To start off 2012, IFWTWA wants to thank all of out hosts. You enable us to make our wonderful media trips happen. We realize it is not just the CVBs, tourism bureaus, or individual properties, that are responsible. Every representative involved provides us with grand experiences and different story angles.

As the current president of IFWTWA, I’m in the fortunate position of saying, “Thank you,” to our hosts. When a destination puts together a press trip, we attempt to gather names of those involved and present them with “Certificates of Appreciation,” as we certainly do appreciate their individual generosity.

IFWTWA member, Tom Plant, of Wineormous and Why Local Matters has been kind enough to put together a slide show of presentations he has photographed. This does not begin to cover everyone, just those where Tom attended and captured the moment. There are many more, and we appreciate each and every one of you. We hope our articles have resulted in great publicity for you. You can see some of them on our Press Trips Results Blog.

When 2013 starts, we hope to have a new video, with current activity.

IFWTWA 2012 Conference Las Vegas Speakers February 26-29, 2012

Registration Extended to 12-20-2011

We still have room for 10 more Associates at Market Place  (PR, CVBs, Tourism Bureaus, meet the writers you wish to work with in the future)

Partial Speaker Lineup from Maralyn & Michell – More to come!

Kim Grant Sutro Media All About AppsConfirmed but awaiting bio and photo	Kim is Acquisitions Editor for Sutro Media, where she’s brought over 400 authors and 625 apps on board since late 2009. Kim has also been the travel Acquisitions Editor at Countryman Press, where she shepherded about 150 titles through to completion and significantly expanded Explorer’s Guide, Great Destinations and Backroads & Byways titles. Kim currently writes the popular “Boston Essential Guide” iPhone app, as well as the print Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket: An Explorer’s Guide (in its 9th edition and the best-selling guide to the region) and Hawaii: An Explorer’s Guide. One of her most rewarding gigs was photographing and writing the Backroads New England deck for Chronicle Books. Over the years, Kim’s written about 45 guidebooks for Lonely Planet, The Countryman Press, Frommer’s, Fodors, Insight, Discovery, Berlitz, Rodale and Harvard Common Press. She’s also actively shot photo assignments and stock for travel magazines and other travel outlets from National Geographic Traveler to Travel & Leisure. She is represented by Lonely Planet Images. Sutro Media, with over 300 published apps and another 325 in the pipeline, has attracted the world’s largest collection of indie travel writers by offering them a home on their exciting and versatile mobile platform. Sutro is a new kind of app publishing company – one that bridges the gap between traditional print media and new media outlets, and one that makes it easier and more fun to explore the world using mobile devices. Sutro vets, invites and partners with experts in their fields to share what they know with the world. They’re the kind of people you’d call or email when you need advice or a travel lifeline. And since Sutro doesn’t homogenize or pasteurize their author-experts, they’re able to fully capture any given location with the best approach for that location.  Kim will have a table at the Marketplace.
JoAnna Haugen LinkedIn for Writers	JoAnna Haugen is a creativity connoisseur, idea inventor and freelance writer with a professional background in copywriting. A former Peace Corps volunteer and avid world traveler, she is the community news editor for WorldView, the publication for the National Peace Corps Association, and managing editor for Journey Beyond Travel, an online guide about travel in Morocco. JoAnna’s writing has appeared in more than 40 print and online publications including Caribbean Travel & Life, American Way, WestJet’s up!, Vegas Magazine, Pathfinders Travel, TravelSmart, Diamond Resorts International Magazine, Las Vegas Review-Journal, NextStepU Magazine, Six78th, Cheer Biz News and Dance Teacher Magazine. She also writes the popular travel blog, Kaleidoscopic Wandering.When she’s not on the road or writing about travel, JoAnna also works as a ghost writer, blogger, copywriter and editor for clients and projects spanning a variety of genres. Her literary work is represented by Bree Ogden of D4EO Literary Agency.LinkedIn for WritersAs writers, we know we should be taking advantage of social media. But with Twitter, StumbleUpon, blogging, Facebook and a whole host of other social networking sites and outlets, it can be a bit daunting to add yet one more. If there’s one more social networking site all writers should be involved with, however, it’s LinkedIn. This presentation explains why LinkedIn is so important to writers and how they can best take advantage of its features.Objectives covered: Defining LinkedIn Do’s and don’ts when creating a profile Using LinkedIn Making connections Updates Groups Answers
