Nicky USA’s Wild About Game Artisan Marketplace.
Get ready, because you’ll be sampling your product to over 350 chefs and foodies throughout the day.
Benefits
• Sampling table at the Nicky USA’s Wild About Game Artisan Marketplace with preferred high traffic
location. Sample your product to chefs and food fanatics all day long.
• Company name on select Wild About Game materials including website and event schedule.
• Priority mentions on social media leading up to event.
• Two tickets to Nicky USA’s Wild About Game.
• Invitation for two to our industry after party. Mingle with the chefs at the meatiest party of the year.
MARKETPLACE VENDOR - $575
Details
Here’s your chance to feature your product at the Nicky USA’s Wild About Game Artisan Marketplace.
Get ready, because you’ll be sampling your product to over 350 chefs and foodies throughout the day.
Benefits
• Sampling table at the Nicky USA’s Wild About Game Artisan Marketplace. Sample your product to
chefs and food fanatics all day long.
• Company name on select Wild About Game materials including website and event schedule.
• Two tickets to Nicky USA’s Wild About Game.
• Invitation for two to our industry after party. Mingle with the chefs at the meatiest party of the year.
MARKETPLACE GUEST VENDOR* - $295
Details
As part of the vibrant food community in the Northwest we want to offer the opportunity to a select
group of food artisans to showcase your products in our Artisan Marketplace.
Benefits
• Sampling table at the Nicky USA’s Wild About Game Artisan Marketplace. Sample your product to
chefs and food fanatics all day long.
• Company name on select Wild About Game marketing materials.
• Passes for two to our industry after party. Mingle with the chefs at the meatiest party of the year.
*This is open to Wild About Game Artisan Marketplace vendors with products that Nicky USA doesn’t distribute.
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I thought that the Wild About Game
event was wonderful and a great
way for us to connect with people
who actually use and enjoy our
product. The event as a whole was
a great success and we look forward
to participating in the years to come.
Marissa Ooyevaar, Willamette Valley Vineyards
I personally believe that WAG gains
its legitimacy because it not only
showcased products that Nicky
sells, but also focuses on other great
Northwest companies and products.
Promoting their customers & vendors
only adds to its relevancy, because
when industry folks see the support
being given, it creates a snowball
effect, that is readily evident from a
first time attendee’s perspective. All
these factors make it by far the best
Distributor “food show” I have ever
attended, and is set it apart with its
balance between “food show” and
“food event/regional showcase”.
Nick Guantone, Creekstone Farms
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WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN 2016
WILD ABOUT GAME
OCTOBER 2, 2016
RESORT AT THE MOUNTAIN • WELCHES, OR