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Two weeks ago, IZEA’s second Trucks & Tech event, Trucktoberfest, brought the Central Florida food and tech communities together in record numbers. Over 1300 people attended the Oktoberfest-themed event and were treated to the region’s best food trucks, as well as demos and thought-provoking speaking sessions from local tech leaders. If you weren’t able to attend Trucktoberfest, don’t fear! Here’s a full account of the magical day:

The day started early, with all of our vendors setting up feverishly. Party Guys amazed us again by creating an atmosphere that perfectly complemented our Lake Eola event location. Meanwhile, Johnson’s Wreckers graciously provided us with one of their tow trucks to use as a stage.

A few hours later, our food trucks arrived. Let me tell you, food truck owners are some of the nicest people around! They were all very friendly and willing to help out in any way to make sure the event was a success. Thank you to all our participating food trucks – The Crepe Company, Dixieland Diner, Melissa’s Chicken and Waffles, The Pastrami Project, The S.W.A.T. Truck, swedeDish, Soup to Nuts and The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck – we hope to have you back next time!

After the food trucks were all in place, our table sponsors – Yelp, n-Space, LaSalle Computer Learning Center and Facial Expressions – and Startup Alley participants – Fuelzee and Feathr – began setting up.

Once they were all settled in, each vendor (including our food trucks) received a PayPal Here package from PayPal, which provided them with a card reader to allow them to process transactions at the event immediately. The PayPal Here card reader was also super convenient because it allowed vendors the option to add a tip onto each transaction, as well as send their customers a receipt via email, text or by printing. Our vendors loved how simple it was to set up the card reader and begin using it!

At 6 pm, the event gates opened and the masses rushed in. Speaker sessions began and captivated much of the crowd. Meanwhile, the Ad 2 Orlando beer booth was a huge hit, offering two varieties of beer and the option to purchase a 1-liter beer in a commemorative Trucks & Tech beer boot.

Throughout the event’s entirety, fun was had by all. Children played cornhole and thoroughly enjoyed visiting the face painting booth – we saw a lot of superheroes and princesses running around! Pets abounded. Conversation flowed. Tech insight was shared. Overall, it was a fantastic night under the stars!

If you’re sad you missed it or are already dying for the next one, we’ve got you covered. Stay tuned for news on our next Trucks and Tech event – Truckpocalypse! And for more pictures from the event, check out Richard Johnson’s Flickr set.