Trisha Miller Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Travel Writers Exchange Blogging as a Business Building Tool	Board Member Trisha Miller joined the travel Industry in 1996 with a background in technology and communications.  She helped to build (and later sell) one of the industry’s top inbound call centers specializing in air travel.  During that time she also flexed her writing muscles by creating destination-specific content for a corporate travel intranet, and continued as she contributed content to a large number of travel-related websites.Since 2002 she’s focused on her writing and editing career, and now serves as the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of a popular online community for travel writers, bloggers, and journalists.In addition she has authored several eBooks on travel subjects, including advice for travelers and honeymooners.  These days she spends a good deal of time assisting new travel writers, and is still a frequent world traveler, an occasional guest-blogger on a number of other Blogs, and writes about travel and technology, sometimes both at the same time.Blogging as a Business Building ToolThis is a basic course for those who are not yet blogging, or those who are and want to get more out of blogging.  If you haven’t started, or if blogging hasn’t increased your income from writing, this session is for you. In this session we will cover:1.  Why you really need to be blogging now;2.  The difference between a blog and an online portfolio (and why you need both); 3.  The tangible and intangible benefits of blogging; 4.  Blogging for yourself versus blogging for others; 5.  The difference between blogging and article writing – what do Editors want? 6.  Developing an online platform and why it matters to Editors; 7.  Finding new markets through your blog; 8.  The truth about niches – should you or shouldn’t you? 9.  How to get started (if you’re not blogging already).
Carol O'Hara IFWTWA Board Officer and Managing Editor, Global Writes Mentoring If You Desire	Carol O’Hara sold her first articles to a major newspaper in Tucson, Arizona while in high school, for which she received a whopping 14 cents per column inch.  She has written most of her life, focusing for the past twenty years on traveling about the world with her husband Jim and writing about “Fine Travel Experiences for Disabled Travelers.” Her work has appeared in national and international publications including Arizona Highways, Nevada Magazine, International Travel News, Missing Children Report, and Writers Digest.Carol holds degrees in Liberal Arts and Journalism, and, from San Francisco State University, California, English (creative writing option). Her post-graduate study comprised English, business, and education.   An award-winning editor, she edited her college newspaper, and has taught writing and editing for adult education and privately through her publishing firm, Cat*Tale Press.  Her books include an inspirational anthology for writers, which became a regional best-seller, and a manual on self-publishing.Carol lives her mission statement:  “To Teach, Travel, Write, and Play.”  Her passion, coaching and encouraging both beginning and published writers, giving them the inspiration and support to reach their full potential, is an ongoing endeavor.  She looks forward to meeting conference attendees while discussing their manuscripts with them.Carol will have a table at the Marketplace. You can sign up for a 10-minute session. Bring a printed copy of your article with your email address and CD, Disc, or USB with the article so she can take it home, review, and provide you with suggestions.
Tom Plant Photography Round Table – Cannon – Have your questions answered and tips.	I’ve worn many hats. I was a REALTOR until a few years ago. I’ve been taking photographs since I was a teenager and shoot with a Canon EOS 7D. I spent 25 years behind a microphone, first as a disc jockey and later doing voice-overs for radio and TV commercials and news, sports and traffic on radio. I spent four years on St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands as a disc jockey. I moved to Baja California, Mexico in 2000 and began selling real estate. When I moved back to California, I got my real estate license. I left the field in 2009 and formed WINEormous and have been writing about food, wine and travel and conducting wine tours ever since. Earlier this year I launched www.why-local-matters.com.Each table at this session with have 10 or 12 seats. So, please sign up ahead of time at the registration desk.
Dale Sanders Photography Round Table – Nikkon Have your questions answered and tips.	Dale Sanders is a multi-award winning photojournalist specializing in:  Adventure travel, cruise travel, luxury resort destination travel, antiques & collectibles, outdoor water sports, culinary and spa travel, and various other travel destination specialty topics.  Dale is the Associate Editor for SmallShipCruises.com, Travel Editor for Antique Bottle & Glass Collector Magazine, and National Travel Examiner covering Islands & Coastal Destinations.  His lengthy list of credits and outlets can be found at www.phototext.biz.  His 2011-12 Image Gallery can be viewed at http://gallery.me.com/phototext2000.  Dale is an active media member of:  IFWTWA, SATW, NATJA, SEOPA, & FOWA.  His photography has appeared in dozens of magazines and online e-zines.  His commercial photography has appeared in numerous fashion and water sports mail order catalogs.  He has been shooting Nikon systems since the 80′s and was one of the first to switch over to digital.  Dale is also an accomplished underwater photographer whose work has appeared in all of the major dive magazines.Each table at this session with have 10 or 12 seats. So, please sign up ahead of time at the registration desk.
Fran Severn Press Trip 101: Essential Information for Travel Writing Professionals	Fran Severn started travel writing while living in England, where her Air Force husband was stationed. Returning to the US, she was the first PR Director of the Maryland Office of Tourism Development. After a brief stint working in health care PR, she returned to tourism and travel: Running her own receptive travel tour business, designing and escorting motor coach tours, and always writing. Her guidebook, Art Drives on Delmarva, is an illustrated driving tour of the art venues and attractions on the Eastern Shores of Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. She has also written and contributed to guidebooks for InSight Travel Guides, based in London.  She is a member of the Striped Pot consortium of travel writers. When not rearranging her extensive collection of suitcases and carry-ons, she’s most often found riding her horses, playing with her dogs, or sharing the kitchen with her foodie husband. Press Trip 101: Essential Information for Travel Writing ProfessionalsThis presentation is planned to help you increase your productivity and profitability and to get you on the “A” list for invitations to trips and assistance when traveling on your own. It covers: behind the scenes (how tourism entities work and why that matters to you), “The List” (your reputation precedes you), what prospective hosts need from you (getting invited to a fam or getting help when you’re on your own), preparing for the trip (how to get the most out of it before you pack your bags), trip behavior (basic rules and beyond), and after the trip expectations (by both writer and host).
