Southbound Story & Conversation Hour Presented by IACP

Because the best thing served at a food festival isn't always on the plate. Sometimes it's the story behind it.
About this Event

Southbound Story & Conversation Hour
Presented by IACP
Because the best thing served at a food festival isn't always on the plate. Sometimes it's the story behind it.

Southbound Story & Conversation Hour
Presented by IACP

Because the best thing served at a food festival isn't always on the plate. Sometimes it's the story behind it.

Between Southbound's two festival weekends, IACP presents Southbound Story & Conversation Hour—five evenings of cocktails, conversation, and unforgettable stories from some of the South's most compelling food voices.

Join us Monday –Friday in special Birmingham settings for one remarkable storyteller each evening. They'll share a story, then open the conversation. No panels. No PowerPoints. Just a drink, a great story, and a chance to hear—and talk with—people who have something wonderful to share.

Featuring: Kelsey Barnard Clark, Cookbook Author and winner of Top Chef season 16, in conversation with Nancy Wall Hopkins, Executive Director, IACP.

5:00 p.m. Gathering + Story + Conversation
6:00 p.m. Goodbyes

One more reason to linger in Birmingham between Southbound's big festival weekends.

Come for the food. Stay for the stories.

MONDAY:
Ivy Odom

Senior Lifestyle Editor, Southern Living

Location:

OVENBIRD GARDEN

2810 3rd Ave. S, Birmingham, AL 35233

Tuesday- Thursday:

Speakers to be announced

FRIDAY:

Kelsey Barnard Clark

Cookbook Author and Top Chef Winner

Location:

OVENBIRD GARDEN

2810 3rd Ave. S, Birmingham, AL 35233

Kelsey Barnard Clark is a born and raised Gulf Southerner from Dothan, Alabama. She has developed an impressive resume as the fifth woman and first southerner to win the title of @bravotv’s “Top Chef,” the sole fan favorite following her season 16 win, and a 2024 @beardfoundation Award nominee for Best Chef: South. She frequently appears on hit @foodnetwork shows including “Tournament of Champions,” “Chopped,” “Bobby’s Triple Threat,” “Guy’s Grocery Games” and more.
Kelsey got her start in the food industry working for a high-end caterer and catered her first solo wedding at age 15. After working with many esteemed chefs, Kelsey moved back home in 2012 to open her catering company, Kelsey Barnard Catering. Today, she runs her catering company and restaurant, @eatkbc, in historic downtown Dothan. In August 2021, her debut cookbook “Southern Grit” hit shelves, and in 2024 she published “Southern Get-Togethers: A guide to Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings”. Kelsey loves to play host, no matter what the occasion!