Chad Thompson Draw in Your Audience with Captivating Video	Chad Thompson worked as a freelance photographer for more than five years before he took up the torch to start his own business—he now offers professional headshots as well as product photography in San Diego, Calif.  People love having Chad take their photos because he always makes you look your best!  Chad is the co-founder of Monkey C Media, a full-service design house offering author services—including websites, book cover design, branding development and Internet marketing strategies. Learn more at www.ChadThompsonPhotography.com.Draw in Your Audience with Captivating Video:Learn the basics of how to create an engaging video along with the tools you need to make it live with the best possible quality for your website!  Also learn about simple lighting and sound techniques as well various third-party distribution options, how to sell your videos, distribute them, and enhance your viral marketing efforts.Chad will be taking photographs during the Marketplace as well as making appointments to take your professional photo for a special of $99.
Jeniffer Thompson Search Engine Optimization	Jeniffer Thompson is an Internet marketing specialist and web site strategist. She has more than 15 years experience working in the publishing industry and holds a Bachelor’s in Communications/Journalism from SDSU. Mrs. Thompson is the author of Web Site WOW: Turn Your Web Site Into Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool and the creator of the popular Web Site WOW seminar series. Her passion for Internet marketing shines through in every class she teaches—attendees walk away feeling empowered, inspired, and armed with the knowledge they need to take their Internet presence to the next level. She is a board member of PWSD (an IBPA affiliate) and Read Local San Diego. She is the co-founder of Monkey C Media, a full-service design house offering author services—including author websites, book cover design, branding development and Internet marketing strategies. Learn more at www.JenifferThompson.comSearch Engine Optimization:How do you get your site to appear at the top of a Google search engine results page? In this class you’ll learn the basics of how search engines index a website, how to write searchable content, optimize your tags and images, gain incoming links through local directories, and learn how to track your traffic. This is a powerful class that will help you better understand how to draw in your audience and convert traffic into revenue.Jeniffer will be at the Marketplace.
Sherrie Wilkolaski  From POD to eBooks, Authors Crash Course to Self-publishing	Sherrie Wilkolaski is an accomplished Author, Publishing Consultant, and expert in Public Relations and Marketing for independent authors and traditional publishers.  Sherrie’s unique balance of real world experience as a best-selling author and her insider knowledge into the mechanics of both the self-publishing and traditional publishing process, has allowed her to help thousands of authors successfully translate their creations into published works of art. Her boutique publishing house style is what draws authors to her and keeps her up at night…working!  Her cookbook Cookies and Cocktailshas been a success in the holiday gift market and the multi-holiday series will be out in 2012.From POD to eBooks, Authors Crash Course to Self-publishingEver wondered how to get started on the publishing process?  Writing a book is just the beginning.  Whether you’re looking to find an agent or decide to go the self-publishing route, there is a method to the madness.  This seminar will help you decide which direction is best for your title, how to prepare your book for publishing, where to publish, how to get your book distributed, budgeting, marketing and more.  Attendees will receive a free “how to guide” to take with them.  This is a MUST for anyone looking at publishing!Sherrie will be at the Marketplace.
Susan Wilson TravMedia/Food4Media                 How to Maximize Your Exposure	Susan Wilson manages special projects for TravMedia including the online press room of the annual International Pow Wow trade show for the U.S. Travel Association.  Her expertise in marketing communications has guided iconic destinations and brands and created new ones.  Her national park experience includes Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, Death Valley National Monument and Yosemite National Park and her hotel experience includes Hyatt Hotels in California and Sheraton Hotels Hawaii/Japan.  She was on the development team of LasVegas.com and was the public relations face of CityPASS for 12 years.  She proudly serves on the Communications Committee for U.S. Travel and is a tourism and travel member of the Public Relations Society of America.How to Maximize Your Exposure and use TravMedia and Food4Media to the maximum.Susan will be at the Marketplace.
Editors	We are waiting for confirmations from the editors who will be participating.
The Venetian & The Palazzo	We are awaiting confirmation of which departments will be participating. We know there will be cooking demonstrations, tastes, wine tastings and pairings, as well as some behind the scenes departments.

Seattle, a city known for brooding skies and cappuccinos on every corner, showed IFWTWA press trip guests its hospitable and at times unexpected side on the recent “Best of Seattle” trip. Thirty-five members and guests enjoyed some of the finest lodging and dining in the Seattle area, and learned why the second largest wine producer in the USA (Washington State) is getting so much viticultural respect. Whether you were on this press trip or not, look back at some of the places and activities that will surely generate several great stories as a result of this trip.

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John Sarich, courtesy of Chateau Ste Michelle

The International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association has organized an optional pre-trip to the Seattle area prior to our Conference at Sea on June 25, 2011. Members and their guests on this “Best of Seattle” tour are fortunate to visit the award-winning Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington and enjoy a hosted wine-pairing small-bites luncheon with the winery’s Culinary Director, John Sarich, author, celebrated chef and restaurateur, and former TV culinary and travel host. Chateau Ste. Michelle was kind enough to share the following information with us.  

Few chefs enjoy access to a greater bounty of world-class wines and fresh foods than Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Culinary Director, John Sarich. “The Pacific Northwest is a chef’s paradise,” says John. “Not only do we have an outstanding variety of ingredients from the land and sea, we also have exceptional wines from Washington’s Columbia Valley, where long summer days and crisp autumn nights produce ideal conditions for well balanced wines.”

John’s innovative approach to pairing food and wine has delighted discriminating palates across the country. At Chateau Ste. Michelle, John conducts cooking classes, wine and food tastings, wine dinners, and special events, all designed to further the enjoyment and understanding of wine and food. He also presents training seminars and classes for wine and food professionals and aficionados around the world. Culinary tours have led John from Disney World in Orlando, to the Culinary Institute of America in New York, to hotels in Singapore, China, Bangkok, and Hawaii, to name a few.

John joined Chateau Ste. Michelle as a winery guide in 1976, the summer the winery first opened its doors. His incredible knowledge and enthusiasm for wine and food quickly became apparent, and before long he was teaching cooking classes in the Chateau’s historic Manor House. Soon after, he moved into Sales as a wine and food consultant for chefs along the Pacific Coast.

In 1980, John took a hiatus from the winery and founded Seattle’s highly acclaimed Adriatica Restaurant. He later opened Dalmacija Ristoran in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. While at Adriatica, John was selected by Esquire magazine as one of the country’s “Hot new Chefs,” and listed by The Seattle Times as one of the city’s “Top Five Chefs.”

After returning to Chateau Ste. Michelle as Culinary Director in 1990, John hosted the Emmy-nominated cooking show Taste of the Northwest for four years. He then hosted the nationally and internationally syndicated TV show Best of Taste: Travels With John Sarich, with episodes shot on location in Europe, Asia and across the United States. 

In 2010, John released his fifth cookbook, Chef in the Vineyard. His previously published cookbooks, John Sarich’s Food and Wine of the Pacific Northwest, John Sarich at Chateau Ste. Michelle, Best of Taste: Flavors of the Pacific Northwest, and Entertaining Simply continue to inspire cooks around the world. For John, educating others about the joy of wine and food is not simply a job, it’s his driving passion. His extensive culinary program and infectious enthusiasm for matching wine and food are establishing Chateau Ste. Michelle as a dominant focus in the Northwest. 

Visit Chateau Ste. Michelle’s website at http://www.ste-michelle.com.

There is still time to join IFWTWA and sign up for the “Best of Seattle” trip before March 15, 2011.

Allen Cox is a Travel & Lifestyle Journalist based in the Seattle area and Editor of HARBORS Magazine. He serves on IFWTWA’s Board of Directors and is Chair of the organization’s Excellence Awards Committee.

Allen’s website is www.allencox.org and his blog is at www.localroads.wordpress.com.